( CNN ) In Japan 's Sagano Bamboo Forest , on the outskirts of Kyoto , towering green stalks of the famously versatile plant sway in the wind , creaking eerily they collide and twist , leaves rustling . The sun filters through the densely packed grove , projecting thin slashes of light onto the dozens of camera-clutching tourists shuffling down the wide trail that cuts through the middle of the forest as they awkwardly angle their shots , attempting to crop human forms out of their frames . Long gone are the days when you 'd get this place to yourself . If you 've ever clicked on a rundown of `` places to see before you die '' or a compilation of the most beautiful forests in the world , chances are you 've seen a photo of Sagano . Located in the gorgeous Arashiyama district of western Kyoto , the Sagano Bamboo Forest 's popularity has expanded in recent years , coinciding with the growing number of Buzzfeed-esque articles that include it on superlative-heavy travel lists . Though it 's the beauty of the bamboo that brings in the masses , those distinct rustling sounds have become an attraction in their own right . A few years ago the Ministry of Environment included the Sagano Bamboo Forest on its list of `` 100 Soundscapes of Japan '' -- a selection of everyday noises intended to encourage locals to stop and enjoy nature 's music . For the best experience , head out early in the morning or late evening and avoid weekends completely , when Japanese day-trippers descend on the area -- especially in the fall and spring . ( There 's no admission fee and it 's open 24/7 . ) A 'major ' temple and a film star 's former home . Right outside the Bamboo Forest entrance is the northern gate of Tenryu-ji Temple ( open daily , 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. , admission 500 yen , about $ 5 ) , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Kyoto-gozan -- five major temples of Kyoto . This is no coincidence . In Japan , Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often situated near bamboo groves , which are viewed as a clever means of warding off evil , while the bamboo is seen as a symbol of strength . Built in the 14th century by a shogun in honor of the passing of Japan 's emperor , Tenryu-ji has one of the country 's most incredible Zen gardens and is today the headquarters of the Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism . At the other end of the Bamboo Forest trail sits Okochi-Sanso Villa ( open daily , 9 a.m.-4 p.m. , admission 1,000 yen ) , the former home of late silent film star Denjiro Okochi . A massive complex of gardens with plants and trees that are famed for catering to all four seasons , there 's also a temple , study , tea hut and museum highlighting the life of Denjiro . Exploring Arashiyama . The bamboo forest and its bookend attractions of Tenryu-ji and Okochi-Sanso Villa may be the stars of the area for international tourism crowds , but the entire Arashiyama district is worth exploring . With its low-lying tree-covered mountains that tumble into the Hozu River , historic temples and charming streets , Arashiyama has been designated a National Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty by Japan . It 's been attracting moneyed locals since the 8th century , when vacationing aristocratic families visited to check out the changing seasons ' colors and go boating on the Hozu River . Today , one of the top ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area is by hopping on the Sagano Scenic Railway -- also known as the Sagano Romantic Train . A retro-style steam train that runs seven kilometers along the Hozu River , it departs once every hour from the Sagano Torokko Station -- a short walk from the JR Arashiyama Sagano Station -- daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , except Wednesdays . ( The train shuts down from December 30-February 28 . ) The entire ride takes less than 30 minutes . Afterwards , many opt to hop on the bus that connects the train station to the river , where Hozu River Boat Rides depart for the two-hour , 16-kilometer trip from Kameoka back to Arashiyama . Boats run daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. , with reduced hours from December 1-March 1 . Private charters are available . On land , bike rentals are among the best ways to explore Arashiyama 's web of temples , shrines , restaurants and gift shops . The area 's main icon , however , is the Togetsukyo Bridge ( Moon Crossing Bridge ) , which flows over the Hozu River . Built during Japan 's Heian Period ( 794-1185 ) , when Kyoto was Japan 's capital , it was reconstructed in the 1930s . Here , Japanese tourists can be seen posing for photos while dressed in colorful kimonos -- a nod to Kyoto 's status as the cultural capital of Japan . After all that touring , a pit stop at one of the many soft-serve ice cream stands is a fine way to end the day -- the vanilla/green tea twists are particularly addictive . Arashiyama sidetracks . The Arashiyama crowds can get annoying , but the fantastic Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is oddly overlooked by most tourists as it 's a bit more remote than most of the district 's attractions . About a 30-minute walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest , it features over 1,000 little stone rakan ( statues of enlightened ones ) made from 1981 to 1991 during the reconstruction of the temple . Some laugh joyfully . Most pose serenely , covered in a green layer of moss . The odd one holds a tennis racket . On weekdays , the lovely uphill walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is also surprisingly tourist-free yet full of unique gift shops -- including one owned by an artist who creates his works out of silk worm cocoons -- a massive traditional torii gate , tea rooms and private residences . If the kids are crying out for something a bit more lively , up on Mount Arashiyama sits the Iwatayama Monkey Park , home to some 100 Japanese macaques . What 's cool about this place is that it 's the humans who are in the cage , and the monkeys -- which you can feed -- on the outside . Getting in/where to stay . From Kyoto Station , take Kyoto City Bus # 28 or Kyoto Bus # 71 , # 72 , # 73 , or take the JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama station . From downtown Kyoto , take City Bus # 28 or # 11 . For trains , take the Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station . For private tours of Arashiyama , Virtuoso-affiliated Windows to Japan offers an excellent western Kyoto itinerary that includes the highlights of the area . For those who want more than a day trip , the top hotel in Arashiyama is luxury ryokan Hoshinoya Kyoto , which can only be reached by ferry . Rates from 20,400 yen per person/night . CNN Travel 's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile . However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports . Read the policy .
Kyoto 's Sagano Bamboo Forest is considered one of the world 's most beautiful forests . Nearby Tenryu-ji listed as one of Kyoto 's five most significant temples . Comment: