Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Scenery Customized Private Tour
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Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Scenery Customized Private Tour

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(113 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the cultural highlights and beautiful landscapes in two historically important districts in Kyoto on a walking tour of Arashiyama and Sagano. This 4-hour tour allows you to choose a few locations of your choice within the Arashiyama and Sagano areas. How about crossing the Togetsukyo bridge to enjoy the river view and visit a magnificent temple like Tenryu-ji or a serene temple like Jojakko-ji Temple, and stroll through a beautiful bamboo forest?

Arashiyama/Sagano is a picturesque place where aristocrats have had their villas since ancient times. Whether you are a history and culture lovers who wants to visit temples, a nature lover or a shopper, there is always something for everyone in these areas.

Please choose 2-3 places that you wish to visit.

Available options

4-hour Walking Tour

Duration: 4 hours: It's a 4-hour private tour where you can explore customized plans using public transportation.

What's included

Private customized walking tour. Public transportation or taxis maybe used.
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Meet with your guide at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (in front of a ticket gate).

Based on your preferences, you will visit select sites in Arashiyama/Sagano area. We have listed popular/suggested spots for your reference. Please choose the ones that interest you from the list:
On average, you can visit 2-3 spots in a half-day tour.

If you don't find the spots you want to visit, please feel free to discuss your preferences with the guide. The guide will then customize the itinerary for you.

2
Stop 2

Built over the Katsura River, this 155 meter long bridge is one of the iconic images of Arashiyama. It's a great spot to take in the surrounding scenery and Arashiyama mountains as the backdrop.

3
Stop 3

This temple has a long history and is one of the most famous zen temples in all of Kyoto. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a stunning garden where the plants and flowers make for a different feel every season.

4

Denjiro Okochi, a famous actor of Samurai film, spent about 30 years building this vast villa garden, which covers an area of 19800 square meters. The garden is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn, and offers beauty in every season. The view of the Hozu River flowing below and the city of Kyoto is also a highlight.

5
Stop 5

Located on the hillside of Mt Ogura, which has been famous for its autumn foliage since the late Heian period (794-1185), Jōjakkoji Temple has about 200 old maple trees, which turn red, orange and yellow and combine with the green of the moss.

6

A quiet temple surrounded by beautiful landscapes that have survived the passage of 1200 years. The temple is famous for its autumn foliage. The temple is called 'Nison-in' because it enshrines the two principal Buddha images. The two principal images have faces and figures like twins, with their left and right hands raised and lowered symmetrically. The temple is located a short distance from central Arashiyama, so you can enjoy a moment of tranquillity.

7

This temple is known as a ""temple of the tragic love"". It was the temple where a lady dancer who was favoured by the powers of the time lost his favour and spent time as a nun after a broken heart.The grounds of the temple are covered with beautiful green bamboo and green maples, with a moss-covered garden. The window in the antechamber of the hermitage is also worth seeing. It reflects a variety of colours depending on the way light enters the room.

8

This area has been a place of burial since ancient times, first with wind burial, but later with earth burial, where people dedicated a stone Buddha and mourned for the eternal separation of the dead. The approximately 8,000 stone Buddhas and stupas enshrined in the grounds are the graves of people buried in the area.

9

The origin of this temple can be traced back to 8th century but the temple became uninhabited during the WWII and was abandoned after a typhoon in 1950 caused extensive damage to the temple grounds, halls and Buddhist statues, but was rebuilt in 1955 when Buddhist sculptor Nishimura Kimitomo (1915-2003) was appointed abbot, and the reconstruction of the most run-down temple in Kyoto began.
The temple is known as a ""temple of healing"", where visitors can relax and feel at ease with the expressive line-up of 1,200 statues of arhats carved by ordinary worshippers.

10

Toriimoto is a conservation area located at the far end of Sagano which is about 600 metres along Atago Highway leading to Atago Shrine.The area has a mix of farmhouse-style buildings with thatched roofs and machiya-style buildings with two floors and tiled roofs, and has a well-preserved character of a Japanese rural historical landscape.

11

If you are animal lovers, why not visiting here? Around 120 Japanese macaques currently live in the wild in this monkey park.
The park is full of nature and the monkeys can be seen throughout the year.

12
Stop 12

This is one of the biggest attarctions in all of Kyoto, with thousands of tall bamboo towering in the area making for a beautiful forest. It's an amazing spot that makes you feel like you're in a fairy tale.

What's not included

Optional: Entrance Fees (for yourself and guide)
Private Van
Hotel Pick-up

Available languages

Guide guide
JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
51 reviews
5★
51
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Tripadvisor 4.8
62 reviews
5★
53
4★
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3★
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1

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A moderate amount of walking is included. Please wear comfortable walking shoes
This is a walking tour. A private van is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between spots.
The cost of transportation is not included in the price. Transportation fees will vary depending on the destinations you decide to visit.
The tour will take place rain or shine.

Meeting point

JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (in front of a ticket gate)

Important notes

-If you have any food allergy or you couldn’t eat anything, please let us know when you make a booking.
-We will do our best, but there is a possibility as we could not accommodate your acceptable food if you have a severe allergy.
-This is a group tour
-This tour includes App. 3.5 km walking and steps.
-This tour does not accept Stroller or Wheelchair.
-We will leave at start time sharp, so please make sure to be there on time! (We could not wait!)
-During the tour, the guide will take a photo and we may upload it on our SNS. If you do not like it, tell us in advance.
-Please come with comfortable walking shoes as this tour is mainly a walking tour
-There could be a delay at when tour ends, if you have an appointment or plan right after this tour please let us know in advance

=================================

On the day of your tour, our guide will be waiting at the meeting place with a board saying "Japan Wonder Travel".

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Japanese
  • Widely spoken: English (limited)
  • English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
  • • Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air
  • Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
  • Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

  • Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
  • Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
  • Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
  • Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 4-99
1
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
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Free cancellation available
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