To be honest, I only showed up in Kyoto because I wanted to see another Japanese city, and Kyoto was

To be honest, I only showed up in Kyoto because I wanted to see another Japanese city, and Kyoto was the most common one I’d heard of after Tokyo. But once I got here, I noticed that Kyoto had something I’d been meaning to see for some time: the Bamboo Grove.

This bamboo forest in Kyoto’s Arashiyama is certainly a site worth seeing, it’s just so surreal. That much you can glean from photos of the place, but actually being there is another world unto itself. The first thing I noticed was the smell: it was like a blast of amazingly fresh air, fresher than any mountain hike or other nature site I’d ever seen. Must be something to do with the bamboo.

Additionally, the bamboo I’ve seen in the West must be relatively new growth, since the bamboo here in Japan is on a scale I hadn’t thought possible. The bamboo stalks tower, some 5 or 6 stories tall, and with massive girth, like I couldn’t even get both hands around one of them.

If you’re ever in Kyoto, definitely make a point of visiting the grove, it’s hands down the coolest thing I’ve seen in this city. When you’re over there, you should also stop by Tenryuji Temple. This temple has one of the most renowned zen gardens, which is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto. I don’t normally get too excited about touristy things like that, but the temple is literally right next to the Bamboo Grove, so why not?

Also, you can get a really good vegetarian zen meal in the garden of the Tenryuji Temple. It makes for a fantastic view and a really unique experience with wonderful food. I’d highly recommend it.
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