Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. You will walk down a route encircled on all sides by thousands of rising bamboo stalks. They appear to expand indefinitely into the air in all directions, while the sunshine seeps in from above, offering a spectacular view. Visit the forest from October to November or April to May for the most ambient and mystical experience, running from the Tenry-ji temple to the kchi Sans house.

The journey through the Arashiyama bamboo forest is short yet immersive, located in the town of Sagano on the city's west side. The light dappling on the woodland floor has a beautiful quality to it. Approach the grove via the Tenryu-ji Temple's side entrance for the best effect. You should also pay a visit to Okochi-Sanso Villa at the top of the grove. With exquisite grounds and some of the greatest views of Kyoto, the house is an excellent option to visiting one of the Imperial homes. It is also typically devoid of crowds. Okochi-Sanso entrance includes a Japanese treat and hot matcha tea in the villa's teahouse.

An further stretch of the grove continues to adjacent Nonomiya Shrine, where Imperial family daughters used to cleanse themselves before becoming shrine maidens at Ise Jingu, Japan's most significant shrine. Nonomiya Shrine may be crowded with yukata-clad young women seeking a love match, while thick-calved rickshaw drivers halt to offer a little of history to their passengers.