Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night
Description
MOST UNIQUE GHOST TOUR. After visiting Fushimi Inari and wandering through Gion, most travelers think they’ve seen Kyoto. But when night falls, the city feels different. This Ghost Tour takes you into the Bamboo Forest after dark for an immersive experience filled with folklore, creepy legends, and darker historical tales rooted in the area. As the crowds disappear and the paths grow quiet, the atmosphere shifts. You’ll walk through shadowed bamboo corridors, hear carefully researched ghost stories connected to Kyoto’s past, and experience moments designed to make you question what’s real in the dark. At one point, guests take part in a brief solo walk through the forest — a rare opportunity to feel the setting in complete stillness. This small-group night tour blends storytelling, local history, suspense, and subtle surprises into an unforgettable evening. Perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the typical Fushimi Inari visit and experience Kyoto in a completely different way.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll meet up at Saga-Arashiyama Station, right outside the ticket gates. You won't have to go down any stairs to find us. From there, we'll swing by a convenience store to grab some drinks. Then we'll take a walk towards the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. But keep in mind, the bamboo forest will be pitch dark at this time of night, making for a unique and scary experience.
Step into the darker side of Arashiyama—an area known for its stunning views by day, but haunted by whispers of the past by night. From ghostly samurai to vanished lovers and eerie legends passed down through generations, this tour reveals the unsettling truths that lie beneath the surface. Walk the same roads where strange things have happened—and still might. This experience is not for the weak.
As our journey reaches its finale, we'll make our way back to the Saga-Arashiyama Station. Enriched by the memorable sights and experiences, we will end our tour under the soft glow of the station lights. It's a time to reflect on our nocturnal adventure through the bamboo groves. Thank you for joining me on this unique journey through the breathtaking beauty of Arashiyama at night.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Absolutely NOT recommended for travelers that are afraid of the DARK
- Not recommended to walk around the area before the tour
- Must be able to walk alone in the dark
- IMPORT: some topics are NOT suitable for some people (suicide, serial killers, sexual assault)
- Not Your Typical Ghost Tour: Focused on Real Mysteries, Not Mythical Yōkai
- Kids under 16 are not allowed due to content and activities.
- The tour needs a minimum of 4 guests to proceed.
- Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
- Minimum age is 16!
Reviews(1,271)
Very interesting stories, I enjoyed the night the guide very patient
Erik was an amazing tour guide! Gave amazing stories, and was very knowledgeable of local lore. 10/10
I loved this tour a lot. I got to learn about many different urban legends, both local and ones known across the entire country. It was so much fun and this was my favorite part of my trip! My tour guide’s name was Sebastian and he was very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.
Eric was great. Had an awesome time listening to the stories he told them very well
Eric was great! Spooky night turned out really well. Worth the time and jet lag for sure! Would recommend
We had such a great time on this tour! Kalle was a fantastic story teller and made the entire tour incredibly immersive. It was obvious he knows his stories well and is very passionate about creating a memorable experience for everyone in the group. Seeing the bamboo forest at night, nearly completely empty, was an added bonus!
Fun trip at night through the forest! Kalle did a great job entertaining and keeping things interesting. Creepy tour..... In a good way!
Erick was awesome! I had so much fun talking with him, and the walk in the dark was amazing.
Very fun polite tour guide named Zoe provided drinks at no additional cost easy to understand and made lots of hilarious jokes, really captured the horror part of the ghost tour and provided good conversation
It was very nice, our guide karle was super
