Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Walking Tour in Kyoto
English
5 hours
This half-day walking tour offers a deeper look into Arashiyama’s history, gardens, and Zen culture. Walk through the bamboo grove, visit a historic temple and garden, and enjoy Shojin cuisine within temple grounds.
Admission to two temples and one Japanese garden
Matcha drink with a tea ceremony snack
Certified English-speaking guide
Lunch
Tour photos
What's not included
Additional food and drinks (available for purchase)
The tour begins at the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. Your guide will be waiting at the bottom of the stairs near the taxi stand, making the meeting point easy to find and convenient for arrival.
Start the walk with a visit to a quiet local temple and a traditional Japanese garden. This introduction sets a calm tone for the tour and offers insight into Japanese spirituality and garden aesthetics away from the crowds.
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8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Continue to Okochi Sanso Garden, a beautifully designed landscape once owned by a famous film actor. Enjoy seasonal views, carefully arranged paths, and a peaceful atmosphere while learning about the principles of Japanese garden design.
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Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Walk through the iconic bamboo grove, where tall bamboo stalks create a natural tunnel. The guide will help you navigate quieter sections and share stories about the area and its history.
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６８ Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Explore the temple grounds and garden while learning about Zen philosophy and temple history.
Enjoy a Shojin-style lunch at Shigetsu, the temple restaurant inside Tenryu-ji. This traditional vegetarian meal reflects Buddhist culinary traditions and offers a peaceful dining experience.
Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
The tour concludes at Arashiyama’s main souvenir street, where you can continue exploring, shop for local items, or enjoy the area at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The route includes unpaved paths and stairs, so the tour is not wheelchair accessible. We can recommend alternative accessible tours upon request.
Lunch features local dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are limited, but we will do our best to accommodate requests made in advance.
It is a traditional Japanese ritual where matcha (powdered green tea) is prepared and served ceremonially. This experience is included during lunch at a local restaurant.
Yes, we offer private tours upon request. Please contact us directly for more information and availability.
This is a walking tour with a moderate amount of walking on mostly flat ground, along with some uneven paths and stairs.
We really appreciated the tour. The guide was very nice.The explanations were very interesting and concise. We enjoyed our day. Thanks
Line P
February 19, 2026
All things Zen
What a beautiful way to spend the day- walking around visiting temples, shrines and beautiful gardens. Fuji was a most patient and knowledgeable guide providing the background to all things Zen. The gardens we visited were so beautiful and there were only crowds once we reached the bamboo forest and the last temple. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the last temple.
Kate d
February 13, 2026
Line P
February 19, 2026
A magical day
We really appreciated the tour. The guide was very nice.The explanations were very interesting and concise. We enjoyed our day. Thanks
Kate d
February 13, 2026
All things Zen
What a beautiful way to spend the day- walking around visiting temples, shrines and beautiful gardens. Fuji was a most patient and knowledgeable guide providing the background to all things Zen. The gardens we visited were so beautiful and there were only crowds once we reached the bamboo forest and the last temple. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the last temple.
