Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Bamboo-lined path in Arashiyama, in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward. From central Kyoto, the Hankyu Line from Kawaramachi is faster and less crowded than the bus: change at Katsura Station for the Arashiyama-bound train, about 20 minutes in all.

To go on to Kinkaku-ji, head straight there from Arashiyama. Take the JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Enmachi, then a bus the rest of the way. The 205 bus runs as a loop, so boarding it on the wrong side sends you the opposite direction.

Arashiyama draws big crowds and tourist prices. The bamboo grove at Kodaiji Temple in Higashiyama, a 5-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine, has a near-identical look and far smaller crowds.