Kimono Forest, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

4.2 (1619)

Discover a vibrant display of traditional textiles at Kyoto's Kimono Forest, a unique art installation in Arashiyama that celebrates Japanese design.

The Kimono Forest is a unique art installation in Arashiyama, Kyoto, featuring hundreds of colorful pillars adorned with traditional kimono fabrics. Located at the Arashiyama Randen tram station, it offers a mesmerizing experience, especially when illuminated at night.

A brief summary to Kimono Forest

20-2 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Kyoto, Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, JP
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Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kimono Forest.

Visit after sunset to see the pillars illuminated, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Take your time to explore the different kimono patterns and designs, each representing a piece of Kyoto's textile heritage.
Don't miss the Dragon Pond (Ryu-no-atago) and immerse your hands in the water for a peaceful experience.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple for a full day of sightseeing.

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Explore Kimono Forest on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kimono Forest, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Kimono Forest is directly accessible via the Keifuku Randen Tram Line to Arashiyama Station. From Kyoto Station, take the JR San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (approx. 17 minutes, ¥240), then walk about 5 minutes to the Randen tram station. Alternatively, take the Randen tram directly from Shijo Omiya Station in central Kyoto. A Randen All-Day Pass is available for unlimited rides on the Arashiyama Main and Kitano Lines.
Walking

From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, exit the south side and walk approximately 7 minutes north towards the Arashiyama Randen tram station. The Kimono Forest is located right outside the station's north entrance/exit. Follow the signs for Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which are nearby. There is no fee to enter the Kimono Forest.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Kyoto Station to the Kimono Forest. The ride takes approximately 12 minutes and costs between ¥3,900 and ¥4,700. Ask the driver to take you to the Arashiyama Randen tram station. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak tourist seasons. There are no specific parking areas for the Kimono Forest, as it is integrated into the train station.

Discover more about Kimono Forest

Located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, the Kimono Forest is a stunning art installation that blends contemporary design with traditional Japanese textiles. This 'forest' is composed of approximately 600 clear acrylic pillars, each standing two meters tall and wrapped in vibrant kimono fabrics showcasing 32 different Kyo-yuzen designs. Kyo-yuzen is a Kyoto style of fabric dyeing known for its intricate patterns and vivid colors that originated in the Edo period.The Kimono Forest was created in 2013 as part of a renovation to transform Arashiyama Station into an attraction that could be enjoyed even after dark. Yasumichi Morita, a renowned interior designer, collaborated with Kamedatomi, a Kyoto fabric company with a history dating back to the Taisho Period, to bring this vision to life. The pillars are arranged throughout the station and its grounds, creating an immersive experience for visitors.Visitors can stroll through the 'Kimono Lane,' a pathway lined with these illuminated pillars, and discover the Dragon Pond (Ryu-no-atago). This small pond features a black stone sphere engraved with a golden dragon, considered a good omen in Japanese culture. It is believed that immersing one's hands in the Dragon Pond's water will bring peace and happiness. The best time to visit the Kimono Forest is after sunset, when the LED lights within the pillars illuminate the kimono fabrics, creating a magical atmosphere.