How To Get To The Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama) | Kyoto, Japan

When I got off of the bus at the stop, at what I thought was the right stop, and started walking where Google Maps told me to go.  As I was cruisin' around this guy stopped me to asked if I knew where the bamboo forest was and showed him my map and he said that he couldn't find it. I thought nothing of but as I made my way to that area I saw signs that read something like, 'If you are looking for the bamboo forest Google Maps is wrong'. After wandering for a bit I found this map that really helped!

Before you need to know what street to turn down it is also important to know how to get there!

To see a video of the Top 10 of what to do in Kyoto click here or a video on the Best Way to Spend $40 in Kyoto click here. ​

Getting To Arashiyama

1. Rail Pass
If you have a Japan Rail Pass you can take the JR San-in or Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station in about 20 minutes.  Once you get off the bus you can either walk 10- 15 minutes to the bamboo grove or take a bus that leaves about every seven minutes. 

Just a heads up though, trains leaving from Hankyu Arashiyama Station are not covered by the JR Pass. 

2. Hankyu Railway
Speaking of Arashiyama station if you have access to the Hankyu railway this is another option.

3. City Bus
This was the option that I used and only a couple dollars and took about an hour on bus 93. Make sure you have cash to pay!

4. Private Car
I don't know for sure but I would imagine there is a taxi or tour guide that will take you over there. It will probably be expensive at a taxi cost me $20 to go like 10-15 minutes.

Finding The Bamboo Forest
As I mentioned earlier, just because you get to the area doesn't mean you will easily find the forest. Actually, I'm sure if you followed the big hoards of people you'd eventually find it. I didn't do that and trusted Google Maps but when that failed these were extremely helpful! 

As you can see, the best way to get there is find Tenryuji Temple and just go a little north. ​

Summary
If you are trying to find the bamboo forest I used the city bus and found it super cheap and easy and recommend you find Tenryuji Temple and just go a little north. Or, just you this map or a similar map!

I would also say if you want a super cool picture try and go at odd times otherwise there will be a lot of tourists!

See what to do, where to eat, what I did, how to get to and around Kyoto, my complete guide, or a minute video of my trip!