Day Trips & Local Escapes • 6 hours 5.0 (134)

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

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What travelers think of this experience

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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Joanna, Oct 2024

Ada is fantastic! She gave us a great day without a lot of instructions to see the bamboo forest and its surrounding areas (i.e. pretty much surprise me!) and I appreciate that we were taken to hidden gems with less tourists. She is also great at taking pictures so we have great memories of the trip to take them with us. She’s super fun to be around!

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Tim, Jun 2024

Alexis was a fantastic guide and passionate about what he does. Although not of Japanese birth, he has a deep understanding of Japanese culture due to his years in Japan. He is very straightforward in his no nonsense approach to the the facts and history of the tour highlights. We certainly covered a lot of ground , but he was always checking on our well being to make sure it was within our limits.

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Joerg, Jun 2024

Es war ein wunderschöner Tag den wir gemeinsam mit Harun im Arashiyama Bamboo Grove und Umgebung verbracht haben. Wir haben so viele Schreine gesehen, und insbesondere der mit den vielen Steinskulpturen hat es uns angetan. Genau wie der ZEN-Garten und die weiteren Bambuswälder neben dem großen. Empfehlung: nur eine Tour am Tag, wenn man nicht über 20 Kilometer gehen will. Harun ist ein sehr aufmerksamer und guter Guide, der auch auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen ist. It was a wonderful day that we spent together with Harun in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the surrounding area. We saw so many shrines and we were particularly impressed by the one with all the stone sculptures. Just like the ZEN garden and the other bamboo forests next to the big one. Recommendation: only one tour per day if you don't want to go over 20 kilometers. Harun is a very attentive and good guide who also responded to our wishes.

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