The Whispering Forests of Japan
Not all forests are made of trees. In Japan, there’s one that whispers resilience and echoes clarity. Ready to walk through it? 👀
Bamboo holds a special place in Japanese culture. It bends with the wind but doesn't break. It is a symbol of resilience and quiet strength. In Zen Buddhism, it represents clarity of mind.
You know that advice — when your thoughts feel overwhelming, take a walk in the forest? In Japan, that forest is often a bamboo grove. But don’t be fooled: bamboo isn’t a tree — it’s actually a type of grass. And these plants outperform trees in many ways: they produce more oxygen and absorb more carbon.
Bamboo is also incredibly fast-growing. According to the Guinness World Records, some species can grow up to 90 centimeters in a single day! Japan’s moso bamboo is among these rapid risers.
But its pace is deceptive. Bamboo takes at least four to eight years to mature. Once it does, it can be harvested for decades. And the harvesting method is thoughtful: it’s cut just above ground level, allowing it to grow back. Bamboo is a quiet marvel of sustainability.
Bamboo is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide range of uses. Its young shoots are edible — ever noticed that spicy menma on top of your ramen bowl? That’s bamboo.
In its mature form, bamboo is used in everything from houses to chopsticks to toothbrushes. Those hollow, jointed stalks are remarkably strong for something so light. Large stalks are ideal for construction, while thinner ones are perfect for household tools and kitchenware. Hard varieties are even crafted into furniture.
Its unique combination of strength, lightness, and flexibility makes bamboo a natural alternative to plastic, wood, and paper across many industries.
Nature’s Hidden Symphony
Bamboo even has its own sound: soft, rhythmic, and unmistakable. In Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama Grove, the wind moving through the stalks creates a rustling so distinct that Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has officially recognized it as a “soundscape to preserve.” Want to hear it for yourself? 👀 Let’s listen together:
Kyoto Audio Tours Have Arrived ✨
Kyoto is a bamboo lover’s dream. Some groves are world-famous, others are quiet little gems hidden off the beaten path. But bamboo isn’t just scenery here, it’s part of the city’s soul.
With our new Kyoto audio tours, we’ve handpicked the most beautiful and iconic bamboo spots just for you. Choose from any of Piri’s three Kyoto routes and explore the city at your own pace. This is a place full of stories and with Piri app, you won’t miss a single one. We’ve got you covered!✨
One More Thing…
If you're getting this newsletter, it's either because you recently used Piri Guide or you subscribed to it yourself. If you don't want to get these newsletters anymore, you can unsubscribe at any time. We appreciate your time. 😇
Stay inspired and explore more on our Instagram and TikTok! Follow us for travel tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and more adventures! ✨
Have a great weekend, everyone! See you next week!👋🏼