The Forest in Kyoto And Other Natural Attractions To Visit
Two of the things that inspire me the most about Japan are the respect of the Japanese people for nature and, of course, their nature!
I have always admired how Japan was able to progress without desecrating forests as its cities grew. In fact, Japan was hailed so many times in history as a country with the cleanest cities.
Kyoto is one of the many cities in Japan that has manifested growth while keeping nature by its side. That’s why it has never been out of the “top” and “must-visit” city destinations in Japan in round-ups done by many websites.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a tiny commission at no additional cost to you. They will help me maintain this blog and create posts to fulfill the mission of this blog.
Use the table of contents to skip to topics.
Hopefully, this post can help you choose which place in Kyoto’s natural attractions to visit and see.
I include all the unique things you can experience for each nature destination to help you even further decide what suits your wants and needs. There is also the recommended time to visit to know where to put these destinations in your itinerary.
1. Sagano Bamboo Forest
Let’s start with the most unique and photograph Kyoto’s natural attraction, the Arashiyama’s Sagano Bamboo forest. It is an excellent nature destination 30 minutes away to the west of downtown Kyoto.
What to Expect in Sagano Bamboo Forest
Sagano Bamboo Forest is one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan, where you can hear meditative natural noise. It has two separate parts between the JR Sagano-Saiin line train tracks and Tenryu-Ji Temple grounds.
Here, we can walk along walkways paved through the dense thickets of bamboo stalks. The bamboo stalks create a calming sound as they bump each other when the wind blows. They say the creaking and rustling of these towering bamboo trees and the magnificent view of the forest canopy make strolling inside the forest an incredible experience.
RELATED: 30 Natural Wonders of Japan to Visit for Every Region – click to open in a new tab and read later
Suggested time to Visit Sagano Bamboo Forest
I suggest not visiting during peak hours because you can be disappointed with the boorish visitors leveling off the supposedly tranquil experience in the bamboo forest.
According to insidekyoto.com, the Arashimaya bamboo forest is open 24 hours. Thus, you can visit the spot earlier in the morning for a better groove experience.
Back to [Table of Contents]
2. Okochi Sanso Villa Garden
Another nature-themed attraction you can visit in Arashimaya, aside from the Bamboo Forest, is the Okochi Sanso Villa. It is a peaceful villa with vast surrounding gardens designed by famous actor Okochi Denjiro.
There is a Y1000 entrance fee to the villa, though.
But I think it is worth it because it includes a cup of Japanese hot matcha and a chewy Japanese sweet pastry. The meal is available inside the villa’s tea house, where you can sit under the garden trees and view the bamboo forest. Also, the Y1000 entrance includes a beautiful postcard as a souvenir.
What to expect in Okochi Sanso Villa Garden
Daijokaku, Okochi’s main house, is the first thing we can see when entering the villa. The actor’s house incorporates several styles of Japanese residential architecture, like the Shinden, Shoin, and Sukiya styles.
Okochi Sanso Villa has an open lawn area with a borrowed landscape. The pine trees, cherries, and Japanese maple trees surrounding the house create a vibrant atmosphere for tourists, especially during the fall season.
The villa has multi-level gardens paved with curvy cobblestone steps leading to breathtaking views.
When we arrive at the highest point of the Okochi Sanso Villa, we can find a resting spot, which, for me, seems to be more of a viewing deck. There, we can see the Arashimaya skyline with the Higashimaya mountain range as the backdrop in the east.
Tekusui-an tea house also awaits us in Okochi Sanso Villa. The ground around the tea house is covered with moss carpet, and it somehow makes the whole scene wondrously ancient.
Suggested Time To Visit Okochi Sanso Villa
Okochi Sanso Villa is open from 9 to 5 in the afternoon. The videos I watched on Youtube seem it does not get crowded like the bamboo forest. There are also no reviews telling about the villa getting crowded.
So I can say we can go to the place any time of the day as long as the weather is fine.
Lastly, according to Tokyocreative, it is best to visit the villa every autumn.
SEE | 30 Natural Wonders of Japan to Visit for Every Region – click to open in a new tab and read later
Back to [Table of Contents]
3. Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa lets you have a nature stroll, an encounter with the culmination of Japanese architecture, and an experience to see the crafty traditional Japanese landscaping technique called the Chisen Kaiyu-Shiki gardens.
What to expect in Katsura Imperial Villa
The main structures of the villa are located in the middle of the estate, surrounded by lush trees that bloom beautifully during some seasons. The villa has a beautiful garden and ponds in the middle, which architecture referenced the Japanese classic “Tale of the Genji.”
There is a wide range of decorative features like stepping stone paths, Japanese garden fences, stone lanterns, and handwashing basins in Katsura Imperial Villa. We can also find arched wooden bridges and cute short stone bridges that connect pond islets.
Aside from the main building of Katsura Imperial Villa, tea houses are in the compound. They manifest both Japanese carpentry and architecture.
Many people admire the picturesque scenes inside the villa and the serene setting of the whole compound. Some even say that it was the highlight of their visit to Japan and the 1000 Yen entrance fee was definitely worth it.
Almost every review about Katsura Imperial Villa I found has a perfect score. The only thing that they say is a bummer is the detracting requirements before you can enter inside.
First, you need to apply for permission to visit; second, if you are allowed or given a chance, you have no choice but to join the group tour.
Suggested time to visit Katsura Imperial Villa
It’s sad to know that we cannot enter the villa anytime.
Either we apply for a permit online (Imperial Household Agency) or go very early in the morning to Imperial Household Agency Office (Kunaicho) to catch a tour slot.
You can find Kunaicho after a short walk from the Karasuma subway line’s Imadegawa Station.
The application to enter the villa is easy. You just have to show your passport and fill out some forms. Just note that Katsura Imperial Villa is usually closed every weekend and on national holidays. Each tour lasts 40 minutes and is conducted every 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3 PM.
DISCOVER | 15 Best Things to do in Kyoto Aside From Temples & Shrines – click to open in a new tab and read later
Back to [Table of Contents]
4. Tetsugaku No Michi (Philosopher’s Walk)
Next on the list of Kyoto’s nature destinations is the Philosopher’s Walk.
The name of this stone path along a canal in Kyoto came from 20th-century philosopher Nishida Kitaro. Here, he meditated every day on his way to Kyoto University and found enlightenment. Since then, many scholars and other people have tried the same to replicate his spiritual quest.
Through the years, because of its iconic name, it became a tourist attraction alongside the Silver Pavilion and Nanzenji Temple, with which Tetsugaku No Michi connects.
What to expect in Tetsugaku No Michi
Personally, I could not say so much about Philosopher’s Path’s physical appearance. I see it as an ordinary paved walkway with trees all around.
However, I think the seasons play a big part in turning this simple walkway into something that makes the best 30-minute walk of your life. Philosopher’s path, especially during the spring season, is full of cherry blossoms that probably could glue your sight branches and flowers of the trees.
What I liked the most about the philosopher’s path is that it shows tranquility in simplicity. The water in the canal flows so calmly, helping you relax and clear your mind. No wonder Nishida Kitaro has had a successful spiritual journey in his life.
We just need to come to Tetsugaku No Michi at the perfect time when the crowd is nonexistent. I’ve read a comprehensive blog post about the philosopher’s walk that explains everything about it and tips on how you can experience the best of this spot in Kyoto.
By the way, in case you’re visiting Tokyo, you can find several places like Philosopher’s Walk. Check out my post about Tokyo’s Parks and Gardens. I hope that post helps you as well. 🙂
When is the best time to visit Tetsugaku No Michi?
Head to the Tetsugaku No Michi before 9 AM or around late afternoon if you want to have a very charming walk down the pathway. You may not know it might be your chance to finally reconnect with yourself too.
LEARN | 10 Reasons Why Visit Kyoto + Most Inspiring Photos of Kyoto – click to open in a new tab and read later
Back to [Table of Contents]
5. Ryoan-ji’s Zen Rock Garden
What’s really cool about Japan is the endless heritage to see in every corner, like, the Zen Rock Garden in Ryoan-Ji. It is actually a villa built during the Heian period and was converted into a temple in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, a warlord in Ashikaga Shogunate. Then in 1994, it was declared by UNESCO a world heritage site.
I’ve read many comments about Zen Rock Garden that say something similar. They said, at first impression, the garden looks like just an ordinary garden.
But when they start staring at the rocks that seem to ripple into the pool of white pebble, the zen rock garden starts to positively affect their inner being. It’s peaceful and calming at the same time, most say.
What to expect in Ryoan-Ji’s Zen Rock Garden?
We can see 15 rocks spread out on a pool-like area containing white pebbles inside the garden. The fifteen rocks are carefully positioned so that no matter what angle you look at, there is still at least one rock that cannot be seen.
Many have tried to figure out what the garden portrays. A tiger holding her baby cubs through the water is one theory they made to explain what Ryoan-Ji’s Zen Rock Garden depicts.
There is also a philosophical stone water basin in Ryoan Ji, opposite the stone garden. They call it Tsukubai Water Basin, and it interests me so much because of the characters written on it. There we can see the characters that say “ware tada taru wo shiru,” meaning, “I am content with what I am.”
It’s just the kind of thing that I really want to see in Japan, together with the tranquil temples and nature. Not only because it makes a soothing sound as the water drops into the basin, but it is actually an artifact that could improve spirituality and self-awareness.
Lastly, outside the main structure, we can find a spacious “stroll-style” garden with a pond called Kyoyochi pond. A lovely place for a stroll, particularly in the autumn when the nearby trees turn red, yellow, and orange.
These should complete your nature experience in Ryoan-Ji Zen Rock Garden.
What is the best time to visit The Zen Rock Garden?
Of course, the best time to visit is during off-peak hours. So far, I have realized that it applies to every tourist destination in Kyoto, especially if we want to experience some kind of tranquility.
Ryoan-Ji Zen Rock Garden is open all year round at different hours during winter. From March to November, it welcomes visitors from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. Then in winter, from December to February, from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.
There is also an entrance fee in the Zen Rock Garden, Y500 for adults and Y300 for junior high school and elementary school students.
DISCOVER | Parks in Tokyo: Best Gardens To Witness The Colors of Japan – click to open in a new tab and read later
Back to [Table of Contents]
6. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Do you know that even if we don’t leave Kyoto, we can see different flowers from different parts of the world?
Because Kyoto Botanical Gardens is the most inclusive botanical garden in Japan. It is one of the beautiful Kyoto nature destinations to visit.
The lush grounds of Kyoto Botanical Garden contain approximately 12,000 plant species photosynthesizing all over its wide 240,000 square meters area. Sights all over the garden should be interesting for plant and flower lovers and Instagrammers.
Thanks to seasonal flora and numerous conservatories, the Gardens are ever-changing and can be enjoyed all year round.
Over 450 cherry blossom trees bloom remarkably in the spring. Then deciduous trees’ leaves, such as maple, blush beautifully in the fall.
What to expect in Kyoto Botanical Garden?
Kyoto Botanical Garden is further divided into sections to help visitors find the kind of plants and flowers they are looking for. The conservatory is one of these sections, and it is further divided into even more.
The conservatory is divided into eight parts.
Visitors can see plants from tropical to dry tropics, plains to mountains, and temperate alpine areas. This conservatory also has sets of valuable native trees, orchids, and bromeliads.
The themed garden is another part of the Botanical Garden that we must check out.
Within that, we can find a Bonsai exhibit. It is an area full of small trees manifesting the artistic talents of the Japanese in gardening. There is also a European-style garden inside.
It can be an excellent place to get a different vibe quickly in the botanical garden.
And if we would like to see some unique-looking plants, we can then proceed to the Special Plant Garden. There we can find tiny sections, each filled with one single species of plant.
There are bamboos, lotuses, native Japanese plants, and perennial and medicinal plants to see.
Best time to visit Kyoto Botanical Garden
We must expect that the garden is a popular tourist destination and crowds could fill the park fast, especially during peak hours and weekends. However, if we talk about the season, the best season would be autumn. It is when we can see the beautiful foliage of the Uma and Sakura trees and the blooming daisy flowers, Japanese anemones, and dahlias.
SEE | 10 Beautiful Mountains In Japan (with Hiking Information) | Most Beautiful Lakes In Japan w/ Views Of Mount Fuji & More – click to open in a new tab and read later
Back to [Table of Contents]
7. Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Last but not least is the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. I think this will be the best nature experience to have in Kyoto.
What makes the Hozugawa River more exciting is the traces of history embedded in the river used by traders and merchants hundreds of years ago. In fact, the Hozugawa river was used for transporting goods as early as the 8th century!
Even now, we can still see the remnants of the river paths used by the boatmen that once trekked here daily to draw their vessels back upstream by rope.
What to expect in the Hozugawa River Boat Ride?
The boat ride shall take up to two hours, sailing over a 16-kilometer section of the Hozugawa river between the Arashiyama sightseeing area and Kameoka.
Cruising along the river gives awe-inspiring forest scenery filled with vibrant colors during spring and fall, lush green in summer, and snow in winter.
While a big part of the boat ride is smooth and calm, a few rapids will surely bring excitement and thrill along the way.
The skillful boatmen accompanying the tourists throughout the boat ride spontaneously reveal secrets of the river, historical spots, and techniques for finer boat steerage. They will surely make your trip more than just a cruise but a learning opportunity.
Best time to have the Hozugawa River Boat Ride
We can visit anytime, as the river can’t get very crowded. I think it will only be just a matter of preference. However, there are just a few things to take note of. Opening hours vary in winter.
From March 10 to December 13, the Hozugawa River Boat Ride is open from 9 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, with hourly boat departures. Then from December 14 to March 9, it only welcomes visitors from 10 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon, with boats leaving every 90 minutes.
There is a Y4100 admission fee, by the way. And the boat rides are canceled if there is bad weather. Lastly, the boat ride departure interval may vary depending on the number of tourists wanting a riverboat ride.
DISCOVER | Towns in Japan Countryside: 7 Best Unique Villages to Visit – click to open in a new tab and read later
Back to [Table of Contents]
Save it on Pinterest.
