Kyoto

Arashiyama: Japan’s Garden of Eden

Day Trips & Local Escapes • 6 hours 5.0 (135)

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.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

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.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

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!

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!

Raisa Mar 2025

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

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.

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!

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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