Photo spot in Kyoto
Arashiyama bamboo grove and Togetsukyo
A path through towering bamboo on Kyoto's western edge, a short walk from the Togetsukyo Bridge and the river under forested hills.
About Arashiyama bamboo grove and Togetsukyo
Get directionsThe bamboo grove at Arashiyama is a path a few hundred metres long through stalks that close overhead and filter the light green. It is one of Kyoto's busiest sights, and in the middle of the day the path is a slow queue; early in the morning it is quiet enough for portraits with nobody behind.
The grove is only part of a session here. The Togetsukyo Bridge crosses the river a few minutes away with forested hills behind it, the riverbank and the area around Tenryu-ji add calmer frames, and in autumn the hills turn red.
The light in the grove is dim and green, so faces need care, and on overcast days it can be dark. Rickshaws pass along parts of the path — keep to the side.
Best time to shoot
Early morning, before the day visitors arrive
Tips
Come at first light, keep the bamboo part short, and move to the river while the light is still soft. In autumn, the hills around the bridge are the bigger draw.
Recent work in Kyoto
Portfolio shots by photographers covering this area
Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Shiina A.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Shiina A.
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Sanbao Z.
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Shiina A.
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Bernard L.
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Shiina A.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Sanbao Z.
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Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Sanbao Z.
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Bernard L.
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Bernard L.
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Photographers who shoot at Arashiyama bamboo grove and Togetsukyo
Hand-picked professionals working in Kyoto
Real reviews from Kyoto photoshoots
Rolando R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can’t recommend Soh enough! He captured one of the most important moments of our lives—my surprise engagement at Tokyo Tower—and absolutely exceeded every expectation. From the moment we met, Soh made the entire experience feel…
Soh
Photographer
伊藤尚也
We had such a great photography experience with OKINI PHOTO TOUR! If you’re looking for an Osaka photographer, especially for a couple photoshoot in Osaka, I would definitely recommend them. The photographer made us feel comfortable from…
Soh
Photographer
Xia
I had a truly unforgettable kimono photo shoot experience in Kyoto with Sanbao. He was warm, professional, and attentive to every detail. Since it was a busy weekend, he carefully selected a quieter temple location that was both peaceful…
Sanbao Z.
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Other spots in Kyoto
Fushimi Inari's torii paths
Thousands of vermilion torii gates in tunnels up the mountain behind the shrine — empty and glowing at sunrise, packed by mid-morning.
Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka and the Yasaka Pagoda
Stone-paved slopes of wooden teahouses below Kiyomizu-dera, with the five-storey Yasaka Pagoda at the end of the lane — old Kyoto in one walk.
Gion Shirakawa
A willow-lined canal of wooden teahouses and a small stone bridge in the heart of Gion — Kyoto's most romantic street at dusk.
Ready to book?
Our concierge team will hand-pick 2-3 photographers who know Arashiyama bamboo grove and Togetsukyo — free of charge.
