In the quiet hills, we first visit Ōtagi Nenbutsu-ji, a hidden temple filled with 1,200 stone guardians, each carved by ordinary people under the guidance of a devoted priest. The statues—some smiling, some mischievous, some serene—create a joyful and spiritual atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Kyoto. You can find your “favorite face" and take a photo with it.

From here we descend to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, where thousands of stone memorials stand in neat terraces. For centuries this was a burial ground for those without family, and today the temple honors their spirits in a striking landscape of stone and silence. A bamboo path winds behind the temple, offering a quiet moment of reflection before we continue.

We then stroll down Saga-Toriimoto Street, a beautifully preserved approach once used by pilgrims heading to Atago Shrine. Its thatched-roof townhouses and traditional wooden buildings preserve the charm of old Kyoto. Here we slow our pace, browse small shops, or enjoy a light lunch, just as travelers and nobles once did centuries ago when visiting Arashiyama for poetry gatherings, moon-viewing, and seasonal beauty.

In the afternoon, we step into Tenryū-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking here is a chance to experience the principles of Zen harmony, balance, and stillness. From Tenryū-ji we wander directly into the world-famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks sway gently above us and light filters through in shifting shades of green and gold.

Our day culminates in a private boat on the Katsura River, a place long celebrated in poetry and art. Here, a former maiko (geisha apprentice) named Kohaku welcomes us in her seasonal kimono. She plays the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument central to geisha entertainment, and shares stories from her years of training in Kyoto’s exclusive hanamachi (geisha districts). Guests enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into geisha culture—normally closed to outsiders—learning about the artistry, discipline, and traditions that continue in Kyoto today