Mirabelle KohIf Kyoto’s magical Bamboo Grove isn’t enough to sweep you off your feet, we’re pretty sure that this spellbinding addition to picturesque Arashiyama, a district located on the outskirts of Kyoto, will.
Image credit: Nigel Goodman
After the renovation of Arashiyama Station on Kyoto’s Keifuku Arashiyama line in 2013, a Kimono Forest, featuring cylindrical-shaped pillars of kimono textiles, are unveiled. Clustered outside the station grounds, about 600 of these two-metre-high artworks form a breathtaking installation.
Image credit: Nigel Goodman
The artist of the Kimono Forest, Yasumichi Morita, personally picked the 32 different textile works that were dyed in Kyo-yuzen style, which is a traditional way of dyeing employed by craftsmen. The textiles are produced in Kamedatomi, a long-standing textile factory.
Image credit: Arist Xiong
If the textile works are not stunning enough in daytime, the Kimono Forest is also illuminated at night by LED lights installed in each pillar, giving the whole area an enchanting vibe.
Image credit: photozou.jp
Image credit: photozou.jp
The Kimono Lane also leads to the small pond, Ryu no Atago, where many people say their prayers and make wishes.
With its Bamboo Forest, magnificent Togetsukyo Bridge, Monkey Park, Romantic Sagano Train and Kimono Forest, Arashiyama has just proved itself to be one of the most beautiful and photogenic places in Kyoto that you should not miss.
