Interesting facts about Japan’s Sagano bamboo forest
A plant that grows best in tropical and subtropical countries. This plant is most common in Southeast Asia, South Asia, South America, Central America, Australia, and Africa. Bamboo, which is a very beautiful plant, while adding beauty to the environment, also contributes to preserving biodiversity.
Japan is one of the countries that cultivate bamboo on a large scale. Japan has been famous for its bamboo trees since ancient times. That’s because there is a belief among the Japanese that bamboo and the bamboo tree are a symbol of good luck and strength. Therefore, bamboo trees have been cultivated in Japan since ancient times, and bamboo forests were also created in some areas. Centuries ago, a wonderful bamboo forest called “Sagano” was created in the Kyoto area.
The Sagano bamboo forest, full of breathtaking views of any tourist, has become one of the leading tourist attractions in Japan today. Therefore, a large number of local and foreign tourists come to this wonderful bamboo forest and spend time relaxing, a scene that is often seen.
1) Reason for creation of Sagano Bamboo Forest
Sagano Bamboo Forest (Youtube)
Around the eighth century, noble families in Japan preferred to spend time relaxing in a natural environment. Ornamental gardens were built in various parts of Japan from that period. It is believed that Sagano Bamboo Forest was created because the Japanese considered bamboo and bamboo trees to be a symbol of good luck and strength. Accordingly, it is speculated that since approximately 1000 years ago, Japanese residents and Japanese nobles may have come to visit this beautiful bamboo forest.
Spread over 3950 acres today, this forest is a famous tourist attraction in Kyoto.
2) Moso variety of bamboo has been planted here
The Moso variety of bamboo is cultivated in the Sagano bamboo forest. This type of fever, which is native to China, shows great growth in a short period of time. As such, the Moso ornamental bamboo variety is best suited for growing in a forest or garden. It is also believed that this type of fever is more active than other types of fever in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Moso bamboo fibers are much stronger than other types of bamboo. Therefore, moso bamboo fiber is used to produce various products.
The moso bamboo trees planted in Sagano are very close to each other. When the bamboo trees combine with the wind, a wonderful sound can be heard in the forest. It is special that the wonderful sound heard from the Sagano forest is included among the 100 best soundscapes in Japan. Under the initiative of the Japanese Ministry of Environment, 100 soundscapes have been published to accustom Japanese people to enjoy the environment.
3) Wonderful monkey park located in the forest
Another special place located within the Sagano Bamboo Forest is the Iwatayama Monkey Park. This monkey park, which was started in 1957 on an area of about 6000 square meters, has now spread over more than that area. Also, more than 120 snow monkeys, a type of monkey endemic to Japan, are found here.
Tourists visiting this wonderful monkey park can buy fruit from nearby fruit stalls and give it to the monkeys in the park. Because the monkeys here are used to human habitation, the tourists who come here have the opportunity to sit closely with the monkeys and take pictures. Located in a beautiful environment, the highest point of the Iwatayama Monkey Park is located at a height of 525 feet, so when you visit the place, you can see the beauty of the city of Kyoto.
4) A temple more than 600 years old is found here
Tenryuji Temple was built in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takaji. This has become one of the largest Zen temples in Japan. Takaji built this temple in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo.
The buildings and gardens of Tenryuji Temple were designed by the talented architect Muso Soseki. He also served as the first chief priest of this temple. Considering the importance of the area where this temple is located, UNESCO has declared it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5) A famous Japanese movie star lived in this area
Denjiro Okochi is a super movie star born in Japan. During the period of 1925-1961, he has contributed to many films. The unique event seen there was that even during the Second World War, he contributed to some war films by acting. At that time, Okochi had the opportunity to act under Akiro Kurosawa, Daisuke Ito, Sadao Yamanaka, and Masahiro Makino, who were the best directors in the Japanese film industry. The house of this movie star is located next to the Sagano bamboo forest. Tourists are often seen coming and going to that house, which has been preserved today.
even during the Second World War, he contributed to some war films by acting. At that time, Okochi had the opportunity to act under Akiro Kurosawa, Daisuke Ito, Sadao Yamanaka, and Masahiro Makino, who were the best directors in the Japanese film industry. The house of this movie star is located next to the Sagano bamboo forest. Tourists are often seen coming and going to that house, which has been preserved today.
A train is booked to visit the bamboo forest.
Since 1991, a train service between Saga Toroko and Kyoto stations has been started for tourists. The Sagano Scenic Train or the Sagano Romantic Train travels from Saga Toroko to Kyoto in 25 minutes. Tourists traveling on this railway line, which is located along the Hoshugawa River, can see many breathtaking views.
