Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest and Garden Half-Day Walking Tour

It’s no surprise that the area ranks among the most visited sites in Kyoto. However, let’s face reality. During peak seasons, it’s often overly crowded with tourists and their selfie sticks. That’s precisely why I think touring with us offers the best experience. Our certified guides will lead you through hidden routes, including stunning local Zen gardens that might be challenging for you to discover on your own.
The tour commences at JR Saga-Arashiyama station. Instead of taking the typical and congested route directly to the bamboo forest, we’ll meet at the North Exit of the station and proceed to a local Japanese garden. I’m confident that visiting this garden will allow you to experience the tranquility and beauty of Zen.
Our guides will share insights on how to appreciate the Japanese garden, coupled with fascinating historical anecdotes.Beyond exploring the picturesque gardens and understanding the area’s history, we’ll treat you to a local lunch at a unique restaurant. What sets this eatery apart is its breathtaking view of the Katsura River, a sight often overlooked by tourists!

  • Visit Tenryu-Ji temple and its majestic garden once owned by aristocrats, officially recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

  • Make everlasting memories in the Kyoto's bamboo forest, with knowledge and insight from an Arashiyama insider.

  • A traditional sho-jin style lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage, Tenryu-ji temple.

  • Duration

    5 hours

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Entrance fees of all venues we will visit

  • Tour photos

  • 5 hours with local guide

  • Lunch

ITINERARY

Meeting And Pickup Meeting point

JR Saga Arashiyama Station North Exit

Start time

9:00 am

End point

End of the tour at main souvenir street

What To Expect

Visit Tenryu-Ji temple and its majestic garden once owned by aristocrats, officially recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Make everlasting memories in the Kyoto's bamboo forest, with knowledge and insight from an Arashiyama insider. A traditional sho-jin style lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage, Tenryu-ji temple.

Immerse yourself in solitude in the mesmerizing nature of Arashiyama.

Our knowledgeable local guide will lead you to a hidden gem, a serene Japanese temple, and a picturesque garden that often eludes tourists' radars. We'll provide insights on appreciating Japanese garden aesthetics as well as drawing intriguing comparisons between Eastern and Western beauty. The morning ambience is truly invigorating, allowing for a leisurely stroll through this enchanting area, with delightful stops at traditional shops along the way.

Visit the world famous, must-visit bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO world heritage site, and immerse yourself in its rich history.

Afterwards, We'll explore some of Arashiyama's renowned landmarks, including the iconic bamboo grove and the scenic Okawauchi Sanso garden, where we can relish a serene garden walk.

Have a local Kyoto lunch and visit UNESCO world heritage temples Tenryu-ji.

After taking photos in bamboo forest, Our next destination is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji Temple, where we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquility and elegance of Zen. Inside the temple grounds, you'll discover a restaurant serving authentic Sho-jin cuisine, originally crafted for Buddhist monks, providing an opportunity to savor authentic Kyoto dishes.




















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  • All ages can join this tour.

  • All of the entrance fees to temples are included as well as lunch.

  • As we will enter buddhist and shintoist facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.

  • As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance

  • You are welcome to bring your young children and baby on this tour, but if you would like to leave your children with a sitter, we can refer you to an outside sitter service, please contact us before booking.

  • The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.

  • This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have walking problems we recommend booking a private tour.

  • Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

  • Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.