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Daytime

Midday Light in the Bamboo

The bamboo forest is dark and dense, so the best time to visit is when the sun is at its highest point. Start early to beat the crowds and see the light filtering through the stalks before the afternoon heat sets in.

Best time: noneAbout 150 min

Timeline

  1. 10:00

    Bread Espresso

    Stop for coffee and bread at Bread Espresso. It opens at 09:00, so arriving at 10:00 means you can grab a warm drink and a fresh pastry while the area is still relatively quiet.

  2. 10:15

    Bamboo Forest

    Walk to the Bamboo Forest. With the sun high overhead, the dense canopy will let in distinct rays of light. Do not cross through Tenryū-ji temple and gardens to reach it, as that costs money. The forest is free to enter directly.

  3. 10:45

    Nonomiya Shrine

    Visit Nonomiya Shrine, a small shrine located amidst the bamboo. It is a short walk from the main path and offers a quiet moment to reflect on the history of the area.

  4. 11:00

    Shintogetsu

    Have lunch at Shintogetsu. This Japanese restaurant serves soba and the famous Yodofu (tofu), which pairs well with the local atmosphere. The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 17:00.

  5. 11:30

    Togetsu Bridge

    End your morning at Togetsu Bridge. This viewpoint offers a classic perspective of the Arashiyama district and the Ōi River, providing a scenic finish to your walk.

Local tip

The bamboo forest is free, but you might get the impression that you have to cross through the Tenryū-ji temple and gardens to reach it. Do not do this unless you want to pay the entrance fee.

Check before you go

  • Bread Espresso is open Mo-Su 09:00-21:00.
  • Shintogetsu is open 11:00-17:00.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kyoto (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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