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
Pam
Sravan
Match with one of our local hosts
Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.
100% Flexible: Adapt in real time
Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.
Experience Overview
Time:
6 hoursWhat to expect:
Fully tailored to your preferencesLanguage:
Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)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.
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 Excluded:
Food and drinks
Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
Bicycle rentals
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
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 travelers think of this experience
What 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.
Real Stories, Real Connections
Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace
Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest
Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard
Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees
Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening
Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur
Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape
Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty
Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii
A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity
Emerging Through the Wishful Archway
Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter
Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden
Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda
Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site
Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets
Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk
Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest
Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto
Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue
Exploring Timeless Beauty Together
Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo
Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style
Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility
Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto
Family Adventure in Kyoto
Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel
Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple
A Dazzling New Year Celebration
A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto
Family Adventure by the Golden Temple
Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland
Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape
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
