Okayama Prefecture's newest spectacular sight! The photogenic bamboo forest of Tennoike Pond (Tamano City)

What is the "Tennoike Bamboo Grove"?

The bamboo forest at Tennoike Pond is located right next to the pond in Tamano City. The elderly owner had found it difficult to continue to maintain the bamboo forest, so Mr. Takabatake, the current representative of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Forest Association, began maintaining it eight years ago. Four years ago, members of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Forest Association took over the maintenance, and the forest is now open to the public.

Bamboo Forest Path

First, take a look at this beautiful bamboo forest. The lush bamboo landscape that spreads out before you is truly fantastical. In the silence, the only sounds you can hear are the sounds of nature, such as the rustling of bamboo leaves and the chirping of birds. You can spend a special time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, soothing your soul.

The secret of beautiful bamboo forests

To allow the light to shine through beautifully, members of the Bamboo Forest Association work to cut down excess bamboo and remove dead bamboo. The cut bamboo is gathered behind a bamboo fence so that it cannot be seen from the path. This kind of hard work keeps out unnecessary things and creates a beautiful bamboo forest landscape.

This fence was also made by members of the Bamboo Forest Association. At first glance it looks like straw, but it is actually made from cut bamboo branches.

Bamboo grows quickly, so 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.

Tennoike Bamboo Forest Youtube

Forest Whispers

As you walk up the bamboo forest path, you will hear the pleasant sound of wind chimes. This is a place called "Whispering Forest." 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 equipment essential to maintaining the bamboo forest, such as bamboo grinders.

Finding the door of your dreams

Once you pass through the whispering forest, you will be greeted by a view that will make you doubt your eyes. There you will find a "door to another dimension" that everyone has dreamed of visiting at least once. You will find yourself in a space that makes you feel as if you have wandered into a fantasy world.

A resting spot overlooking the pond

Once you pass through the door, an even more soothing space awaits you. 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 Forest Association, there are benches where you can relax and enjoy the view. These benches were donated by a local commercial high school, and are a wonderful spot where you can feel the warm connections of the community.

Small door for children

After taking a break on the bench, head down the mountain path while looking at Tennoike Pond, and you will 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 leading from Tennoike Pond back to the original space.

There is a second pink door nearby, 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 boxes have been specially painted for outdoor use. In this way, fun devices that are designed for children as well as adults are scattered throughout the facility.

When we visited in December, a Christmas tree made of bamboo branches was set up, creating a seasonal atmosphere. You can enjoy different themes depending on the season you visit, such as Tanabata paper strips in summer and Halloween decorations in autumn. The space is filled with the hospitality of the members of the Bamboo Forest Association.

Monet's Pond

You can also see beautiful Nishikigoi carp swimming. The waterway where Nishikigoi carp swim gracefully is nicknamed "Monet's Pond." Humorous explanations and objects are placed in various places, so looking for them is one of the pleasures of a stroll.

Torii and shrine

After passing Monet's Pond and climbing the stairs, you will come across a torii gate standing on the bank of Tennoike Pond. At the top of the stairs on the right, you will also come across a shrine.

Mr. Takabatake, representative of the Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Forest Association

We spoke with Masato Takabatake, the representative of the "Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Forest Association." Eight years ago, he started maintaining the bamboo forest on his own, hoping to create a beautiful bamboo forest like the one in Arashiyama, Kyoto. He currently continues to work as the "Bamboo Forest Association" with a dozen or so members.

"Seeing the joy of people who visit the bamboo forest is what motivates me more than anything to continue maintaining it," says Takabatake. The results of his activities are now attracting attention from overseas. On the day of our interview, we saw tourists from Hong Kong. The bamboo forest shows different faces throughout the year, but Takabatake especially recommends June. After the bamboo leaves fall, the ground is covered with new greenery, creating a different kind of beauty.

To maintain beautiful bamboo forests

All members of the Bamboo Forest Association are volunteers, and various equipment, tools, and materials are needed to maintain this beautiful bamboo forest. There is a bamboo tube at the entrance to the bamboo forest for donations. If you write your name and other details on the paper inside the clear file and place it in together with your donation, your name will be added to the donor list, and your name will also be entered into a lottery to be written on a strip of paper on a wind chime. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting this wonderful landscape.

Tamano City Tennoike Bamboo Forest | Official Facebook

Access to the Bamboo Forest Parking Lot

The bamboo forest is located deep inside a residential area and can be a little hard to find, but you can follow the "Bamboo Forest Parking Lot" sign to get there.

parking

Currently, there are 10 parking spaces available in the parking lot. 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, at which point 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.

Notes

The bamboo forest is located close to a residential area, so please be considerate and do not disturb the local residents. Walking is limited to the promenade. Please refrain from crossing the fence and entering the bamboo forest.

[Tennoike Pond bamboo forest]

Location: Nagao Tenno Ikeshita , Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture

Admission fee: Free

Parking: 10 cars (free)

Access (car): About 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

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 original beauty that bamboo forests hold. And what supports this beauty is the steady efforts and warm feelings 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 will surely be able to spend a wonderful time that will soothe your soul.