Want to see the Kyoto bamboo forest, but not keen on the crowds? Then check out Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a beautiful temple with its own, much less crowded, bamboo grove.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located in the same area as the world-famous Arashiyama bamboo forest, making it a great alternative. Here’s everything you need to know — and a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Overcrowding at Kyoto bamboo forest
It’s no secret that the Kyoto bamboo forest, also known as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Sagano Bamboo Grove, is a tourist hotspot. And we hate to say it, but it can get overcrowded.
If you go during the day in peak tourist season, you will have no chance of a peaceful experience. Instead, you’ll likely be caught up in the crowd and swept along — with no time to stop and admire your surroundings. And sure, some people’s solution to that is to arrive early, as in before 7:30 a.m., but we know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It doesn’t guarantee a quiet visit, either.
If you want the Kyoto bamboo forest experience without the crowds, then we’ve got you sorted. It’s time to head to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, our favorite Arashiyama alternative.
What is Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple?
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a temple in the northwest of Kyoto. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Arashiyama area, famous for its bamboo grove. But while Arashiyama is crowded with tourists, very few make it as far as Adashino Temple.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple has a long and somewhat sad history. It’s said to have been founded in the eighth century to commemorate people who died alone. Around 8,000 stone statues throughout the temple grounds represent those people. So it’s important to be respectful if you decide to visit — and pay attention, because some parts of the temple don’t allow photography.
High School students: ¥400
Middle School students: ¥400
Elementary School students: Free
Seniors: Free
How to get to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
The easiest, and most picturesque, way to get to the temple is to walk from the Arashiyama area. Depending on your exact route, it should take around 30 minutes. You’ll pass several other temples along the way, and walk along the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. This is lined with old Japanese-style houses, some of which are now shops and restaurants.
You could also catch a bus from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. However, the buses are infrequent, take a similar amount of time to walking, and cost ¥230 one way. As long as the weather is nice, we recommend walking if at all possible.
When to visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
We visited the temple in fall, and it was simply stunning. In general, the autumn leaves in Arashiyama really are something else, but walking up the stairs to Adashino — well, just look at that. Summer is also a great time to visit, with lots of greenery around.
Kyoto day trip itinerary: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
So you’re sold, you want to see Adashino Temple — but where to start? Here’s our suggested itinerary for how to spend a day visiting the temple and other places in the area.
1. Take a morning train ride on the Sagano Romantic Train
10:30 a.m.¥880 one way
Book your ticket
The first thing on today’s itinerary is a lovely scenic train ride. The Sagano Romantic Train runs between Torokko Saga Station (right by JR Saga-Arashiyama Station) and Torokko Kameoka Station. It’s a beautiful route, and really popular — especially during spring and fall.
Today, we recommend actually starting from Torokko Kameoka Station and getting off at Torokko Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to your next stop for the day, Ōkōchi Sansō Villa.
2. Enjoy the view at Ōkōchi Sansō Villa
11:00 a.m.¥1,000
So your next stop, Ōkōchi Sansō Villa, isn’t a fancy, hundreds-of-years-old residence like you might expect. Instead, it was the home of director Denjirō Ōkōchi, who died in 1962. Today, the villa is known for its garden and gorgeous view of Kyoto. Take some time to wander through the garden and appreciate the sights before you leave.
Children: ¥500
3. Walk to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
12:00 p.m.It’s time to head off to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, undeniably the highlight of the day. The walk takes you through quiet roads, past numerous temples, and along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. You’ll pass shops and cafés, so take your time and stop for lunch if you see something that calls to you.
4. Snap your crowd-free photos of the bamboo grove
1:30 p.m.¥500
When you arrive at the temple, just pay the ¥500 entry fee. The temple grounds themselves are quiet and calm, so enjoy a stroll around. But do be respectful; remember, some areas don’t allow photos.
The bamboo grove is towards the back of the temple complex, make sure to take lots of photos there, before you leave.
5. Back to Arashiyama
3:00 p.m.Now that you’ve snapped your crowd-free bamboo grove photos, it’s time to head back for the day. The easiest way to get back into Kyoto City is to walk back to the Arashiyama area and take the train.
Along the way, you could stop by some of the other temples you passed earlier. If you’re curious, you could also pop by Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to see what the crowds are like, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafés or restaurants in the area.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji FAQs
You ask, we answer.
Where is Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple?
The temple is about a 30-minute walk north of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
How long should I spend at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji?
You only need one hour or so to see all of the temple grounds. That’s not counting the time it takes to get there and back, though.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
