KYOTO, Oct. 22 -- Kyoto's iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - a place once defined by its serenity - is now marred by hundreds of carvings left by visitors.

According to a recent inspection reported by Tokyo Weekender, at least 350 bamboo stalks have been defaced with initials, messages and symbols etched by knives and keys.

The damage, officials say, isn't just cosmetic.

Deep carvings can cause bamboo stalks to rot and collapse, permanently scarring one of Japan's most photographed sites.

"Once carved, the scars on bamboo will remain visible for the rest of the plant's life," authorities noted, warning that the etchings accelerate decay and disrupt the grove's natural harmony.

Most of the graffiti was written in Roman letters, though ...