BAMBOO LIGHT UP Arashiyama 2026 Event Dates and Times

For official information, visit Kyoto City Official Website.

You can find the latest updates on Kyoto National Museum.

Admission to the main bamboo forest path is free for all visitors. This makes it one of the most accessible Kyoto winter events 2026 for budget travelers. You do not need to book tickets in advance for the walking paths. However, some private temples along the route may charge a small entry fee.

Weekends are usually the busiest times for this popular winter festival. Try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a quieter experience. Crowds are smallest right after the lights turn on at 5:00 PM. You will have more space to walk and enjoy the glowing scenery. Many local shops stay open late to serve warm snacks and tea.

Best Photo Spots for the Arashiyama Light Up

The Togetsukyo Bridge is the most famous landmark in the Arashiyama area. During the festival, the bridge glows with a soft blue light. This light reflects beautifully off the dark surface of the Katsura River. It is a perfect spot for wide landscape photos of the mountains. Many photographers gather here early to secure the best tripod spots.

The Nonomiya Shrine area offers the most iconic views of the bamboo. The path narrows here, creating a tunnel of glowing green stalks. Use a long exposure to capture the light without too much digital noise. For more technical advice, see our photography tips for Kyoto winter light festivals. The contrast between the dark sky and bright bamboo is stunning.

Do not miss the Kimono Forest at the Randen Arashiyama Station. This spot features hundreds of pillars wrapped in traditional kimono fabrics. Each pillar is lit from within to showcase the intricate patterns. It provides a colorful contrast to the natural green of the bamboo forest. This area is very popular for social media photos and portraits.

Transportation Tips for Your Arashiyama Winter Visit

The JR Sagano Line is the fastest way to reach Arashiyama. Trains run frequently from Kyoto Station to the Saga-Arashiyama Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 240 yen. From the station, it is a 10-minute walk to the bamboo grove. Follow the signs or the crowds toward the main street.

The Hankyu Railway is another great option for travelers coming from central Kyoto. Take the train from Shijo-Kawaramachi to Katsura Station, then transfer to Arashiyama. This route drops you off near the Togetsukyo Bridge. It is a very scenic walk across the bridge to reach the forest. Check the Kansai International Airport website for regional rail pass details.

The Randen Tram offers a nostalgic way to travel through the city streets. This small purple train ends its journey right in the heart of Arashiyama. It is the best choice if you want to see the Kimono Forest first. The tram costs a flat fare of 250 yen for adults. It is often less crowded than the major JR train lines.

Nearby Temples with Special Night Illuminations

Tenryu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site located next to the forest. During the event, its famous Sogenchi Garden often features special evening hours. The mountains behind the garden are lit to create a sense of depth. You can see more details on the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide website. Entry fees for the garden are usually 500 yen.

Hogon-in Temple is another must-visit spot during the winter light festival. It is famous for its "Lion's Roar" garden and vibrant moss. The temple opens for special night viewings that coincide with the bamboo illumination. The red and orange leaves often linger into early December here. This creates a beautiful mix of colors with the winter lights.

N尊ji Temple offers a more secluded atmosphere further up the hill. The walk to this temple is dark but very peaceful. It provides a great view of the city lights from the hillside. Many visitors overlook this spot, so it remains less crowded than the bridge. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths can be quite steep.

You can find many more options in our list of best night illumination spots in Kyoto 2026. Each temple offers a different style of lighting and garden design. Some offer hot matcha tea to help you stay warm during your visit. Planning a route that includes two temples is usually ideal for one evening.