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Kyoto's renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is facing an escalating issue of vandalism from tourists who are carving their names and inscriptions into the bamboo stalks. A recent city investigation revealed that approximately 350 bamboo plants along the popular walking path have been damaged since spring 2025. In response to this growing problem, Kyoto city officials have decided to take action to protect the grove.

According to the investigation, the city plans to cut down around 30 square meters of bamboo, including some of the damaged plants, to create a buffer between visitors and the stalks. This measure aims to prevent further damage by making it harder for tourists to easily reach and carve the bamboo. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, located in Ukyo ward of Kyoto, is a popular destination for both Japanese and international tourists, known for its scenic beauty.

However, the issue of carved bamboo has become more prevalent as the number of visitors has increased following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The damage to the bamboo has drawn concerns about the overall condition of the grove and its visual appeal. While bamboo is known to be resilient and not affected by surface damage, once a carving is made, it becomes a permanent mark on the stalk. Local groups have attempted to conceal some of the damage using green masking tape, and warning posters in various languages have been placed along the path to alert visitors about the issue.

In an effort to address the problem, Kyoto city officials and residents held an emergency countermeasures meeting on November 5th. This led to a plan for the trial cutting of approximately 30 square meters of bamboo on city-owned land. The selected area includes bamboo that has already been damaged, with the primary goal of pushing the bamboo groves further away from the walking path. By creating a physical barrier, officials hope to discourage further vandalism while preserving the distinctive appearance of the grove.

Misa Hashimoto, chief of the city government's scenic preservation division, emphasized that the bamboo forest belongs to the wider community and expressed regret over the deliberate damage. In a previous incident in 2018, fences were installed after around 100 bamboo plants were defaced. Since then, the number of damaged plants has increased as tourism rebounded after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Saga-Arashiyama area, where the bamboo path is situated, is known for its scenic beauty and has been designated a special zone for the preservation of historic scenery under Japan's Law on Special Measures concerning Preservation of Traditional Scenic Beauty in Ancient Capitals.