How to Get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

By JR Sagano Line: the main way

The JR Sagano Line runs from Kyoto Station westbound. Get off at Saga-Arashiyama. The ride is about 15 minutes; the fare is around ¥240. This is the closest big station and the one most tours meet at. Exit and head north; you will see signs for the bamboo grove. The walk takes about 10 minutes. Most visitors arrive this way.

By Randen tram: the Kimono Forest approach

The Keifuku Randen tram line runs east–west through Arashiyama. The Randen Arashiyama terminus is right in the middle of the shopping street. Two tours meet here. You will see the Kimono Forest pillar installation on the platform. This route is good if you are coming from other parts of Kyoto already on tram lines.

By Hankyu line: the bridge route

Hankyu Arashiyama station is across the Togetsukyō Bridge. This station is south of the grove. If you exit here, you cross the bridge and walk north to the entrance. It is about a 10-minute walk to the grove from Hankyu.

Togetsukyō Bridge as a landmark

The famous bridge is 5–10 minutes south of the grove entrance. If you get lost, walk toward the bridge. The grove entrance is uphill and north from there. The bridge itself is crowded in afternoon; the early morning is quieter.

Getting to the grove from Kyoto Station

The simplest route is JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (15 minutes, ¥240), then a 10-minute walk. Some all-day tours leave from here; others include transport from central Kyoto.

Frequently asked questions