Day Trips & Local Escapes • 6 hours 5.0 (137)

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

Visit on the 15th, 21st and 25th of the month to catch one of the flea markets and grab amazing bargain kimono, ceramics, handicrafts etc.

What makes this experience special

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 to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

6 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

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 not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
Bicycle rentals
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

The host will be waiting in front of the Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building Shop

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

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. 

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

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What travelers think of this experience

Mark Apr 2025

Ada was the most excellent guide. We really enjoyed our time with her. We learnt so much and saw some incredible places. We could not fault her.

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Erin Apr 2025

We had a wonderful day exploring the bamboo Forrest and several shines. Our guide Vanessa was wonderful! She was full of knowledge, friendly, and very informative. She tailored the trip to our wants and even met us at our hotel. I highly recommend booking a trip with Vanessa!

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Robin Apr 2025

We loved where she took us and the information she shared with us. She not only guided us to all of the places on our wishlist, she also gave us pertinent information on each location, answered all of our questions (even looking up the answers she didn’t know off hand). Most importantly she added a personal touch, making it seem as if a close friend was guiding us through an experience of a lifetime. A must recommended 20/10 for sure!

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Stephen Mar 2025

Alex was above and beyond an excellent guide and companion. He is gregarious, knowledgeable, a great guy. He showed us everything we wanted to see, gave great advice about local insights and good strategies for local getting around. One of us lost an item on a local bus after the tour. We called him and he and his wife found which lost and found the bus took it to and we recovered it next day. We could not have done that without their local knowledge and fluent Japanese. Service above and beyond! Strongly recommend this tour, start early, crowds are impressive!

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Raisa Mar 2025

Milo was great! very knowledgeable, respectful and patient! thanks for an unforgettable experience around Kyoto!

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Kerry Oct 2024

Daus was an outstanding guide. He provided historical and local knowledge at each place we visited that made for a very fun day.

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