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Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
Product code 63670P29
From
From JPY 19,500
Dates
Jun 1, 2026 to May 21, 2027
Start times
9:00 AM, 9:30 AM
Travelers
Infant ages 0-3, Child ages 4-15, Adult ages 16-100
Options
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
5 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 19,500
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
View all photos
Duration
5 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience. 1. Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove: We take you to the iconic Bamboo Forest for the perfect photo, but also escape to a "Secret Temple" with stunning moss gardens and a hillside villa with panoramic views of Kyoto, far from the tourist crowds. 2. Guaranteed Michelin-Rated Lunch: Enjoy a premium lunch at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens (World Heritage). We serve authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide—a healthy and unforgettable cultural experience. 3. Don't just look at the gardens; understand them. Your guide will teach you how to "read" and enjoy the philosophy of Japanese gardens, comparing Western symmetry with Japanese "Natural Asymmetry," turning the scenery into a deeper cultural lesson.
Overview
Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience. 1. Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove: We take you to the iconic Bamboo Forest for the perfect photo, but also escape to a "Secret Temple" with stunning moss gardens and a hillside villa with panoramic views of Kyoto, far from the tourist crowds. 2. Guaranteed Michelin-Rated Lunch: Enjoy a premium lunch at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens (World Heritage). We serve authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide—a healthy and unforgettable cultural experience. 3. Don't just look at the gardens; understand them. Your guide will teach you how to "read" and enjoy the philosophy of Japanese gardens, comparing Western symmetry with Japanese "Natural Asymmetry," turning the scenery into a deeper cultural lesson.
What's Included
Included
Photos during the tour
A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
Michelin-Rated Lunch: "Shojin Ryori" (Traditional Buddhist Vegetarian/Vegan Course) inside Tenryu-ji Temple or traditional Kyoto lunch ※Please request at least 1day before the tour
2 temples and 1 garden including Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage)
Not included
Additional foods and drinks (Available for Purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand). Your guide will be holding an orange signboard saying "Magical Trip".
End point
Tour will finish around main souvenir street. It may change depending on the location of the lunch restaurant.
Itinerary
Stop 1
15 minutesAdmission included
Stop 1
First, we escape the tourist trail to visit a hidden temple known only to locals. Enclosed by mud walls and vibrant maple trees, this temple offers a perfect example of a "Moss Garden." Unlike the grand, open temples, this intimate sanctuary allows you to experience true "Wabi-Sabi"—the beauty of imperfection and tranquility.
Stop 2
1 hour
Stop 2
hidden gems
Stop 3
15 minutes
Stop 3
Walk through the towering bamboo stalks that seem to reach the sky and take memorable photos.
Stop 4
45 minutes
Stop 4
Next, we ascend to a private mountain villa and garden that feels like a hidden fortress. This spot offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. As you stroll through its winding paths, you will see many Japanese garden's design, which harmonizes with nature. It is a masterpiece that blends art with wild nature.
Stop 5
1 hour 10 minutesAdmission included
Stop 5
At Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, you can enjoy Japanese gardens and Zen paintings with a guide's commentary.
Stop 6
20 minutesAdmission included
Stop 6
End the tour at the souvenir street or Togetsu-kyo bridge
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infant Seats Available
Specialized infant seats are available
No Back Problems
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No Heart Problems
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon ss possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
Other
As we will visit Buddhist and Shintoism facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
Other
People of all ages can join this tour.
Health Other
This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour.
Health Other
Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.※ Requests made on the tour day cannot be accommodated. Please kindly understand that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions or the substitutions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to us.
Health Other
Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs reaching 40°C (104°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (23°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. The tour may be canceled in the event of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
Health Other
As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance
Health Other
Alternative: In the rare case that Sho-jin ryori restaurant inside Tenryu-ji temple is fully booked, we will guide you to another historic restaurant (est. 1965) famous for Kyoto's iconic Tofu cuisine, offering a beautiful Japanese room in Sukiya-style architecture.
Health Other
End of Tour: The tour ends at Tenryu-ji Temple, the heart of Arashiyama. You are perfectly positioned to continue your day by visiting the Monkey Park, relaxing at a nearby Onsen (hot spring), or shopping for souvenirs.
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.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
5.0
462 reviews
Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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