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Kyoto

Private Guided Tour to Arashiyama - Journey with Guides in English, German, and Italian

Experience the charm of Arashiyama, Kyoto, with our immersive tour. Traverse the serene Bamboo Grove, explore historic temples, and engage with local wildlife, all while uncovering secret local spots. Transform your visit into an unforgettable journey today!

Language
English, German, Italian
Location
Kyoto
Rating
Duration
4–5 h

Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Arashiyama with our guided exploration, a journey through lush landscapes, and profound spiritual heritage. Our knowledgeable local guides will lead you through an enlightening exploration of this scenic beauty, revealing hidden gems that only an insider would know.

Venture into the tranquil Bamboo Grove and feel the harmonious connection with nature as you stroll beneath its towering stems. Experience the living history at the Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a testament to the spiritual essence of Arashiyama. Color your memories with a walk through the enchanting Kimono Forest, where the myriad of vibrant colors are sure to leave you spellbound. Make unforgettable moments as you cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama's scenic allure. Up the adventure ante with a visit to Monkey Park, where playful primate encounters are part of the unique interactive experience. 

The tour, of course, would not be complete without taking you off the beaten path to some of Arashiyama's best-kept secrets.  Embrace the full Arashiyama experience within this curated and compact journey, crafted to let you witness the best of what this exquisite corner of the world has to offer.

Itinerary

Stop At: Saga-Arashiyama Station: Starting Point of our Journery. 20 minutes.
Our immersive journey into Arashiyama begins at Saga-Arashiyama Station. As we gather, feel free to introduce yourself, mingle with fellow travelers, and soak in the bustling energy of this popular transport hub.

Stop At: The Bamboo Forest Trail: Walk Through a Natural Sanctuary. 40 minutes.
A stone's throw from the station, our first stop is the ethereal Bamboo Grove. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this lush pathway, surrounded by the soothing whispers of towering bamboo stalks gently swaying in the wind. It's not just a walk; it's an embrace of serenity that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Stop At: Tenryuji Temple: Diving Deep into Cultural Heritage. 45 minutes.
Stepping out of the bamboo serenity, we journey back in time as we approach the historic Tenryuji Temple. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple, with its Zen gardens and breathtaking artistry, offers an unforgettable insight into Japan's rich cultural past and the tenets of Zen Buddhism.

Stop At: A Pause for Refreshments: Quick Lunch Break. 30 minutes.
Following the captivating visit to Tenryuji, we allow ourselves a moment of relaxation. Enjoy a quick lunch, share your impressions with your travel companions, and prepare for the second part of our journey.

Stop At: Arashiyama Kimono Forest: A Textile Fantasy. 20 minutes.
Our journey continues towards the extraordinary Arashiyama Kimono Forest. Here, you will marvel at a forest of sorts, made up of 600 vibrant pillars draped with unique kimono fabrics. It's an unskippable burst of color and creativity in Arashiyama.

Stop At: Togetsukyo Bridge: Panoramic Beauty Unleashed. 15 minutes
Next, we find ourselves at the famous Togetsukyo Bridge. Standing on this architectural marvel, soak in the breathtaking landscape that unfolds - the calm Hozu River gently flowing below, framed by the striking Arashiyama mountains.

Stop At: Monkey Park Iwatayama: Encounter with the Wildlife. 1 hour 10 minutes.
Our adventure takes an exciting turn as we trek to the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Feel your heart pound with anticipation as we ascend the mountain to interact with the playful Japanese monkeys in their natural habitat, all while savoring a panoramic view of Arashiyama that leaves many speechless.

Stop At: Saga-Arashiyama Station: Wrapping Up the Day. 20 minutes
We return to Saga-Arashiyama Station, wrapping up our adventurous journey through Arashiyama. Take this time to absorb the events of the day, share your favorite moments, or even discover a local delicacy before bidding your travel companions farewell.

Key Takeaways

Immersive Experience: Uncover Arashiyama's hidden gems with local experts as your guides.

Tranquil Bamboo Grove: Walk amidst towering bamboo in the ethereal Bamboo Forest Trail.

Historical Significance: Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO site, offers insight into Arashiyama's spiritual essence.

Vibrant Kimono Forest: Explore a captivating installation of colorful kimono pillars.

Iconic Togetsukyo Bridge: Stand upon the bridge for breathtaking panoramic views.

Playful Monkey Encounters: Ascend Monkey Park Iwatayama for interactive primate encounters and stunning vistas.

Off-the-Beaten Path: Discover Arashiyama's hidden treasures, exclusive to the tour.

Seamless Inclusions: All admission fees covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Cultural Insights: Engage with key Arashiyama attractions, from temples to bridges and more.

Multilingual Tours: Enjoy tours in English, German, and Italian, accommodating diverse preferences.

Flexible Cancellation: Benefit from a 24-hour advance notice for full refunds.

Convenient Duration: The tour spans approximately 5 hours, thoughtfully paced.

Meeting Point: Begin and end at Saga-Arashiyama Station, ensuring accessibility.

Related Read: Honeymoon in Japan: The Best Destinations for a Romantic Getaway

So much better than a large tour group
Our guide, Aron, was young and energetic, but not so energetic that I couldn't keep up. He was insightful and funny, and knew small shortcuts to avoid the large crowds. He was full of information, of course, but informal and kept things light. I never felt rushed, but the small tour size kept us nimble and able to maneuver through busy streets.
April Conway
August 12, 2023
Fantastic personalised private walking tour
We had a great walking tour with Aron, who brought us to the Arashiyama bamboo forest and the monkey park. Aron was very informative and shared with us information about the history of each area. He also brought us through a less busy route, with a shorter time required to walk which was great as we had two young children with us. We would be happy to recommend Aron and his company to anyone keen on exploring the area.
Bernard C
August 8, 2023

Itinerary

Saga-Arashiyama Station
Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto

Meet at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, where you can take a few minutes to explore the surrounding area and get acquainted with your group.

2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Duration: 40 minutes

From the station, we will head to the famous Bamboo Grove, which is only a few minutes away. This serene path is surrounded by towering bamboo trees, and the natural beauty of this area will leave you in awe.

3
Tenryuji Temple
Duration: 45 minutes

After Bamboo Grove, we will walk to Tenryuji Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is famous for its beautiful gardens and is considered one of the best Zen temples in Japan.

4
Lunch Break
Duration: 30 minutes

Enjoy a quick lunch, share your impressions with your travel companions, and prepare for the second part of our journey.

5
Arashiyama Kimono Forest
Duration: 20 minutes

From Tenryuji Temple we will walk to the nearby Arashiyama Kimono Forest, which is an impressive installation of 600 colorful pillars decorated with different kimono fabrics.

6
Togetsukyo Bridge
Duration: 15 minutes

After visiting the Kimono Forest, we will go to the Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama's most popular attractions. This bridge offers breathtaking views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains.

7
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

From the bridge, we will hike to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, which is located on a mountain overlooking Arashiyama. Here, you can interact with the Japanese monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Saga-Arashiyama Station
Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto

End your tour by walking back to the Saga-Arashiyama Station, where you can take some time to explore the area or grab a bite to eat before departing.

Frequently asked questions