KYOTO - Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.
A recent investigation by the news program “News Runner” found that carvings in English, Korean, katakana, and even heart-shaped inscriptions are now widespread across the grove, many of them apparently left by couples or tourists seeking to mark their visit. Words like “Revengers” and dates such as “June 2025” have been carved into the bamboo, while others bear initials or messages like “We’ll be back” in Korean. Despite prominent signs urging visitors not to deface the bamboo, the problem shows no sign of abating.
The phenomenon is not new. Graffiti began appearing in earnest around 2018, when roughly 100 stalks were defaced. Although the situation briefly improved, cases have surged again over the past one to two years. The latest city survey conducted this month confirmed that at least 350 stalks are now marked, some of them so heavily carved that staff from Ebisu, a local rickshaw company helping manage the grove, have resorted to covering the markings with tape — though even that has proven to be only a temporary solution.
“Once a bamboo stalk is carved, the damaged cells cannot regenerate,” explained Masashi Nakai, a tree specialist at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. “The original color never returns, and the plant’s photosynthesis can be impaired. In severe cases, the bamboo can wither and eventually collapse.” Experts caution that such damage could pose safety risks to tourists if weakened bamboo were to fall.
In response, Kyoto City is now considering cutting down vandalized stalks as a preventive measure. Calls are also growing for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties, including fines of 50,000 to 100,000 yen and regular patrols to deter would-be offenders.
Many visitors expressed disappointment and frustration over the damage. “This is a cultural treasure, and I think defacing it is deeply disrespectful,” said one tourist. Others voiced confusion over why anyone would choose to harm the bamboo.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove remains one of Kyoto’s most beloved attractions, known for its serene atmosphere and tunnel-like paths lined with towering green stalks. But with the growing threat of graffiti-induced decay, the city’s officials warn that preserving this iconic landscape will require stronger action — and a renewed commitment to responsible tourism from every visitor.
