Can you visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at night?
Yes, it is open 24 hours. But expect it to be dark unless the Tsukitouro light-up is on.
When is the bamboo lit up?
The Arashiyama Tsukitouro event lights the bamboo path with lanterns made of bamboo, along a route of about 1 km.
| 2026 dates | 30 September to 8 November |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6 pm to 9 pm, last entry 8:40 pm |
| 2026 tickets | ¥1,500 on the day, ¥2,000 online, free for age 12 and under |
| Bad weather | Can be cancelled |
We will add the 2027 dates once they are announced. Sources: Arashiyama Tsukitouro, Keihan (in Japanese).
What is it like the rest of the year?
The road stays open, but we have found no official statement about street lighting. Visitor reports describe little or no light, and our crowd estimate says nothing about safety after dark. If you go, bring a torch and keep to the road.
For seeing the bamboo itself, early morning is the better choice. See the quietest hours.
Common questions
- Is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest open at night?
- Yes. It is a public road, open 24 hours.
- Is the bamboo forest lit up at night?
- Only during the Arashiyama Tsukitouro light-up, as far as we can confirm. We found no official statement about lighting at other times. Visitors report little or none, so bring a light.
- When is the next light-up?
- The 2027 dates have not been announced. The 2026 event ran from 30 September to 8 November.