Want to experience a peaceful bamboo forest in Kyoto without the overwhelming crowds? Skip the famous grove in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and head to Kodai-ji Temple instead.
Given its prime location just steps from Yasaka Pagoda, it’s honestly surprising that Kodai-ji remains so quiet. While the surrounding streets are packed with visitors, this serene temple and its hidden bamboo grove feel like a completely different world.
Why You Should Skip Arashiyama
If you’re planning your first trip to Kyoto, there’s no doubt Arashiyama is already on your itinerary. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Japan, and for good reason. But what most guides don’t fully prepare you for is just how crowded it has become.
The reality is, Arashiyama is almost always packed. Getting those dreamy, empty bamboo path photos is nearly impossible unless you arrive before sunrise, and even that strategy doesn’t guarantee a peaceful experience anymore.
On top of that, Arashiyama is located on the opposite side of Kyoto from many of the city’s most popular sights. From areas like Higashiyama near Yasaka Pagoda, it can take close to an hour by train. That’s a significant time commitment for an experience that may feel rushed and crowded.
Discover the Hidden Kyoto Bamboo Forest at Kodai-ji Temple
Instead of crossing the city, you can find a much quieter and equally beautiful alternative right in the heart of Higashiyama.
Kodai-ji Temple is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple known for its landscaped gardens, tranquil atmosphere, and elegant design. Tucked within the temple grounds is a small bamboo grove that many visitors completely overlook.
We arrived at Kodai-ji around noon, just after getting off the Shinkansen from Tokyo. The streets surrounding Yasaka Pagoda were buzzing with people, shoulder to shoulder in some areas. But the moment we crossed over toward the temple, the energy shifted. The crowds seemed to disappear almost instantly.
Walking through the temple grounds felt calm and unhurried. By the time we reached the bamboo grove, there were only a handful of people there. Everyone moved quietly, respectfully sharing the space and even waiting their turn for photos without feeling rushed.
What Makes Kodai-ji’s Bamboo Grove So Special
What makes this bamboo forest stand out isn’t just its beauty, it’s the experience.
While Arashiyama feels like a constant stream of visitors, Kodai-ji offers something much more intimate. The grove is smaller, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. You can actually pause, take it in, and enjoy the moment without distraction.
The photos we captured here felt almost unreal. They looked like something straight out of a travel magazine, yet they were simply stills taken from video clips. With so few people around, I was able to film multiple takes walking through the grove without interruption.
There was even time to help other visitors capture their own perfect shots, something that rarely happens in more crowded locations.
Best Time to Visit for No Crowds
One of the most surprising things about Kodai-ji is how uncrowded it remains, even during peak hours.
We visited in the middle of the afternoon, when most of Kyoto’s top attractions are at their busiest, and still found the temple to be शांत and uncrowded.
If you want an even quieter experience, aim for early morning or later in the evening. During these times, there’s a good chance you’ll have large parts of the temple, including the bamboo grove, almost entirely to yourself.
For photographers, this is easily one of the best hidden spots in Kyoto.
How to Get to Kodai-ji Temple
Getting to Kodai-ji Temple couldn’t be easier.
From Yasaka Pagoda, it’s about a 5 to 6-minute walk. As you explore the area, just open Google Maps and follow the short route toward the temple.
I recommend taking the 6-minute route as it takes you right past the most popular street (past the Starbucks). You simply continue past the Starbucks until you get ot the main road. Once you get to the main road, cross, and you'll see a set of steps. Follow the steps up the hill, and you’ll arrive at the Kodai-ji Temple parking lot.
From the parking area, you can walk straight up to the ticket window to purchase entry.
Entrance Fee and Tips
Like most temples in Kyoto, Kodai-ji has a small entrance fee that helps maintain the grounds.
- Adults: 600 yen (before April) / 800 yen (after April)
- Payment is typically cash only, so it’s a good idea to keep some yen on hand
A few helpful tips:
- Bring small bills or coins for convenience
- Be mindful that this is an active temple, so keep noise low
- Take your time exploring beyond the bamboo grove, the gardens and pathways are just as beautiful
Is Kodai-ji Better Than Arashiyama?
It really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If you want to see Kyoto’s most famous bamboo forest and don’t mind the crowds, Arashiyama is still worth visiting at least once. But if you’re searching for a peaceful, more personal experience, Kodai-ji is the clear winner.
For us, it offered everything we were hoping to find in Kyoto: beauty, calm, and space to actually enjoy it.
Sondra Barker
