Kyoto authorities are struggling to stop tourists carving graffiti in the famed Arashiyama bamboo forest, one of Japan’s most iconic destinations.
A municipal inspection revealed that nearly 350 barrels were defaced with initials, messages and symbols, mostly written in Roman letters. Damage that seriously threatens the integrity of the site, located near the Tenryuji temple and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest has around 7,000 bamboo stems, but many are at risk of dying.
Experts warn that deep incisions can kill the plant and cause it to fall, compromising the entire ecosystem. In an attempt to limit the damage, municipal workers have started covering the graffiti with green tape, but residents protest: they say this ruins the natural beauty of the place even more.
The problem of vandalism had disappeared during the pandemic, when international tourism stopped, but it re-emerged strongly in 2025 together with the massive return of foreign visitors.
Now the Kyoto Municipality is considering a drastic measure: cutting the damaged trunks to prevent the entire forest from being compromised.
Local leaders have launched a heartfelt appeal:
“Carve your memories in the heart, not in bamboo.”
A clear message which, however, judging by the current conditions of the forest, many tourists seem to ignore completely.
