Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
A mere 25-minute drive from the bonsai garden brought us to the Arashiyama district, site of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (嵐山竹林の小径) 🗾.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a famous natural landmark known for its towering bamboo stalks, which create a calm, serene atmosphere. The bamboo stalks in this forest can grow to heights of 60 to 90 feet. It is one of the most photographed spots in Japan and is near other important sites, such as the Tenryu-ji Temple.
From where one can park to reach the actual grove is quite a bit of a walk. With my wife having limited mobility after a recent knee replacement, and it being later in the day, it paid off to be with a knowledgeable local guide and driver. He drove us to the highest point of the hike through the grove, leaving only the downhill trail for us.
He waited at the bottom and then drove us through some cute historical neighborhoods to the Gio-ji temple.