17 Most Beautiful Bamboo Forests Around the World
Bamboo forests are incredibly diverse, and it’s estimated that they cover between 35-50 million hectares of land in total. Although the most popular bamboo forests are found in Japan, others are located worldwide, including the United States. Here are 17 beautiful bamboo forests that you need to visit!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan
Famous across the world, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the top attractions in Kyoto. As you walk between these towering stalks, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. If you time your visit just right, you can see the sun’s rays dappled on the floor, as it shines through the bamboo.
How to get there? It is approx. 20 minutes from Kyoto by train. The forest is open 24/7 and there is no entrance fee. You can also join a guided walking tour to get the most out of your experience.
Hokoku-ji Temple, Japan
Hokoku-ji Temple is located in Kamakura and has been around since 1334. Also known as the ‘Bamboo Temple’, it’s home to a huge bamboo forest, with approximately 2000 plants. You can walk through the grove’s peaceful winding routes, which end up at a tea house.
How to get there? From Tokyo, the train ride get you there in approx. one hour. From Kamakura station, you need to take the bus or a taxi. The ticket costs 400 yen (2024 data). You can also join a private guided tour that usually includes a stop at Big Buddha.
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple Bamboo Forest, Japan
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It’s impressive in its own right, but another highlight of coming here is the beautiful bamboo forest. Compared to other bamboo forests in Japan, this one stays relatively quiet, making it a great place to take photographs (as long as you’re respectful).
How to get there? The temple is right at the edge of Kyoto. You can take the train from Kyoto center to Arashiyama Station. The entrance fee is 500 YEN (2024 data). It is also part of a popular full-day private tour that includes 34 sights in and around Kyoto.
The Pipiwai Trail, United States
The Pipiwai Trail is a popular hiking trail on the island of Maui in Hawaii. This 4-mile round-trip hike leads to two waterfalls (Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls) and will take you through a beautiful bamboo forest. Due to the marshy conditions, there are wooden boardwalks to walk upon.
How to get there? The closest Hawaii airport is Kahului in Maui. The trail starts approx. 9 miles south from Hana. It is part of the Haleakala National Park and there is an entrance and parking fee.
La Bambouseraie in Cévennes, France
La Bambouseraie en Cévennes (The Bamboo Cevennes) is a botanical garden in Générargues. It boasts a huge bamboo forest and is home to over 1,000 varieties of bamboo. Some of the stalks can reach up to 82 feet (25 meters) tall, and you can walk between them on a pathway.
How to get there? It is an approx. one hour drive from Montpellier, the largest city nearby. The parking is free, but there is an entrance fee of EUR 10 you can pay online in advance.
Shunan Bamboo Forest, China
Shunan Bamboo Forest is China’s largest and oldest bamboo forest. It covers approximately 46 square miles and is home to around 400 types of bamboo. Due to this, it is considered a natural oxygen bar. Popular locations within this forest include Bamboo Sea Forest, Emerald Corridor, Qinglong Lake, Huaxi Creek, and Guanyun Pavilion.
How to get there? You can take a high speed train from Chengdu or a bus ride from Yibin, the closest city. The ticket price is 60-100 RMB (2024 data).
Juknokwon, South Korea
Juknokwon is certainly one of the most beautiful bamboo forests in the world. The forest is open all year round and can be enjoyed during the spring (when flowers are in bloom) and in winter when the snow has fallen. There are eight trails in Juknokwon and all of them are relatively easy. This article goes into great details about what to see in Juknokwon.
How to get there? The forest is in the middle of Damyang, so you can easily get to it via public transport. The entrance fee for adults 3,000 WON (2024 data).
Taehwagang River Bamboo Forest, South Korea
The Taehwagang River Bamboo Forest in South Korea is a peaceful retreat along the Taehwa River. This green space features tall bamboo groves, scenic walking paths, and beautiful river views. It’s a great spot for a quiet walk and to enjoy nature.
How to get there? The closest city is Ulsan. The forest is right at the east side of the city. But Busan is also not that far away. Entry is free, but parking is not, so you better opt for public transport especially if you are already in Ulsan.
Maengjongjuk Theme Park, South Korea
On Geoje Island, the Maengjongjuk Theme Park has a surprisingly large bamboo forest. Geoje Island is also famous for its beautiful beaches, historical sites like the Geoje POW Camp, and the stunning Oedo-Botania garden.
How to get there? The closest city is Busan. You need to drive through the Geoga Bridge, which is a toll bridge (10,000 WON – 2024 data) to get to the island. If you opt for public transport, you need to take first the train then the bus.
Wakayama Bamboo Farm, Japan
Wakayama Bamboo Farm is located in Tochigi and has been around for approximately 80 years. It’s a beautiful place, so it’s no surprise that various movies and commercials have been filmed here! You can wander through this 25-hectare forest, and even pick up bamboo shoots during spring. In winter, this bamboo farm is illuminated on the weekends.
How to get there? You can drive to North from Tokyo and likely reach the farm within 2 hours. If you take the train from Tokyo, you need to change to a bus at Utsunomiya station. The entrance fee is 750 YEN (2024 data), but additional fees apply for illumination, tea ceremony and crafting.
Wilderness Park and Bamboo Forest, United States
Wilderness Park and Bamboo Forest is located in the city of Prattville, Alabama. Inside this park, you’ll find a charming bamboo forest, where some stalks reach 60 feet tall. Several other plant species can be found in Wilderness Park, including the second-largest beech tree in Alabama.
How to get there? The closest city besides Prattville is Montgomery. But the park is approx. 180 miles from Atlanta as well.
Purple Bamboo Park (Zizhuyuan Park), China
Purple Bamboo Park is located in Beijing, the capital of China. It’s one of the city’s largest parks and is known for its lush bamboo, lakes, picturesque bridges, and open-air pavilions. Purple Bamboo Park offers the perfect escape from Beijung’s hustle and bustle and is a great place to relax. Most scenic spots are Banzhu Lane, Mingyue Islet, Qinglian Islet, and Yunshi Garden.
How to get there? The park is quite close to Beijing Zoo.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park, Brazil
Serra dos Órgãos National Park is located north of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Although famous for its extensive trail system, spectacular mountain peaks, and climbing opportunities, this national park is also full of bamboo groves, many of which are located along the trails.
How to get there? The park is about 50 miles from the center of Rio de Janeiro. There is no entrance fee.
Yixing Bamboo Forest, China
Yixing Bamboo Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Yixing and is another must-visit in China. It’s often referred to as the ‘Sea of Bamboo’ due to the sheer amount of bamboo found here. The area is good for hiking and when the wind blows, it makes an unusual creaking sound thanks to the stalks. If you take the cable car half way up to Yunv Peak. The view of the Mirror Lake is gorgeous from there, but you can hike all the way up.
How to get there? It is approx. 70 miles from the outskirts of Shanghai and 30 miles from Yixing. The ticket price is 80 RMB for adults (2024 data) and the cable car is 40 RMB for adults. If you stay in Wuxi, you can do a private tour with a local guide.
Son Tra Mountain Bamboo Forest, Vietnam
Son Tra Mountain Bamboo Forest (also know as Monkey Forest) near Da Nang is certainly a hidden gem. The area (Son Tra Tinh Vien) is one of three bamboo conservation zones in the country, and you’ll find approximately 100 different bamboo species here. The walking trails take you right past the bamboo groves.
How to get there? The forest is located on the Son Tra Peninsula near Da Nang, which has an international airport. The city is on the coast mid-way between Hanoi and Ho Si Minh. It is quite busy since it is so popular so do plan ahead. There are multiple accommodations around and on the peninsula.
Bamboo Paradise, Colombia
Bamboo Paradise (El Paraíso del Bambú y La Guadua) is one of Colombia’s less-touristy spots. Here, you can walk through endless forests of bamboo, and there are several varieties. Also known as the Bamboo Museum, this area is a great bird-watching destination too, as over 100 bird species flourish here.
How to get there? It is only open by appointment. It is located in Pueblo Tapado, Montenegro District, Quindío, approx. 190 miles from Bogotá, capital of Colombia.
Carolina Bamboo Garden, The Philippines
Carolina Bamboo Garden is an eco-sanctuary that’s teeming with life (especially birds and butterflies). The highlight of this place has to be the Bambusetum, where you’ll find 45 varieties of exotic and indigenous bamboo species. There’s also an impressive bamboo hut on-site.
How to get there? It is only open by appointment. The garden is located near Antipolo City, right next to Manila.
More natural attractions around the world
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.