Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji

Kyoto , Japan

Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji

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About this experience

Experience the best of western Kyoto on this full-day tour. Begin in Arashiyama, where you’ll stroll through the iconic bamboo grove, cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and explore Tenryu-ji Temple’s famous garden. Try your hand at a traditional Japanese craft, creating a memorable souvenir to take home. Afterward, we’ll travel by train to Ryoan-ji to admire its world-famous Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of simplicity and contemplation. Finally, visit Kinkaku-ji, the dazzling Golden Pavilion, where shimmering gold leaf and serene gardens create an unforgettable scene. This tour combines Kyoto’s natural beauty, historic temples, and hands-on cultural experiences, making it the perfect way to see the highlights of western Kyoto in one day.

Available options

Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji

What's included

Guided tour with an English speaking guide

Bus and train tickets required for the tour

Koboshi experience fee

Entrance fees for each spot during the tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet with your guide and JR Kyoto Station and start your journey to Arashiyama Station. Explore the Arashiyama area with your guide followed by the first stop, Tenryuji Temple. Build in 1339 by Takauji Ashikaga.

Stop 2

After spending some time at the temple, we will head through the bamboo grove to Togetsukyo Bridge. Togetsukyo Bridge has been a landmark in the Arashiyama area for over 400 years. A wooden bridge spanning the Katsuragawa River in front of Arashiyama offers a wonderful view.

It is your lunchtime! There are many restaurants and food stalls along the river. You can either sit in a restaurant or try different types of street food. If you finish lunch before the meeting time, you can buy souvenirs at the lively shopping street.

Stop 3

Once you have had your fill of delicious food, our afternoon begins with a traditional Japanese art experience – koboshi. They are traditional Japanese dolls dating back to the 14th century. They are generally considered good luck charms that symbolize resilience.

You can take the Koboshi as a memento of your trip or as a souvenir for your loved one.

Stop 4

We will go to Ryoanji Temple and visit the famous rock garden after the experience. Traditional Japanese dry landscape gardens hide abstract Zen dialogues within the landscape, some even featuring stone recreations of famous scenes from Japanese history.

Stop 5

The final stop of our journey is Kinkakuji. The official name is Rokuonji, and it is a Zen temple. It is one of the most popular buildings in Kyoto and is visited by many tourists every year.

It is a complex consisting of gardens and buildings centered around the central Golden Pavilion and is said to be reminiscent of an earthly paradise.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meeting Point:
Your tour starts at Starbucks Kyoto Tower Sando, located on the north side of Kyoto Station, just outside Kyoto Tower.

Look for the familiar green logo—we’ll be waiting nearby with a Snow Monkey Resorts sign.

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.