Arashiyama Hidden Gems: Walking Tour escaping crowds

Kyoto , Japan

Arashiyama Hidden Gems: Walking Tour escaping crowds

Active

(14 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You will have memorable experience in the tour. We will organize “History” ”Phenomenal and beautiful view” ”Good Food” experience by introducing real and quiet Arashiyama. You can visit sites efficiently and comfortably by escaping crowd.

+This tour is for person who is interested in not only major sites but also other local hidden sites.
+A calm and intimate tour for those who seek deeper insight into Japanese culture.
+My name is Yusuke and I plan this tour and do guiding on my own. I provide insider’ view as a local guide. I have knowledge and experience to guide more than 3,000 guest in Kyoto. I’m happy if I can help for you to enjoy Kyoto by introducing deep and quiet Arashiyama.

For person who chose “The Tale of Genji Tour” Option
+ All spots except bamboo forest appears in The Tale of Genji. I guide those spots with explaining of the context in the tale.

*Both options visit same spots. “The Tale of Genji Tour” option give you related information about the tale.

Available options

Enjoyable/Relaxing Tour

Basic tour option: If you don’t know about The Tale of Genji, please chose this option. Up on request, I’m happy to provide guiding about it.

The Tale of Genji Tour

Extra guiding option: Guide will provide information about “The Tale of Genji”.

What's included

Original Tour Booklet (about 15 pages)

Helping to take good photos. I’m learning Photography as my hobby.

Guiding

Detailed itinerary

+ Seeing black wooden Torii gate. Only 2 shrines in Japan have black torii gate.
+ Seeing beautiful moss garden.
+ Knowing the way of visiting temple and praying.
+ Knowing the differences between shrine and temple.
+ Feeling relaxing as a spiritual place.
+ Getting Shrine stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay stamp fee.

*”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale.
+ Experiencing physically the world of the tale.

+ Enjoying beautiful bamboo forest and soundscape of bamboo.
+ Taking photo time and memorable photos by Yusuke in bamboo forest.

+ Experiencing old temple. This temple was built about 1,200 years ago originally. Present building was built about 300 years ago.
+ Seeing Japanese national treasure – Shaka Nyorai Buddhism statue.
+ Enjoying magnificent building and corrido with beautiful Japanese garden.
+ Getting temple stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay extra stamp fee.
*There are 2 kinds of Temple stamp. Official stamp with paying and free stamp.
+ Enjoying local sweets. (optional) *Sweets fee does not include.
+ Ticket is 400JPY

*”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale.
+ Seeing the tomb of Toru Minamoto who is the model of Genji in the tale.
+ Experiencing physically the world of the tale.

Stop 4

+ Former Emperor’s Imperial palace called Saga Gosho that was built about 1200 years ago.
+ This temple is the hidden gem. You can enjoy traditional imperial palace without crowds.
+ There are some unique way of building such as nightingale floor, corridor of Murasame and so on.
+ This is former imperial palace so that you can experience how emperor and queen lived. You also can move without walking on the ground.
+ Getting temple stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay stamp fee.
+ Ticket it 500JPY.

*”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale.
+ Experiencing physically the world of the tale.

+ The oldest artificial pond in Japan.
+ Enjoying beautiful scenery in each season and quiet bamboo forest.
+ Ticket is 300JPY.

What's not included

Ticket for Daikakuji temple & Osawa-no-ike Pond

Ticket for Seiryoji temple

Japanese snacks (Optional)- about 500 yen

Insurance-Please prepare your insurance on your own if you need.

Gratitude

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Written guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel/Walking time is included on the total tour duration. We will walk about 3km/55minutes during the tour with enjoying local scenery.

You have to take off your shoes to enter inside at Seiryoji-temple and Daikakuji Temple.

This tour will take about 4 hours.

Please bring snacks if you need. There are not many restaurants around the ending point.

Meeting point

In front of Locker area at the Keifuku(Randen) Arashiyama station.
Randenya is shop at Keifuku(Randen) Arashiyama station.
+Google map does not show exact place when you put correct station address.

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.