Kyoto, Japan - Previously a peaceful refuge for nature enthusiasts and visitors, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto faces increasing vandalism which might ruin the natural beauty of one of the city's beloved tourist sites. The bamboo stalks lining the walkway in the northern section of Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have come under increasing attack, with graffiti and other vandalism becoming rampant. Local authorities and stakeholders are now trying to figure out the best way to preserve and protect the site from further degradation while promoting responsible tourism and visitation.
The issue of vandalism in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was recently highlighted during a routine inspection, which revealed that about 350 bamboo stalks along the scenic walkway had been marred by graffiti. Most of the defacement was in Roman letters, but some were also written in Japanese, Chinese characters, and even Hangul. The damage occurred after a sharp increase in tourist numbers following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, officials explained.
Arashiyama's bamboo forest has long been a symbol of Kyoto's serene beauty, attracting millions of visitors annually. It's an area known for its peaceful atmosphere, with visitors strolling through a dense grove of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the wind. However, this natural charm is now at risk, as vandalism threatens to spoil the experience for future generations.
The local authorities in Kyoto are taking the issue of defacement seriously, recognizing the damage that deep carvings can cause to the bamboo plants. Bamboo is a delicate plant, and even small carvings can kill the stalks, causing them to fall over and disrupting the overall health of the grove. According to municipal officials, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest spans 2.3 hectares and houses an estimated 7,000 bamboo stalks, with half of the grove being city-owned. The damage inflicted on the bamboo can also disrupt the forest's ecosystem, making it harder for the plants to thrive.
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens experts have also noted that carving into bamboo causes permanent damage. The groves in Arashiyama, with their lush green stalks and calming atmosphere, have been a place for peaceful reflection for decades. The presence of graffiti detracts from this experience and leads to the gradual degradation of the environment.
As the problem of vandalism worsens, city officials have considered cutting down the most severely damaged bamboo stalks to prevent the spread of further harm. At the same time, local tourism groups have resorted to covering up the graffiti with green tape as a temporary solution, but this is far from an ideal fix. The makeshift solution not only looks unsightly but also compromises the natural beauty of the bamboo forest, which draws visitors from around the world for its serene and untouched allure.
The problem of graffiti in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest isn't new. In 2018, a similar rise in defacement prompted local tourism leaders and monks from the nearby Tenryuji Temple to launch an anti-defacement campaign. This campaign raised awareness about the importance of preserving the area's natural beauty and encouraged tourists to respect the forest's integrity. However, with the pandemic's impact on travel, there was a temporary decline in tourist numbers, leading to fewer instances of vandalism. The return of tourists in 2025, however, has brought the issue back to the forefront, particularly during the busy summer months.
Local businesses and tourism operators in the Arashiyama area are now working together to combat this growing issue. Keisuke Ishikawa, a representative from a group of local shop owners, shared a poignant message: "We hope visitors will carve their memories of Arashiyama into their hearts, not into the bamboo." This statement reflects the broader sentiment among locals and conservationists who want to protect the forest from permanent damage while fostering a deeper appreciation of its beauty.
The local tourism community is pushing for more significant educational campaigns targeting visitors, especially those who may not be aware of the long-term impact of defacing natural environments. The goal is to encourage tourists to engage with the area in a more respectful manner, fostering a greater sense of responsibility and appreciation for the delicate ecosystems they visit.
The issue also highlights the challenges of managing tourism in globally renowned natural attractions. Arashiyama, like many other popular tourist destinations, is struggling with the balance between attracting visitors and preserving the site's integrity. Kyoto's tourism sector has long relied on the unique appeal of its cultural and natural landmarks, but the rise in international tourism brings both economic benefits and environmental challenges.
Kyoto, a city steeped in history and culture, has long been one of Japan's top tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, along with other attractions like the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Fushimi Inari Shrine, is central to the city's appeal. As one of Japan's most scenic and tranquil areas, the bamboo forest is a key part of Kyoto's tourism identity. However, the increase in vandalism could potentially damage the city's reputation, especially as it strives to maintain its image as a safe, serene destination for tourists.
Kyoto's tourism industry relies heavily on the preservation of its natural and cultural sites. The defacing of the bamboo forest reflects a broader challenge faced by many cities around the world: the rise of mass tourism and its impact on fragile environments. Kyoto's local tourism bodies, government, and conservation groups are now under pressure to find solutions that will protect their natural treasures while still providing an enriching experience for tourists.
Concerns regarding the defacement of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, specifically graffiti and vandalism, is affecting the public and the tourists that travel there. Ever since the pandemic, the amount of tourists has increased and vandalism is occurring more frequently. With the defacement of more than 350 bamboo stalks, strong protective efforts need to be made concerning Kyoto's most valued natural historic sites.
Planning and Sustainable Development in Kyoto have started to minimize the impact of the vandalism problem, and made attempts to educate tourists. Respect and sustainability of the natural sites and beauty of the region is asked tourists to care for. The vandalism and tourism in Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest are taken in efforts from the public to care for and vandalism sustainability to be passed down to the future generations.