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.

Curious about the intricate bamboo fences and the lush bamboo shoot fields? Explore the Muko Bamboo Path’s rich traditions in our article: Kyoto’s Muko Bamboo Path and the Artisanal Mastery Behind It.

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.