Kyoto·First light·Bamboo grove + temple path
Arashiyama Bamboo & Temples
7.5 km+180 m5:45 /km
- Distance
- 7.5km
- Elevation
- +180m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Apr — Oct
- Soul quality
- Nature9.4
wide fine-gravel and stone temple approach · gentle undulation
IArrivalStart · Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge (accessible from Saga-Arashiyama JR · bamboo grove flat)
IIThe path7.5 km · Moderate
Xymove · rendering the line
Xymove Map
7.5 km loop
Live · pinch, drag, zoom35.017, 135.671
Measuring the drawn line…
Elevation · +180 mOpen in OSM
+88 m gainPeak 88 m · 7.5 km
Elevation profile: total gain 88 metres, peak 88 m above start, low 0 m.Snapped to real footpaths · Garmin · Strava · Komoot · Coros · Apple Watch
IIIPresenceWhat this loop asks of you, and gives back.
Bamboo wind, temple gates, quiet climb.
Start
Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge (accessible from Saga-Arashiyama JR · bamboo grove flat)
End
Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge (loop returns to start)
Mindful-pace time
1 h 20 min walking · 40 min running
Step-free rating
★★★★☆ Mostly accessible · adaptive strollers and confident mobility users
Tempo engine · Recovering
Nasal breath5:38–6:26 /km
Nasal breath only. If you can't hold the nose, walk 20 steps and restart.
Predominantly wide fine-gravel and stone temple approach · gentle undulation with a few brief unpaved sections. Off-road strollers and adaptive trail chairs manage well; standard road wheelchairs can complete the paved core.
Wheelchair Stroller Step-free
- WaterPurification pavilions (temizuya) and refill fountains at the shrine plazas
- BenchesTimber log benches every 150–200 m along the sacred path
- ToiletsAccessible toilets at the main shrine plaza and gate approaches
- ShadeDeep old-growth canopy for the entire approach
- Rest pointsShrine forecourt semicircle, inner garden overlook — each a reverent pause
Because the Arashiyama bamboo grove is a sound before it is a sight — walk it at first light and the wind through the canes will remember for you.