Arashiyama and the Hozu gorge

West of Kyoto the Hozu river comes out of its gorge under the Togetsukyo bridge. The bamboo grove is a short walk from the station; the monkey park climbs the hill opposite.

The Sagano scenic railway follows the Hozu gorge for about seven kilometres between Saga and Kameoka.

A green bamboo stalk is covered with carved initials and names, set against a blurred bamboo forest background. — Close-up of a bamboo stalk carved with initialsLicense

Sunlight beams through a thick bamboo grove, creating a starburst effect among the crisscrossing stalks. — Sunlight bursting through a dense bamboo groveLicense

Sunlight filters through a bamboo grove where several stalks have been carved with initials and names. — Bamboo grove with names carved into the stalksLicense