Tours/Kyoto/Kyoto: Arashiyama Early Access Bamboo & Temple Tour
Viator · Private tour

Kyoto: Arashiyama Early Access Bamboo & Temple Tour

5.0(6)Kyoto1 hour
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(5)

Description

Experience the essential beauty of Arashiyama on this perfectly condensed walking tour. In just a few hours, your expert local guide will lead you to the district's three absolute must-see sights. Begin with the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, capturing its stunning views against the backdrop of mountains. Then, find tranquility as you explore the magnificent World Heritage garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Finally, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical context, bringing Kyoto's rich culture and natural wonders to life. This engaging itinerary is the perfect way to efficiently discover the unique charm and unforgettable scenery of Arashiyama.

Tour Options

Kyoto: Arashiyama Early Access Bamboo & Temple Tour

Itinerary

30 min

Begin your Arashiyama exploration at the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Cross this famous landmark, enjoying the picturesque views of the Oi River and the surrounding mountains that make Arashiyama so beloved. Your guide will share stories about the bridge's history and significance as a symbol of the area.

Admission included75 min

Next, visit the magnificent Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take your time to explore the stunning Sogenchi Teien Garden, considered one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens. Immerse yourself in the Zen atmosphere and learn about the temple's important role in Japanese history from your guide.

60 min

Head from Tenryu-ji's north gate directly into the mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walk the world-famous path surrounded by towering bamboo stalks reaching for the sky. Experience the unique atmosphere and capture unforgettable photos of this magical, must-see Kyoto sight.

Highlights

Local Guide
Admission to the Tenryu-ji Temple Garden

What's included

Included
Local Guide
Admission to the Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
Not included
Transportation fees (The tour is conducted entirely on foot)
Food and beverages

Traveller Ratings

5.0
6 reviews
5
6
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(6)

R
Ramin_A
June 18, 2026
Ken was a great host, and...

Ken was a great host, and gracefully showed us the beautiful spots at Arashiyama. He didn’t rush, and allowed us to fully embrace each spot. We had a great and relaxing time. Definitely recommended.

T
tessahH6793CZ
December 1, 2025
It was a wonderful experience

I'm writing this review because I had a wonderful experience. Arashiyama is a little far from Kyoto Station, making it difficult to get there casually, but by participating in this tour, I was able to truly appreciate the beauty of Arashiyama. I was able to efficiently visit great tourist spots like the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge. Yumi, my guide, was also very kind and helpful.

Operator response

Thank you for joining our tour and for your wonderful 5-star review titled, "It was a wonderful experience." We are delighted that our tour resolved the difficulty of accessing Arashiyama, allowing you to truly appreciate its beauty and efficiently visit iconic spots like the Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge. We are honored by your praise for our guide, Yumi, noting her kindness and helpfulness. We will be sure to pass on your warm feedback to her. We look forward to welcoming you back again.

Q
Q2830OMjamess
November 22, 2025
The Best Tour Experience in Kyoto!

I recently joined a guided tour in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and it was truly one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ever had. From start to finish, everything about the tour exceeded my expectations. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the history and culture of the area. Walking through the famous Bamboo Grove felt surreal—peaceful, majestic, and even more beautiful than the photos I had seen online. The guide shared fascinating stories about the forest and pointed out details I never would have noticed on my own, making the experience deeper and more meaningful. We also visited beautiful temples tucked between the mountains and explored charming local streets filled with traditional houses, shops, and tea stalls. The timing and pace of the tour were perfect, allowing us to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. I especially loved the scenic walk along the Katsura River. The view of the water, mountains, and sky was stunning, and it made me appreciate how special Arashiyama is—not just as a tourist spot, but as a place of natural beauty and cultural heritage. By the end of the day, I felt like I had truly experienced Arashiyama, not just “visited” it. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone traveling to Kyoto. It was educational, inspiring, and absolutely worth every moment. If you’re looking for a tour that brings Kyoto’s history and atmosphere to life, this is the one!

Operator response

Thank you so much for joining our tour and for your incredible review titled "The Best Tour Experience in Kyoto!" We are delighted that you were able to deeply appreciate the peaceful and majestic atmosphere of the Bamboo Grove through our guide's stories. We are also thrilled that the scenic walk along the Katsura River was a highlight for you. Above all, your comment that you felt like you had "truly experienced Arashiyama, not just 'visited' it" is the highest compliment our team could receive. We are proud that the pacing, the guide's passion, and the entire experience exceeded your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back.

8
84bobyb
November 20, 2025
I'm glad I joined the tour!

I am so grateful for this tour. If I hadn't joined the tour, I would never have been able to see the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama. This was exactly the Japan I was looking for. I can't thank Ken enough for organizing the tour.

Operator response

Thank you for joining our tour and for your wonderful 5-star review. We are honored to hear that you felt you wouldn't have seen the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama without this tour. Knowing that this experience was "exactly the Japan you were looking for" fills us with joy. Thank you also for your kind words for our guide, Ken. We are proud that he helped make the tour so special for you. We will be sure to pass your message on to him. We look forward to seeing you again.

J
johnfF8424TR
November 17, 2025
The bamboo forest is a must-see

On this tour, we went to see the bamboo forest, and it was much better than I expected. Taka, who accompanied us on the tour, was very kind and taught us a lot about Kyoto.

Operator response

Thank you for joining our tour and for your wonderful 5-star review. We are delighted to hear that the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was "much better than expected." There is truly something special about standing there in person. We are also honored to hear that our guide, Taka, was kind and able to teach you a lot about Kyoto. We will be sure to share your warm feedback with him. We look forward to welcoming you back to Kyoto in the future.

J
jackwW1485OK
November 12, 2025
If you want to take a private tour in Kyoto, this is the place to go.

If you're looking for a private tour in Kyoto, I highly recommend this place! I was able to get the information and interact with the guide that only a private tour can provide. I would definitely like to use their services again when I visit Tokyo.

Operator response

Thank you so much for joining our tour and for your 5-star rating with the highest praise, "this is the place to go." We are delighted that the unique information and interaction with the guide, which only a private tour can provide, helped enrich your experience in Kyoto. We are truly honored to hear that you would like to use our services again when you visit Tokyo. We do offer tours in Tokyo as well, so please do not hesitate to contact us when you plan your visit. Our entire team in both Kyoto and Tokyo looks forward to welcoming you back.

You might also like...