Kyoto
Arashiyama: Japan’s Garden of Eden
Day Trips & Local Escapes • 6 hours
5.0
(139)
Arashiyama: Japan’s Garden of Eden
Explore Arashiyama's instagrammable bamboo forest, historic temples and gardens, and one of Japan's most famous and iconic bridge
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Explore one of the most naturally beautiful locations in Japan with a helpful host to guide your journey
- Walk through Arashiyama’s most famous areas, including the Bamboo Grove and Tenryū-ji Temple
- Take part in local pastimes, like rowing across the river, or hiking up the mountains for a birds-eye view
- Get suggestions for a traditional snack like salty bamboo ice-cream from your host
- Have a friendly local insider to suggest other areas to visit on your vacation
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
6 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
6 hours with a host
Tickets to 4 of the following 5 temples: Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, Gio-ji, Otagi Nenbutsuji, Daikaku-ji
Tickets to Okochi Sanso Villa
Tickets to Monkey Park Iwatayama
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
Bicycle rentals
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
The host will be waiting in front of the Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building ShopCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
The bamboo forest might be the main reason to visit Arashiyama, but with a host, you can see (and do) so much more. Rent a boat in the pristine lower Hozu-gawa area, row down the river between lush green mountains, or hike up mountains to see the cityscape from a scenic lookout point.
Explore Tenryū-ji Temple and its unchanged garden from centuries ago and exit into the seemingly endless, emerald-glowing Bamboo Grove, winding dreamily uphill. You could walk across the glittering Katsura River and spy excited macaques at the Arashiyama Monkey Park, or you could wander between Zen temples, breathing in the fragrant air, and celebrate the spirit of ancient Japan with a traditional kaiseki meal.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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Lawrence
May 2025
Masala was a great host and immersed me into the Kyoto experience. Wonderful!!
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Maria Angela
May 2025
The guide, Ai, the beautiful sights, the wonderful experience at the water mirror. Overall 5 star. Would do it again.
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Mark
Apr 2025
Ada was the most excellent guide. We really enjoyed our time with her. We learnt so much and saw some incredible places. We could not fault her.
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Erin
Apr 2025
We had a wonderful day exploring the bamboo Forrest and several shines. Our guide Vanessa was wonderful! She was full of knowledge, friendly, and very informative. She tailored the trip to our wants and even met us at our hotel. I highly recommend booking a trip with Vanessa!
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Robin
Apr 2025
We loved where she took us and the information she shared with us. She not only guided us to all of the places on our wishlist, she also gave us pertinent information on each location, answered all of our questions (even looking up the answers she didn’t know off hand). Most importantly she added a personal touch, making it seem as if a close friend was guiding us through an experience of a lifetime. A must recommended 20/10 for sure!
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Stephen
Mar 2025
Alex was above and beyond an excellent guide and companion. He is gregarious, knowledgeable, a great guy. He showed us everything we wanted to see, gave great advice about local insights and good strategies for local getting around. One of us lost an item on a local bus after the tour. We called him and he and his wife found which lost and found the bus took it to and we recovered it next day. We could not have done that without their local knowledge and fluent Japanese. Service above and beyond! Strongly recommend this tour, start early, crowds are impressive!
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