Arashiyama Highlights with Matcha Experience

Kyoto , Japan

Arashiyama Highlights with Matcha Experience

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About this experience

###Arashiyama Highlights with Matcha Experience
#### Introduction
Visit the Tenryuji Temple, stroll through the Bamboo Grove, and see the Togetsukyo Bridge.After sightseeing, and receive a brief explanation of tea ceremony etiquette while enjoying matcha green tea.

#### Part 1: Highlights of Arashiyama (3 Hours)
We will embark on a scenic tour of Arashiyama, known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites. The tour will include visits to three must-see locations: Tenryu-ji Temple, the Bamboo Grove, and the Togetsukyo Bridge.

#### Part 2: Matcha Experience (1 Hour)
the experience of enjoying matcha and sweets offers much more than mere flavor. It is a moment to attune oneself to the harmony of nature, cultivate mindfulness, strengthen human connections, and discover the beauty in subtlety.

Available options

Arashiyama Highlights with Matcha Experience

What's included

Entrance fee for Tenryuji temple

tea ceremony fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tenryuji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, is a representative Zen temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, famous for its beautiful garden and ceiling paintings.
It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994 along with Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Toji Temple, and Nijo Castle, and is a popular destination for tourists from Japan and abroad.
The first is the world-famous Sogen-ike Garden.The garden is a pond garden with Sogen Pond in the center, and is also a borrowed landscape garden incorporating Arashiyama and Kameyama, which spread out behind the garden.

The garden was created about 700 years ago.The garden was created by the founder of the temple, Muso Kokushi, and still retains the appearance of those days.Furthermore, the garden is the first nationally designated historical site and special place of scenic beauty.This is like a national treasure of scenery, and there are only 36 such places in Japan.

This bridge is called Togetsukyo literally means the moon crossing bridge.

In old days the emperor was playing on a boat in this river. He looked up the bridge and felt that the moon seemed to be crossing the bridge as his boat was moving forward. After that this bridge has been called the moon crossing bridge, Togetsukyo.

Stop 3

The "Bamboo Grove" in Arashiyama is one place to make sure you visit when travelling in Kyoto.

The grove starts in Arashiyama, goes through the north side of the heritage-listed temple Tenryū-ji and continues on to Nonomiya Shrine. The bamboo grove is a recommended Kyoto tourist site - just walking along the path is a great experience.

Stop 4

We will visit the Tea ceremony house.
It is a unique opportunity to be able to spend time inside a traditional machiya or Japanese townhouse. Kyoto was once filled with these simple wooden houses.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

It’s JR Saga Arashiyama St.（Not Hankyu or Randen）
I am holding a sign with your name in the plaza just outside the station ticket gates.

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.