Kimono Forest, spread out at the gateway to Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, is a fantastical installation where the beauty of Kyo-yuzen dyeing and LED light come together.
About 600 Kyo-yuzen poles stand throughout Randen Arashiyama Station, creating a colorful world of traditional Japanese patterns by day and an illuminated forest of light at night.
In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights of Kimono Forest, how to get there, and useful tips for visiting.
What Is Kimono Forest? A Kyo-yuzen Art Space at Arashiyama Station
Kimono Forest is an installation made up of around 600 poles set inside Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Main Line (commonly known as Randen).
It was created during the station’s 2013 renewal, and was designed by internationally active interior designer Yasumichi Morita.
Each pole contains Kyo-yuzen fabric by the long-established Kameda Tomisen Kōjō (Pagong), encased in acrylic resin, and the approximately 2-meter-tall poles color the entire station.
The poles have built-in LEDs and are illuminated in the evening.
The illumination end time may vary depending on the season and other factors.
With a different atmosphere by day and night, this spot is one of the highlights of Arashiyama sightseeing for tourists and photography lovers.
Kyo-yuzen Pole Designs and Traditional Japanese Patterns
The Kyo-yuzen patterns carefully selected by Yasumichi Morita total 32 types, and about 600 poles, including color variations, are lined up like a forest.
From flowers and plants to traditional patterns depicting seasonal scenery, you can enjoy different kinds of beauty every time you visit.
All fabrics are hand-dyed by artisans at Kameda Tomisen Kōjō, and each pole carries the traditional craftsmanship of Kyo-yuzen.
Strolling while looking for your favorite pattern is one of the unique ways to enjoy Kimono Forest.
Ryū no Atago-ike Pond | A Power Spot in Kimono Forest
Beyond the “Kimono Path,” where poles line both sides, you’ll find a small pond called “Ryū no Atago-ike” (Dragon’s Atago Pond).
It is said to have been named in connection with nearby Tenryū-ji Temple.
You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere while taking a break and dipping your hands in the pond.
How to Get to Kimono Forest
Access by Train
Kimono Forest is located inside Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Main Line.
It spreads out right in front of you as soon as you exit the ticket gate.
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line), get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station, and walk about 7 minutes to reach Randen Arashiyama Station.
You can also take the Randen from Shijō-Ōmiya Station and reach Arashiyama Station in about 24 minutes without transfers.
Its location makes it easy to stop by while sightseeing in Arashiyama.
Access by Bus
You can also reach the Arashiyama area by using Kyoto City Bus Route 28 or Kyoto Bus routes 61, 72, and 83.
If you get off at the “Arashiyama Tenryūji-mae” or “Keifuku Arashiyama Eki-mae” bus stop, Kimono Forest is right in front of you.
Tips for Visiting Kimono Forest
Best Time to Visit
Kimono Forest is beautifully colorful in the daytime, but the atmosphere changes after sunset with the illumination.
If you visit around sunset, you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views in one visit.
How to Enjoy It as a Photo Spot
The “Kimono Path,” arranged so visitors can walk between the poles, is especially popular as a photogenic spot.
Photos with the colorful Kyo-yuzen poles as a background look great on social media.
If you visit in a rental kimono, you can enjoy the collaboration of your kimono and the Kyo-yuzen forest.
There are several kimono rental shops near Arashiyama Station, so you can stroll in kimono even if you come empty-handed.
Useful Information for Travelers
- Visiting hours: Because it is inside the station, you can stop by at a convenient time for sightseeing.
- Admission: Free
- Restrooms: Available inside Arashiyama Station.
- Foot bath: Arashiyama Station also has the paid “Station Foot Bath” (250 yen) using Arashiyama Onsen hot spring water.
- Estimated visit time: About 15–30 minutes for sightseeing only.
- Estimated visit time: About 30 minutes to 1 hour if you want to enjoy photography.
- Other: The Arashiyama area also has many other sightseeing spots, such as the Bamboo Grove Path, Togetsukyō Bridge, and Tenryū-ji Temple.
- Other: It is recommended to visit with enough time to spare.
Summary
Kimono Forest is a unique Arashiyama spot where the traditional beauty of Kyo-yuzen and contemporary art come together.
The space created by about 600 Kyo-yuzen poles designed by Yasumichi Morita transforms from bright and colorful in the daytime to magical at night.
Its appeal lies in being free to enter and easy to stop by at any point during your Arashiyama sightseeing.
When visiting Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, be sure to experience the glowing forest of Kyo-yuzen at Kimono Forest.
