Bamboo is considered a lucky charm for the New Year. The bamboo creates a beautiful landscape in Tamano City's "Tennoike Bamboo Grove," a noteworthy spot that is being continuously maintained with the aim of becoming "Japan's most photogenic bamboo forest."
2024.12.27What is the "Tennoike Bamboo Grove"?
The Tennoike Bamboo Grove is located right next to Tennoike Pond in Tamano City. Eight years ago, Mr. Takahata, the current representative of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association, began maintaining the bamboo grove after its elderly owner found it difficult to continue its maintenance. Four years ago, members of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association took over the maintenance work, and the grove is now open to the public.
Bamboo Forest Path
First, take a look at this beautiful bamboo forest. The lush bamboo scenery that spreads out before you is truly magical. In the silence, the only sounds you can hear are those of nature, such as the rustling of bamboo leaves and the chirping of birds. You can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend a special time soothing your soul.
The secret of beautiful bamboo forests
To create a beautiful light filtering in, members of the Bamboo Forest Association work to cut down excess bamboo and remove dead bamboo. The cut bamboo is gathered Oku a bamboo fence so that it cannot be seen from the path. This kind of painstaking work has resulted in a beautiful bamboo forest landscape where nothing unnecessary gets in the way of the view.
This fence was also made by members of the Bamboo Forest Association. At first glance, it looks like straw, but it's actually made from cut bamboo branches.
Because bamboo grows quickly, members of the "Bamboo Forest Association" work on it every week. It is only thanks to the continuous efforts of volunteers that we are able to enjoy this beautiful landscape. In recent years, abandoned bamboo forests have become a problem nationwide, but Tamano's bamboo forest is an exemplary example of how beautiful a properly maintained bamboo forest can be. Furthermore, the "Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Forest Association" provides maintenance know-how to serve as a reference for those across the country who are having trouble maintaining their bamboo forests.
Mori Whispers
As you climb the bamboo forest path, you will hear the soothing sound of wind chimes. This is a place known as "Whispers of the Mori." The names of those who have donated to the Tennoike Bamboo Forest activities are written on the strips of paper on the wind chimes. Donations are used to purchase essential equipment for maintaining the bamboo forest, such as bamboo grinders.
Encountering the door of your dreams
Once you pass through the whispering Mori, you'll be greeted by a sight that will make you doubt your eyes. There you'll find a "door to another dimension" that everyone has dreamed of visiting at least once. You'll find yourself in a space that makes you feel as if you've wandered into a fantasy world.
A rest spot overlooking the pond
Once you pass through the door, an even more soothing space awaits. Tennoike Pond spreads out before you. The tranquil view of the water's surface provides even more peace of mind. Thanks to the kindness of the Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association, a bench has been installed where you can relax and enjoy the view. This bench was donated by a local commercial high school, and is a wonderful spot where you can feel the warm connection of the community.
Small door for children
After taking a break on the bench, head down the mountain path while admiring Tennoike Pond, and you'll come across a cute little yellow door. The pink doorknob is a little hard for small children to reach, so it was specially installed so that children can enjoy it too. Nearby is a second pink door. This is the door that leads back to the original space from Tennoike Pond.
Nearby is a second pink door, which leads back to the original space from Tennoike Pond.
Various objects
In addition to the doors, there are many other elaborate objects placed in the bamboo forest. The colorful vaulting box has been specially painted for outdoor use. In this way, fun devices are scattered throughout the park that are designed with children in mind as well as adults.
When we visited in December, a Christmas tree made from bamboo branches was set up, adding a seasonal touch. You can enjoy different themes depending on the season you visit, such as Tanabata paper strips in the summer and Halloween decorations in the fall. The space is filled with the hospitality of the members of the Bamboo Grove Society.
Monet's Pond
You can also see beautiful Nishikigoi carp swimming. The irrigation canal where the Nishikigoi swim gracefully has been nicknamed "Monet's Pond." Humorous explanations and objects are placed throughout the area, so searching for them is one of the joys of a stroll.
Torii and shrine
After passing Monet's Pond and going up the stairs, you will come across a torii gate standing on the bank of Tenno Pond. At the top of the stairs on the right, you will also come across a shrine.
Mr. Takahata, Representative of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association
We spoke with Masato Takabatake, the representative of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association. Eight years ago, he started maintaining the bamboo grove alone, hoping to create a beautiful one like the one in Ranzan , Kyoto . He currently continues his activities as the "Bamboo Grove Association" with a group of around a dozen members.
"Seeing the joy of visitors to the bamboo forest is what motivates me more than anything to continue maintaining it," says Takabatake. The results of his efforts are now attracting attention from overseas. On the day of our interview, tourists from Hong Kong were also seen there. The bamboo forest shows different faces throughout the year, but Takabatake especially recommends June. After the bamboo leaves fall, the scenery is covered in fresh greenery, creating a different kind of beauty.
To maintain beautiful bamboo forests
All members of the Bamboo Forest Association are volunteers, and maintaining this beautiful bamboo forest requires a variety of equipment, tools, and materials. At the entrance to the bamboo forest, there is a bamboo tube for donations. If you write your name and other details on the form inside the clear file and place it in with your donation, your name will be included on the donor list, and you will also be entered into a lottery to have your name written on a strip of paper on a wind chime. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting this wonderful landscape.
Access to the Bamboo Forest Parking Lot
The bamboo forest is located deep inside a residential area, so it can be a little hard to find, but you can head there by looking for the "Bamboo Forest Parking Lot" sign.
parking
Currently, there are 10 parking spaces available, and parking is free of charge.
How to get to the bamboo forest from the parking lot
From the parking lot, walk back to the original road and head north until you see a sign, where you should turn left.
Follow the path that passes between the houses. There are guide signs along the way, so if you follow them, you will reach the bamboo forest.
Precautions
The bamboo forest is located close to a residential area, so please be considerate to the local residents and do not cause any inconvenience. Walking is limited to the walking trails. Please refrain from crossing the fence and entering the bamboo forest.
[Tennoike Pond Bamboo Grove]
Location: Okayama Prefecture Tenno Ikeshita , Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture
Admission fee: Free
Parking: 10 cars (free)
Access (car): Approximately 45 minutes from Okayama city on National Route 30
Contact: 090-4653-7028 (Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association)
Tennoike Bamboo Forest | Tamano City Tourism Association
Conclusion
The "Tennoike Bamboo Grove" in Tamano City that we introduced this time is a special place that allows you to rediscover the inherent beauty that bamboo forests hold. And what supports this beauty is the steady efforts and warm feelings of the members of the "Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Grove Association." If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and face nature in silence, be sure to visit. You'll surely have a wonderful time that will soothe your soul.
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