Kyoto officials to restrict access to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove following tourist damage

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

Kyoto city officials initiated a plan to cut down 30 square meters of bamboo in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to create a buffer zone between the walking path and the stalks, following an investigation that identified 350 damaged plants. This intervention was prompted by a surge in post-pandemic tourism, which led to widespread graffiti and carving on the bamboo, despite previous attempts to use warning posters and masking tape. Misao Hashimoto of the city’s scenic preservation division stated that the forest is shared property and described the damage as regrettable.

Consequences

The city will implement a special preservation measure by cutting down plants on city-owned land to physically restrict visitor access to the bamboo. These measures aim to protect the landscape from further destruction of property as visitor numbers remain elevated.

Sources

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