Find Peace in Otokuni’s Bamboo Groves on a One-Day Taxi Trip

Otokuni, often called the “Bamboo Village,” is a tranquil area located just southwest of Kyoto City, known for its bamboo groves, rich heritage, and serene natural beauty. This region spans parts of Muko, Nagaokakyo, and Oyamazaki towns, and is steeped in history and tradition. In fact, Otokuni was once home to an ancient city that served as Japan’s capital before Kyoto City. The area produces premium bamboo shoots, a springtime delicacy in Japanese cuisine. You can learn more about this enchanting area in the video above, where we explore the highlights of Otokuni, the Bamboo Village.

Filming locations: Take-no-Michi, Shop & Gallery Chikubuen, Uosu, and Yanagidani Kannon (Yokoku-ji Temple).
Props provided by: Tsujikura (featuring Tsujikura’s traditional umbrellas in this video).

The Otokuni area is dotted with many tourist attractions and hidden gems out in Kyoto’s beautiful countryside. To make the most of our day and fully experience all the amazing spots, we decided to take a chartered taxi from Kyoto Station—and we’re so glad we did! It’s an incredibly convenient way to explore, letting us fully enjoy each spot and saving us from the headaches of public transport and finding parking. MK Taxi made everything so easy and stress-free. We opted for the Toyota Alphard on this trip, which offers heated and cooled leather seats, phone charging ports, free Wi-Fi, room for 6 passengers, and a spacious interior—perfect for stretching out.

MK Taxi Fares and Reservations: https://www.mktaxi-japan.com/fares-vehicles
English speaking drivers are available at an additional fee.

Pick-Up Locations: You can be picked up at your preferred location within Kyoto City, including your hotel or other convenient spots.

Inquiries: contact@mk-group.co.jp

We left Kyoto Station at 9:30 a.m., and after a 30-minute cab ride, we arrived at our first destination: Take-no-Michi (the Bamboo Path) in Muko City. The closest parking lot conveniently placed us right in the heart of the bamboo grove with its towering bamboo stalks. The Bamboo Path stretches for 1.8 kilometers, and its wide, well-maintained walking paths make it ideal for group walks, family outings with kids, or even cycling. Unlike Arashiyama, this spot offers a peaceful, serene atmosphere, with a carefully tended bamboo grove.

Here, bamboo is more than a plant—it’s a way of life. As we walked the path, we noticed farmers carefully tending to the soil. Hidden in the earth are the region’s prized bamboo shoots, known as takenoko in Japanese. To cultivate tender, juicy shoots, farmers cover the ground with a layer of wara (rice straw) and then spread soil on top, forming a cozy, protective bed. Leftover bamboo scraps are transformed into various fences by local artisans, adding charm to the stunning landscapes.

The Bamboo Path left us with a deep appreciation for the region’s dedication to tradition and sustainability. It was the perfect way to recharge before moving on to our next stop.

Our next stop is Rakusai Bamboo Park, right next to the Bamboo Path. This tranquil Kyoto gem has 110 varieties of bamboo and bamboo grass, including rare square bamboo, tortoise-shell bamboo, and golden bamboo. You’ll want to keep your camera handy as you explore the park and get lost in the magic of its hidden bamboo tunnels that make the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.

The Bamboo Museum offers fascinating exhibits on bamboo’s history and culture, with highlights like an unexpected display on bamboo’s role in the invention of the Edison light bulb. English explanations make it easy to dive into the stories behind the exhibits.

For a moment of calm, you can rent the tearoom for a peaceful retreat, though reservations are required. Rakusai Bamboo Park is an unforgettable stop, offering a serene and fairytale-like experience.

For lunch, we visited Uosu in Nagaokakyo City, a restaurant known for its bamboo-inspired dishes. Their signature bamboo shoot sushi was created 40 years ago. The juicy bamboo, with a pineapple-like texture, contrasts beautifully with the soft rice. Stewed in sake, mirin, and dashi stock, the shoots are hollowed out and filled with sushi rice, delicately seasoned with a hint of yuzu and kinome (Japanese pepper) leaves, adding a refreshing, aromatic touch.

Uosu also serves bento boxes filled with seasonal ingredients and authentic Japanese course meals, along with bamboo-themed desserts like bamboo yokan jelly and bamboo soy milk ice cream. These desserts feature bamboo shoot chunks and bamboo leaf powder, adding a subtle earthy sweetness and mint-like aroma. These ingredients provide a unique textural contrast to the silky ice cream and yokan.

After a busy morning of exploring, we arrived at Shop & Gallery Chikubuen, run by the renowned bamboo craft studio, Takano Chikko. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Kyoto, Chikubuen’s craftsmen sustainably make timeless bamboo items like bowls, cups, and tea ceremony tools. Each piece is made with care using local bamboo grown right on their own land, blending tradition with a deep respect for nature.

Upon arriving, we got a sneak peek of their upcoming garden tour. Walking through the lush bamboo grove, we learned about different species, like the ornamental tortoise-shell bamboo, and how bamboo grows. The bamboo was so close we could reach out and touch it!

Next, we couldn’t resist trying the bamboo chopstick workshop. Guided by the shop staff, we used a planer to shape our chopsticks before sanding down the edges. The process was so satisfying and from start to finish took about 30 minutes. The best part? We got to take them back home with us!

After our light workout making chopsticks, we were treated to another upcoming experience—traditional tea ceremony. It features matcha and a Japanese sweet served with Chikubuen-made bamboo tea tools. If you’re a fan of tea culture, their bamboo tea scoop workshop is a fantastic option. Want something more challenging? Try their vase-making workshop. Both workshops are available in English.

This stop was the perfect mix of relaxation, shopping, and hands-on fun. If you’re looking for a meaningful, immersive experience in Kyoto, Chikubuen is the place for you.

Reservations are required for the chopstick and bamboo tea tools workshops.

・Chopstick workshop reservations:
https://wabunka-lux.jp/experiences/en_chikubuen/

・Bamboo tea tool and vase workshop reservations:
https://tradi-jp.com/bamboo-craft-workshop.html

Located in the bamboo-covered mountains of Nagaokakyo City, Yokoku-ji Temple, also known as Yanagidani Kannon, feels like a hidden retreat. Walking up the path, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm as we approached this historic temple.

The temple’s history runs deep, dating back to 806. It was founded by Enchin, the same monk who established Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto’s most famous temple. It’s known for its sacred water, believed to heal eye ailments. You can even try drinking the water for yourself.

Yokoku-ji Temple is also famous for its seasonal beauty. In early summer, the temple comes alive with the vibrant hues of hydrangeas, and in autumn, the gardens are painted in stunning shades of red. Visitors flock to admire the hanachozu (floating flower displays) this temple made popular.

The temple also offers a range of workshops, from sutra copying to Buddhist image tracing. Although it’s not available for general booking yet, we had the chance to try their calligraphy workshop, which is a special offering for international visitors. Writing the character for “dragon” was such a cool experience! There’s something almost meditative about dipping the brush in ink, feeling its weight in your hand, and carefully sweeping it across the paper to create each stroke.

After visiting Yokoku-ji Temple, we took a cab back to Kyoto Station to wrap up a full day of sightseeing. In Otokuni, bamboo groves whisper of tradition, and history comes alive at every turn. Escape the crowds on your next Kyoto visit and uncover the hidden treasures of this serene and timeless place.