The Sagano Bamboo forest aka the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is synonymous with Arashiyama. The world flock to Arashiyama to walk the paths of the bamboo forest.
As I hopped out of the cab, the cab driver pointed to the beginning of the path. It’s barely noticeable if I was walking by and had no direction; the discreet path made of cement between two small businesses leads to a number of things before the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest starts. The narrow walk way is no wider than 8 feet and it could be crowded depending on the time of the day. There are some amazing gardens in Tokyo like Hamarikyu Gardens, but it’s nothing compared to Kyoto.
I arrived after 4 PM. It was virtually empty except for a few tourists. The walk is about a quarter to half a mile until the rows of bamboos beginning; but, the beginning of the path took me passed a few resident homes. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest path’s quiet calm with a few cool breezes blowing through the bushes brings serenity to those looking to escape the complicated Japanese train stations.
I continue on the path as I passed parents with children running up and down the path pointing at the insignificant things. However, it’s understandable because I wish I still had the same curiosity and imagination of young children. There are some stopping to pose for pictures and admiring some of the home’s architecture and pristine gardens. We’re at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest path continues but picks up when I started to hear the wind whisper. As the whispers begin, I look up in amazement to the endless bamboos lined on both sides of the path. A child’s curiosity came back to me after being gone for who knows how long. At that moment, I felt what it was like to look at the world in its unspoiled habitat and away from the world’s rat races.
As the sun begins to set, the sunlight breaks through the bamboo providing an array of orange and yellow. It was my hint that it was time to head back to the train station then back to Tokyo. I turned around and started to walk back. I can see and hear the children excitedly running towards and pointing at the endless bamboos. I’m with you, kid. I’m with you. I’ll be back, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Check out our other Kyoto articles here.
