What Does The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Really Look Like?

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, also known as the Sagano Bamboo Forest, is located in Kyoto, Japan. This is Japan’s most famous bamboo forest, and one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. The forest has also been displayed in different merchandise, such as  planners, shower curtains, tote bags, maxi dresses, neck gaiters and ruffled bathing suits . But does the actual location hold up to what can be seen in photos? CNBC found out: 

Though reviews are positive — the forest gets 4.5 out of five stars on TripAdvisor’s traveler ratings — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is rarely as quiet as photos suggest.

“Although it was raining and there were a lot of people,” said a recent TripAdvisor review, which added that “the whole experience was very enjoyable.”

Another was more blunt, stating: “Let’s be clear, it’s a nice place. But most of the time, you will not enjoy a peaceful stroll in a bamboo grove, feeling like you traveled the old days of the samurai. Instead, you will be surrounded by Instagram photo-snapping tourists … and most yukata-wearing girls you’ll see will be tourists.”

Image via CNBC