Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Explore the serene Tenryu-ji Temple and its Zen gardens
- Savor a traditional Kyoto-style lunch in a local eatery
- Discover hidden gems and local insights with an expert guide
- Capture stunning photos of iconic landmarks and natural beauty
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Visit to Tenryu-ji Temple and its gardens
- Traditional Kyoto-style lunch at a local restaurant
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Itinerary
First, we escape the tourist trail to visit a hidden temple known only to locals. Enclosed by mud walls and vibrant maple trees, this temple offers a perfect example of a "Moss Garden." Unlike the grand, open temples, this intimate sanctuary allows you to experience true "Wabi-Sabi"—the beauty of imperfection and tranquility.
hidden gems
Walk through the towering bamboo stalks that seem to reach the sky and take memorable photos.
Next, we ascend to a private mountain villa and garden that feels like a hidden fortress. This spot offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. As you stroll through its winding paths, you will see many Japanese garden's design, which harmonizes with nature. It is a masterpiece that blends art with wild nature.
At Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, you can enjoy Japanese gardens and Zen paintings with a guide's commentary.
End the tour at the souvenir street or Togetsu-kyo bridge
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- The tour involves moderate walking; please consider your fitness level.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; please inform the operator in advance if bringing a child.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and landmarks.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon ss possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
- As we will visit Buddhist and Shintoism facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
- People of all ages can join this tour.
Traveler reviews
Excellent
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide Hide. He was knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and made the entire tour enjoyable from start to finish. His explanations were clear and interesting, and he made sure we felt comfortable and included throughout the day. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and it made a big difference in our trip. Highly recommend this tour experience!
A unique experience to try
A fantastic experience A friendly and engaging guide We visited several lesser-known local stops that really immersed us in the local reality
A fantastic day
A fantastic experience with beautiful places and an excellent guide
See the hidden secrets of Arashiyama
This is a wonderful tour, where you can see many scenic and beautiful temples, shrines and gardens. This day I was the only guest, which didn't seem to worry my guide, Josh. He did an amazing job, explaining all the little details and was very patient and cheerful. Great experience, thank you so much! I need to come back in autumn/fall :)
Beautiful tour
We had Tony O and he was wonderful. Very knowledgeable of the history and showed us the ins and outs of many gardens. Made great conversation and went out of the way to help us find where to go after the tour. Was a wonderful guide and tour. Highly recommend!