Rather than transporting travelers to peaceful scenes, a trip to Kyoto's bamboo-lined forest lanes can stick visitors in the midst of thousands of fellow explorers — the very opposite of a zen ...

he was introduced to Japanese timber bamboo through the Kyoto governor at the time. The bamboo was growing in an area around Mount Otokoyama, where Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine is located.

lucie took a train to the western outskirts of kyoto to watch the sunrise. then she immersed herself in the bamboo forests. because lucie arrived so early on a weekday, it was virtually empty.

the Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto Hotel is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary situated at the boundary between the historic city and the bamboo forests. Officially opened its doors last year ...