Best Hotels for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Suiran Hotel

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is easily one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto, a forest of tall, thin bamboo trees which becomes luminescent in the sunshine. Locals know it's best experienced by walking through the entrance near Tenryu-ji temple. The path meanders uphill to the famous Nonomiya Shrine, where you'll undoubtedly see rickshaws and young women in the traditional yukuta praying for luck in their love lives. Take a guided tour to fully experience this magical place. The best hotels for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are all nearby, and range from romantic woodland hideaways only accessible by boat to more chic designer stays serving French-Japanese fusion cuisine.

For couples

Hoshinoya Kyoto

  • Hoshinoya Kyoto is only a 5-minute walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Set in secluded woodland and accessible only by a hinoki boat, this enchanting 4-star is perfect for couples due to its intimacy and romance — but most of all, its traditions. The traditional rooms pay homage to Japanese culture, with their tatami mats and paper screens, and guests can participate in a traditional tea-drinking ceremony on-site. A quiet, intimate and fun place for couples!

For luxury

Suiran Hotel

  • If you're looking for luxury near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Suiran Hotel is the property to book. This chic designer hotel, stood on the banks of the Katsura River and set amidst stunning gardens, is only a 10-minute walk from the Bamboo Grove. It is about as stylish as it gets, offering effortlessly cool designer rooms — the best featuring outdoor baths — and French-Japanese cuisine at the innovative restaurant.

For privacy

Arashiyama Benkei

  • There's something ethereal about Arashiyama Benkei. This beautiful, elegant, traditional guesthouse — only a 5-minute drive from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — was built in the style of an ancient teahouse, and it offers an authentic, intimate gateway. The light-filled rooms all come with tatami mats and low tables, the best have rejuvenating hot spring baths, and the restaurant's traditional Kyoto cuisine is a must-try. Tranquil, intimate and authentic — stunning!

Still not sure?

Best Hotels for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Benkei
Arashiyama Benkei

Kyoto (Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō)

A beautifully designed traditional guesthouse comprising of just 10 rooms. Light and airy rooms feature tatami mats, garden views and the best have hot spring baths. Regional cuisine is served up in the restaurant. Ideally located for a tranquil stay yet with easy access to the city.

  • Local exploring - A chic traditional property, set in pretty gardens and with good connecting links to the city.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Tenryuji Temple marked as a World Heritage Site.
  • Full of character
  • Views
from £488 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Hoshinoya Kyoto

Kyoto (Nishikyo-ku Kyoto-shi)

A stunning riverside property set in thick forest that dramatically changes colour along with the seasons. Traditional rooms include paper screens, picture windows and Japanese mats; the larger rooms have wooden baths. Dine on inventive regional dishes in a superb setting. The perfect rural escape.

  • Great walks - Strolls through the colourful forest and along the Oi River in spring or autumn are particularly lovely
  • Total relaxation - A tranquil riverside property situated in stunning leafy countryside
  • Spa breaks - Experience spa treatments based on the practices of Zen Buddhism
  • Sailing - Enjoy a romantic river cruise in a traditional boat at dawn
from £315 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Suiran Hotel
Suiran Hotel

Kyoto (Saga-Tenryuji)

The luxurious Suiran Hotel is situated along the banks of the Katsura River in the outskirts of Kyoto. The property offers chic designer accommodation and boasts its own lush garden: perfect for relaxing with a drink. Exquisite cuisine served at the restaurant! An indulgent stay in a stunning spot.

  • Great walks - Wander through the beautoful Saganoo Bamboo forest or take a leisurely stroll around the city's streets
  • Foodies - Enjoy a fusion of traditional Japanese kaiseki and French cuisine at the wonderful restaurant
  • Learning - Delve into old Japanese court life at the Shigureden Museum
  • Back to Nature - Suiran Hotel boasts a stunningly tranquil location
from £547 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Written by Edmund Wise

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