If you’re visiting Kyoto and looking for a peaceful escape from the usual tourist spots, a day trip to Adashino Bamboo Forest and Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is something we highly recommend.
Unlike the crowded Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, this area offers a quiet, soulful atmosphere that feels both ancient and untouched.
We visited this spot during our recent trip to Japan, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our entire journey.
You can visit this destination from Kyoto or Osaka, Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
How to Reach Adashino Bamboo Forest from Kyoto?
Getting to Adashino Bamboo Forest from Kyoto might take a little extra time compared to the popular Arashiyama area, but it’s definitely worth it.
Step 1: Reach Arashiyama from Kyoto
You can either take a bus or train from Kyoto to Arashiyama.
- By Bus: We took Kyoto City Bus #28 from Kyoto Station to the Arashiyama-Tenryuji Mae stop. The ride took around 45 minutes and cost ¥230 one way.
- By Train: Another option is to take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, which is quicker — about 20 minutes — and costs around ¥240.
Step 2: Arashiyama to Toriimoto
Once you’re in Arashiyama, you’ll need to take a local bus to Toriimoto.
This takes another 20 minutes.
We recommend using Google Maps or the Japan Transit Planner app to make things easier.
Navigation in Japan is pretty straightforward, but be prepared to walk once you get off the bus.
The entire trip cost us just over ¥500 one way from Kyoto.
Step 3: Walk to the Temple
When we got off at Toriimoto, there were no big signs pointing the way to our destination, so we just started walking intuitively.
After walking for less than 200 meter, and on the same side the bus stop, you will find surrounded by trees, a set of steps going downwards.
Suddenly you will enter a quiet, traditional Japanese village with narrow paths, old wooden houses, and complete silence.
Eventually, we spotted a flight of old stone steps going up leading to the entrance to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
Things to Do at Adashino Bamboo Forest and Temple
Once you reach this offbeat destination in Japan, you can spend 2-3 hours here with ease here. Here’s what all you can do at Adashino Nenbutsuji temple and bamboo forest.
Discover adashino nenbutsuji temple surrounded by 8000 graves
Adashino Nenbutsuji temple was built in the 8th century. The most shocking and amazing part of this Buddhist temple is that it is surrounded by 8000 grave stones called Nenbutsu. These graves are of people who lost their lives and had no families.
In the middle of these graves is a 13 tiered pagoda, which is stunning to look at. The entire temple experience is completely out of the box, and something we had not expected at all.
Walk into the Adashino Bamboo Forest
Walking amongst the Japanese iconic bamboo forests, is a bucket list item for many travellers.
Adashino bamboo forest is just next to the temple, and is very little known by tourists. That is why it is not crowded. The forest is smaller than the one in Arashiyama, but it’s also empty of tourists.
You can walk through the forest looking at slender stalks of green in peace.
admire Japanese architecture
You can spend sometime in the Japanese village which is at the entrance to the temple.
This village boasts fascinating architecture, with traditional Japanese houses known as Minkas. These consist of tatami flooring, sliding doors wooden roofs and gates.
take back souveniers from shops
In the village you will find locals who run shops and cafes. Take back some handmade authentic souvenirs from these shops or have a homemade matcha coffee, in a tiny cafe.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Adashino Bamboo Forest and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple reminded us why we love slow travel.
It’s not always about ticking boxes by visiting famous landmarks. Sometimes, it’s the lesser-known places that leave the deepest impression.
Check our guide on Day trip to Nara if you are wondering where else to travel to from Osaka or Kyoto.
Also, explore the vibrant Dotonbori area in Osaka with us.
Is It Worth Visiting Adashino Bamboo Forest?
Yes it is absolutely worth visiting Adashino Bamboo Forest. If you're the kind of traveler who enjoys stillness, history, and places that aren’t on every tourist list, this spot is perfect for you.
which is better Arashiyama or Adashino Bamboo forrest?
Arashiyama bamboo forest in Japan is very famous and huge, with dense bamboo giving a stunning ambience. But due to its popularity it is also very crowded.
Adashino bamboo forest is smaller but with less tourists. So if you prefer places with less crowd, Adashino may be a better option for you.
