Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Iconic Sights and Hidden Treasures
Description
Discover Arashiyama beyond the usual crowds on this small-group walking tour. While you'll still visit iconic sights like the Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge, your guide will also lead you to hidden temples rich in history, traditional villages, and scenic local spots that many visitors miss. This tour is designed to be both photo-worthy and culturally enriching, giving you a deeper connection to Kyoto's timeless beauty. ・Visit the famous Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge ・Explore hidden temples rich in history and authentic village streets ・Capture postcard-perfect photos of seasonal landscapes and cultural heritage sites ・Learn cultural stories and insights from a knowledgeable local guide ・Enjoy a small-group tour for a relaxed and personal experience
Tour Options
Itinerary
※Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is closed on Wednesdays, and Saturdays. We will visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple instead. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a peaceful and lesser-known gem, offering a unique and intimate experience. The temple is renowned for its collection of over 1,200 stone statues, known as rakan, each with distinct facial expressions, creating a quirky yet serene atmosphere. The serene gardens and natural surroundings create a calm space for contemplation, away from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded Kyoto spots.
(On every Wednesday, and Saturday) Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple located in Kyoto’s Sagano district. Founded in 811 by the monk Kūkai, it was established to honor those who died without family or proper burial. The temple grounds are filled with around 8,000 stone statues commemorating these forgotten souls, creating a deeply moving atmosphere.
Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street is a historic hiking trail that leads from the base of Mount Atago to its summit, one of the highest points in Kyoto. You can wander through a traditional village with thatched-roof houses, preserving the authentic beauty of ancient Japan
Take a short break with one drink served (Coffee/Tea/Juice). ※Other drinks and menu, including matcha, will be at your own expense.
Jojakko-ji Temple is a tranquil retreat that combines nature, spirituality, and stunning views. Known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance, this temple provides a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and connection to Kyoto’s cultural heritage. In spring, the temple is surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms, while in autumn, vibrant maple trees add color to the landscape. The temple is also a wonderful spot for appreciating Kyoto’s natural beauty year-round.
Mikami Shrine is a unique and spiritually significant site dedicated to beauty, specifically hair. Known as the shrine of hair, it is revered for its association with hair care, and visitors often come to pray for beautiful hair or to maintain healthy hair. One of the most distinctive features of Mikami Shrine is the hair offerings. Visitors can leave small locks of hair at the shrine, symbolizing their desire for better hair. The shrine also offers hair-related prayers, where worshippers seek blessings for hair growth or beauty.
Ogura Pond is nestled among lush greenery, offering visitors a peaceful retreat. The calm waters reflect the surrounding trees and mountains, creating a picturesque scene that changes with the seasons, from the fresh greens of spring to the fiery colors of autumn. The pond is tied to the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, a famous collection of 100 classic Japanese poems written by different poets. The name “Ogura” refers to the poet Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, and the pond is thought to represent the spiritual beauty and poetic inspiration found in Kyoto’s natural landscape.
(Photo Spot) The bamboo grove is one of Kyoto’s most photographed locations, and for good reason. The sheer height of the bamboo stalks, the gentle curves of the path, and the natural beauty around you create perfect opportunities for stunning photos.
The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Arashiyama Mountains, with its dense greenery and peaceful riverside settings. Whether you’re walking along the river or relaxing in the park, the panoramic views create a serene and calming atmosphere. With walking paths that wind through the park and along the Hozu River, Arashiyama Park invites visitors to take leisurely strolls, enjoy the quiet atmosphere, and explore the surrounding areas. The park is a great place to enjoy a relaxed walk or even rent a bike to explore more of the scenic routes.
Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Hozu River in the picturesque Arashiyama district. Known for its majestic views of the surrounding mountains and river, this centuries-old bridge is not only a functional crossing but also a symbol of Kyoto’s rich cultural and natural beauty. From Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Hozu River, with its crystal-clear waters winding through the valley. The surrounding mountains, especially the Arashiyama peaks, provide a stunning backdrop, particularly during autumn when the foliage turns fiery red and orange. In spring, the cherry blossoms along the river create a tranquil and picturesque scene.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
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
- Bus fee is excluded, have IC card or coins (¥230) prepared.
- Every Wednesday Otagi-Nenbutsu temple is closed, we will take you Adashino-Nenbutsu temple instead.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- The tour will take place rain or shine.
Reviews(40)
Very beautiful scenery and a great experience. It does require a decent bit of walking. Our guide, Takuma, was very knowledgeable and helpful; he also gave good recommendations on nearby spots. It rained the day of our tour so most people canceled, but I'm glad we still decided to go, as because of the rain there really weren't many others there. So I wouldnt skip out just because of rain.
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tour. It is incredibly rewarding to learn that this was such a superb experience, offering exquisitely beautiful scenery! Your observation about the necessity of a good amount of walking is well noted. Our guide, Takuma, was clearly extensively knowledgeable and remarkably supportive, offering excellent recommendations for nearby locations. We are especially pleased that, despite the rainy weather causing many cancellations, you chose to proceed, resulting in a delightfully uncrowded and profoundly enjoyable visit. Your valuable advice not to forgo the experience due to rain truly resonates with us. Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Takuma; he will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact he had on your cherished day. We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
Takuma was an excellent guide. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and seemed genuinely interested in answering my many (many) questions! He has a great sense of humor and was enthusiastic about the subject matter. The sites were really interesting and beautiful. We got to see a much less crowded part of the bamboo forest vs the extremely overcrowded area most tours take you to. I highly recommend this tour! Thanks, Takuma!
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally enthusiastic feedback on your recent tour. It is incredibly rewarding to learn that Takuma was a superb guide! His remarkably amiable demeanor, extensive insights, and profound dedication to addressing your numerous inquiries truly shone through. His engaging nature and passionate demeanor about the subject matter clearly enhanced your entire experience. The locations you visited were truly captivating and exquisite. We are especially pleased that you experienced a wonderfully serene section of the bamboo grove, a stark contrast to the typically bustling areas. Your fervent endorsement truly resonates with us. Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Takuma; he will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact he had on your cherished day. We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
This tour gave us the chance to discover some of the lesser known Kyoto shrines and temples in the area. The tour took in some very beautiful sights and was extremely calm and peaceful. This was very welcome during the busy sakura season. Our guide Higashimori was very knowledgable and made everything very interesting.
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally detailed and heartwarming feedback on your recent Kyoto exploration. It is genuinely rewarding to learn that this tour provided such a unique opportunity to uncover some of Kyoto's more secluded sanctuaries and temples, leading you through truly exquisite vistas in an atmosphere of remarkable serenity! This tranquil respite was clearly a welcome contrast during the bustling cherry blossom season. Our guide, Higashimori, was evidently extensively knowledgeable, making every aspect of the journey profoundly captivating. Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Higashimori; he will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact he had on your cherished day. We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
A temple with 1200 statues is unique in the world and a must see place, walking on the road next to the temple was the best experience. The Baboo Garden was very crowded but we still enjoyed the nature walk. Guide Thalashi was very helpful and humble. Sharing his knowledge about Buddhism in Japan and how it's different from the rest of the world was useful. Took lots of pictures of us Nice person!
We profoundly appreciate your enthusiastic feedback on your recent nature tour. It is incredibly rewarding to learn that the temple, with its twelve hundred statues, was such a singularly unique and indispensable sight, and that walking along the path beside the sanctuary clearly emerged as a truly exceptional part of your journey. Even with the bustling atmosphere, you still thoroughly enjoyed your stroll through the Bamboo Garden, which is delightful to hear. Thalashi, your guide, was evidently remarkably supportive and modest; his sharing of profound insights into Japanese Buddhism and its distinctiveness from global practices was clearly invaluable. His thoughtfulness in capturing numerous photographs and his amiable demeanor further resonated with you. Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Thalashi; he will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact he had on your cherished day. We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
Our guide Chiko was a pleasure to spend time with. She was organized and well prepare. Full of knowledge about the many stops on our walk. She even escorted us to a restaurant after the tour ended. She also took pictures of us. I was a lillte sad that the itinerary didn't enter the Bamboo forest. My bad for not reading the details closely enough. We did pass by and get to take a photo.
We profoundly appreciate your exceptionally detailed and thoughtful feedback on your recent exploration. It is incredibly rewarding to learn that our guide, Chiko, was an absolute pleasure to accompany! We are especially pleased that she was so meticulously organized and extensively prepared, sharing a wealth of insights at each of your numerous stops. Her willingness to go above and beyond, even escorting you to a restaurant after the tour and thoughtfully capturing photographs, truly exemplifies her dedication. We acknowledge your sentiment regarding not fully entering the Bamboo Forest, and we appreciate you noting the opportunity for photographs. We certainly understand how important such iconic sights can be to our guests. Your outstanding comments will certainly be shared with Chiko; she will be absolutely thrilled to know the profound impact she had on your cherished day. We are deeply appreciative of you taking the time to share your perceptions. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on your next visit to Japan.
Tour guide professional and informative. So much to see and learn about Kyoto. We had a great time. My suggestion is for you to come to Kyoto in Spring (Cherry Blossoms) or Autumn. Summer in Kyoto is hot and humid but if you’re someone who don’t mind the hot and humid weather, Japan is a must see country: history; culture; aesthetics, and so much more.
It is genuinely pleasing to receive your thoughtful feedback on your recent Kyoto exploration. We are so pleased that our guide's professionalism and insightful commentary greatly enriched your understanding of the city. It truly resonates that you had such a wonderful time amidst the abundance of sights and knowledge Kyoto offers. Your valuable suggestion regarding seasonal visits, highlighting the allure of spring and autumn, is greatly appreciated. We also acknowledge your observation about the summer's heat and humidity, while concurring that Japan's rich heritage, customs, and aesthetics make it an essential destination regardless. Our guide will certainly be delighted to hear of your wonderful comments. We are profoundly appreciative of you taking the time to share your reflections. We sincerely hope your journeys will lead you back to Japan soon for another enriching experience.
We visited 2 temples and each temple was quite impressive. Otagi Nenbutsu ji temple have 1,200 unique stone rakan statues (disciples of Buddha), each carved with a different expression—some humorous, some serene. Jyo Jakko ji temple have a beautiful moss gardens, bamboo forests and views over Kyoto city from its hillside location. Overall Oku-Saga has a calm, rural atmosphere with narrow lanes, old houses, small temples, and rice fields.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you！ We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
I joined a wonderful half day tour in Arashiyama led by Saeko who guided us with a warm smile and clear explanations. Highlights included the 1,200 statues at Otagi-Nenbutsuji Temple, a refreshing drink stop on the way to Jojakko-ji Temple, a walk along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, and a photo stop at the Bamboo Grove. It was fun, educational, and a great way to learn about Kyoto’s culture and history. I highly recommend this tour!
It is genuinely pleasing to receive your thoughtful feedback on your recent Arashiyama exploration. We are so pleased that you enjoyed such a magnificent half-day tour with Saeko, whose amiable demeanor and lucid explanations truly illuminated your journey. It truly resonates that the 1,200 unique statues at Otagi-Nenbutsuji Temple, the refreshing pause en route to Jojakko-ji Temple, the stroll along the historic Saga Toriimoto street, and the picturesque stop at the Bamboo Grove were all memorable highlights. Thank you again!
My guide Toshi is extremely helpful and friendly and well prepared. He knows all the best spots and gave me time to take photos and explored. Besides historical facts, he had also shared his experience as a local. He would talk at the right timing and made sure that I hadn‘t missed a view or the essential information. The cafe break was also very nice and an experience to observe and talk to the locals as well. I do very much appreciated the experience. Nice choice of popular spots as well as hidden gems.
t is genuinely rewarding to receive your wonderful feedback on your recent exploration. We are so pleased that Toshi proved to be such an exceptionally supportive, amiable, and well-prepared guide. It truly resonates that his intimate knowledge of optimal locations and his thoughtful pacing! Thank you so much again!
It was a really great tour! Osamu san was our guide and he was super friendly, explained everything we would be doing i details and a great guide. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear Geisha Gion tour was great tour experience for you！ We are happy to hear Thank you again.
