You are not the only person who longs to stroll through Japan’s renowned bamboo forests but is apprehensive about the crowds. It’s easy to imagine tranquil paths, but in reality, some of the most famous spots (like Arashiyama in Kyoto) can feel packed.
In this guide, I’ll talk about five places in Japan where I found peace that I hadn’t expected. They weren’t completely empty, but they gave me room to pause, take a photo, and enjoy the moment.
Whether you’re traveling solo or simply craving stillness, these bamboo forests offer a softer, more mindful experience.
This post is a companion piece to the second episode of my YouTube series, If You’re Dreaming of Japan…, in which I share mellow tales of solo travel, cultural musings, and hidden treasures that have stayed with me for a long time.
1. Hokokuji Bamboo Forest (Kamakura)
Kamakura is a coastal town just an hour from Tokyo, making it a lovely day trip if you’re craving calm. The tranquil bamboo garden at Hokokuji Temple, a small Buddhist temple, can be reached in a short bus ride from Kamakura Station. There’s a small admission fee, but it’s well worth it. A narrow path leads you through the bamboo to a tea house tucked at the back, where you can enjoy a quiet cup of matcha. My friend and I visited on a spring weekday and had the tea house to ourselves. It felt like a shaded haven where one could take a break and think after a long day of walking.
2. Hiyodorizaka Bamboo Slope (Chiba)
Sometimes, calm shows up in the places you least expect. Sakura City in Chiba Prefecture, located just outside Narita Airport, is one of them.
The Hiyodorizaka Bamboo Path is a historical slope that once connected the samurai district during the Edo period. You can take a guided tour of the preserved samurai homes for a small fee along the path, which is lined with bamboo. Walking through this area gave me a glimpse into Japan’s past, and the quiet, uncrowded path made it easy to slow down.
If you’d like to make this a full day trip, I have a vlog about spending a peaceful day in Sakura City that includes this bamboo path, tea, and a stop at a beautiful museum.
3. Tokyo’s Todoroki
Japanese Garden In the middle of Tokyo, you wouldn’t expect to find a tranquil bamboo grove, but that’s what makes this one so special. I initially came to walk the hidden river path in Setagaya in Todoroki Ravine Park. However, due to construction, it was closed, so I took a detour to a nearby Japanese garden that I had never heard of. There was a tranquil teahouse, shaded paths, and a bamboo grove that was completely deserted when I visited this garden. Even in April, I saw trees still sporting their fall hues as locals sat or quietly walked on the grass. In the best possible way, it reminded me of Studio Ghibli.
4. Kodaiji Temple Bamboo Path (Kyoto)
Even though Kodaiji Temple is just above Kyoto’s well-known Gion district, it feels like it’s in a different world. This temple has landscaped gardens and historical buildings you can explore, and tucked away in the back is a peaceful bamboo path. During my visit, there was only one other person there—a huge contrast to the crowds just a few streets away.
This is a wonderful spot to stop and recharge if you are already exploring Gion or the nearby Yasaka Shrine.
5. Kyoto’s Sagano Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove Arashiyama is stunning, in fact. It is indeed extremely crowded. But that doesn’t mean peace is impossible here.
After a few visits, I’ve learned that the further you walk from the main station and shopping streets, the more space you’ll find. On my third trip, I was returning from a temple near Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street when I came upon a tranquil grove. It was tall, silent bamboo, and there were only a few people around—everything I had hoped for. Although the main bamboo path can be overwhelming, this secluded area of Arashiyama served as a reminder that quiet can be found even in the busiest areas.