Enchanted Forests: Sagano Bamboo Forest (Japan) vs. Oku-no-in (Japan)

When thinking of Japan, the first things that usually come to mind are Sushi, Manga, Pokemon, overworked salarymen, super-punctual trains and automatic toilets that chirp like birds so that no one can hear how you pee. All these things that we naturally think of are creations of modern Japan - all the interesting and sometimes quirky stuff that happens in Japan’s mega cities of Tokyo and beyond.

But Japan is so much more than what you see in the cities. In fact, it is an incredibly spiritual and magical place and as soon as you venture outside of the concrete jungles you will quickly find yourself in another world. Japan is home to two of the most enchanted-feeling forests that I have ever seen - Sagano Bamboo Forest and Oku-no-in.

Sagano Bamboo Forest

Getting lost between the whispering trees

If you google “most beautiful forest in the world” you will very often find this wonderful bamboo grove topping the list. And it is no surprise at all. This place is absolutely magical.

You can find this forest in one of Kyoto’s western outskirts called Arashiyama. Though you will hardly have this place to yourself, especially if you visit during the cherry blossom season like we did, it is still a place to let go, breathe in and listen to the rustling of the bamboo in the wind. You really expect the two fighters from the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon movie jump out of the forest at any moment.

Magical Colors

If you visit in late March / early April when the cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom, you can see some great contrasts between the frog-green bamboo, some bare trees in the back and pink cherry blossoms in the front. Truly one of the most enchanted places I have ever seen!

Oku-No-In

Oku-No-In is even more mystical and spiritual than the Sagano Bamboo Grove. Located on Mount Koya which can be reached in about 1.5 - 2 hrs from Osaka, it is the largest graveyard in Japan, according to Wikipedia.

Feeling a bit chilly in Japan's largest graveyard

This place really creeps under your skin. Before going to Japan, I got quite interested in Japanese mythology and I was reading stories about Kodama. Kodama are spirits that live in trees and curse those who are cutting trees down. I am generally not a very spiritual person but standing between these graves and those large, towering cedars surrounding you, you start getting goosebumps quicker than you think.

Oku-no-in is a humbling and spiritual experience

This is especially true, if you stay overnight to sleep with the monks at one of the temples. Two things prevented us from doing that: 1. We are spoiled little brats and preferred to stay in a fancy hotel in Osaka. 2. We didn’t have the guts to do it.

Has anyone of you been to these places? What do you think? Which one is more “enchanted”? I found the Bamboo Grove more beautiful, while Oku-no-in was even more atmospheric. I wish I can go back one day and experience it during the night.

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All images are taken by me. All rights reserved