Where to Enter the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
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Check ticket availabilityThe two ends and the route
The bamboo path runs north to south. The north end is at the Ōkōchi Sansō gate. The south end is at Nonomiya Shrine, which has a rare black-bark torii. Most visitors arrive at Saga-Arashiyama Station, walk north, enter the northern end of the path, and walk downhill to Nonomiya at the south end. Some reverse it. The direction does not matter; the walk is 10–15 minutes either way.
How to find it: gravel path with bamboo
There is no sign that says 'Bamboo Forest Entrance'. You know you are at the path when you see bamboo on both sides and gravel underfoot. The path is obvious once you find it. If you are using maps on your phone, search 'Arashiyama Bamboo Grove' and it will drop a pin at the north end. Walk north from Saga-Arashiyama Station and you will see it.
Nonomiya Shrine: a good place to start if lost
If you are unsure where to begin, find Nonomiya Shrine (Saga Tenryū-ji Susukinobabacho, Ūkyō Ward). The shrine is free and accessible anytime. Walk north from there and you will hit the south end of the path. You can walk it from either direction.
The path is obvious once you are there. It is marked by bamboo on both sides and gravel underfoot. There is no grand entrance or official starting point. Just walk into the bamboo.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the entrance to the bamboo forest?
The path has two ends: north (Ōkōchi Sansō gate) and south (Nonomiya Shrine). Start at either end; there is no official entrance. Most visitors start from the north and walk downhill to Nonomiya.
How do you know you are at the right place?
You will see bamboo on both sides of the path and gravel underfoot. That is it. There is no gate or entrance marker.
Is there a ticket booth or information desk?
No. The path is a public road with no infrastructure. Walk in whenever you see it.