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Arashiyama Morning Escape Bamboo Grove and Zen Temple
Product code 467981P22
From
From JPY 6,500
Dates
Available from Jan 15, 2026
Start times
8:00 AM
Travelers
Adult ages 0-99
Options
Standard rate
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
3 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 6,500
Arashiyama Morning Escape Bamboo Grove and Zen Temple
View all photos
Duration
3 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Explore Arashiyama at its most peaceful time on this early-morning walking tour. Enjoy the famous bamboo grove, riverside views, and historic temples before the crowds arrive. With a local English-speaking guide, you will learn the cultural background and hidden stories most visitors miss. Begin in the quiet bamboo grove, walking beneath towering bamboo while hearing about its role in Japanese culture and the history of Arashiyama. Then visit a nearby Zen temple, such as the Tenryu-ji garden area or another local temple depending on availability, where your guide explains Zen philosophy and seasonal garden design. The tour continues along the Katsura River on a peaceful riverside path with scenic views. Your guide will point out photo spots and share lesser-known stories from Arashiyama’s past. This experience is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Arashiyama in a calm atmosphere while gaining a deeper understanding of its history, culture, and natural beauty.
Overview
Explore Arashiyama at its most peaceful time on this early-morning walking tour. Enjoy the famous bamboo grove, riverside views, and historic temples before the crowds arrive. With a local English-speaking guide, you will learn the cultural background and hidden stories most visitors miss. Begin in the quiet bamboo grove, walking beneath towering bamboo while hearing about its role in Japanese culture and the history of Arashiyama. Then visit a nearby Zen temple, such as the Tenryu-ji garden area or another local temple depending on availability, where your guide explains Zen philosophy and seasonal garden design. The tour continues along the Katsura River on a peaceful riverside path with scenic views. Your guide will point out photo spots and share lesser-known stories from Arashiyama’s past. This experience is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Arashiyama in a calm atmosphere while gaining a deeper understanding of its history, culture, and natural beauty.
What's Included
Included
Entrance fee
Not included
No exclusions listed.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of TULLY’S COFFEE at Randen Arashiyama Station. Your guide will be waiting outside the café by the ticket gates, wearing a yellow armband. Look for the TULLY’S sign after exiting the platform. Contact your guide via WhatsApp if needed.
End point
Meet your guide in front of TULLY’S COFFEE at Randen Arashiyama Station. Your guide will be waiting outside the café by the ticket gates, wearing a yellow armband. Look for the TULLY’S sign after exiting the platform. Contact your guide via WhatsApp if needed.
Itinerary
Stop 1
30 minutes
Stop 1
Stroll through the iconic bamboo grove, surrounded by tall bamboo swaying overhead. This peaceful path is one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots and offers a unique atmosphere for walking and taking pictures.
Stop 2
40 minutesAdmission included
Stop 2
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple and admire its stunning garden, which blends ponds, rocks, and mountains into a classic Japanese landscape. Your guide will explain the history of the temple and the ideas behind Zen Buddhism.
Stop 3
15 minutes
Stop 3
Explore this ancient Shinto shrine, once used by imperial princesses before serving at Ise Shrine. It is known for blessings for love, education, and safe journeys, and features rare black wood buildings and bamboo torii gates.
Stop 4
30 minutes
Stop 4
Enjoy walking through the lively shopping area filled with traditional sweets, souvenirs, and local food. This is a great place to experience everyday Kyoto culture and try seasonal snacks.
Stop 5
30 minutes
Stop 5
Walk along the peaceful Katsura River and enjoy views of the water, mountains, and seasonal nature. The river has long been part of Arashiyama’s charm and offers beautiful photo opportunities. Finish at Arashiyama’s most famous landmark, Togetsukyo Bridge. From here, enjoy wide views of the river and surrounding hills, and take memorable photos to conclude your tour.
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
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