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
Sarah
Harun
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:
Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building Shop, Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 京都府京都市 下京区烏丸通塩小路下る東塩小路町901Cancellation:
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 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
Smiles light up under the vibrant Torii gates of Kyoto.
Embracing Kyoto's vibe on an unexpectedly bright day.
Exploring a unique paper sculpture in a Kyoto courtyard.
Enjoying the lively atmosphere at a Kyoto temple entrance.
Perched on a banana sculpture, absorbing Kyoto's expansive views.
Smiles gleam beneath the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto.
Evening strolls reveal Kyoto's enchanting pagoda under a twilight sky.
A glimpse of Kyoto's timeless charm on a clear day.
A festive moment surrounded by golden New Year decorations.
Strolling through Kyoto with a pagoda perfectly framed in view.
Exploring Kyoto's golden beauty amidst serene surroundings.
Smiles shared amidst the towering bamboo of Kyoto's paths.
Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo paths.
Uncovering peaceful beauty beneath a blooming cherry tree in Kyoto.
Exploring Kyoto's serene forests with ancient stone markers all around.
Exploring Kyoto's serene forest paths with bright smiles all around.
Enjoying a sunny day exploring Kyoto's traditional architecture together.
Enjoying a peaceful picnic under Kyoto's blooming cherry blossoms.
A cheerful group captures a lively night in Kyoto.
Exploring a serene Kyoto garden with laughter by the stream.
A quiet stone path invites exploration through lush Kyoto greenery.
Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo grove with wide smiles.
Strolling through the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto's serene pathway.
Standing by a tranquil stream, soaking in Kyoto's serenity.
Smiling in front of Kyoto's vibrant temple architecture.
Friends capture their Kyoto adventure under clear blue skies.
Enjoying matcha ice cream in Kyoto's sunny outdoors.
A moody sky frames Kyoto's serene temple view perfectly.
Cherry blossoms frame a vibrant red temple in Kyoto.
A quiet moment at Kyoto's temple under the rain.
A cheerful group enjoys a cherry blossom moment in Kyoto.
Strolling through Kyoto under a striking torii gate.
Sunset stroll beneath a torii gate in Kyoto's warm glow.
A quiet moment beneath Kyoto's stunning pagoda as evening approaches.
Enjoying sweet treats amidst Kyoto's bustling food stalls.
Smiling under Kyoto's sun at a beautiful temple backdrop.
Emerging with laughter from a tunnel of wishes in Kyoto.
Exploring the serene atmosphere inside a Kyoto temple.
Sharing a light moment outside a dazzling Kyoto theater at night.
A smiling group gathers under Kyoto's vibrant pagoda sky.
Tranquil reflections ripple beside mossy rocks in Kyoto's serene garden.
A bustling crowd wanders through Kyoto under the pagoda's watchful spire.
Gathering beneath a historic wooden gate in Kyoto's serene streets.
Admiring Kyoto's cherry blossoms beneath the serene pagoda.
Sharing smiles over soft-serve ice cream in a cozy Kyoto nook.
Smiles abound in front of Kyoto's stunning pagoda backdrop.
Enjoying a sunny day by the serene Kyoto statue.
Exploring ancient architecture under Kyoto's soft, overcast skies.
Face to face with London's iconic Tower Bridge under a cloudy sky.
Taking in the serene beauty of a Kyoto garden view.
Evening strolls near Kyoto's pagodas offer unexpected moments of charm.
Smiles all around at a scenic Kyoto temple terrace.
Sunlight spills over a cheerful group in historic Kyoto.
Sunset casts a golden glow over Kyoto's bustling street scene.
Exploring the serene bamboo paths of Kyoto together.
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
