Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji

4.5 (102 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
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Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 25 travelers

Overview

Discover Kyoto’s timeless charm on a guided morning walk through Arashiyama’s scenic wonders. Stroll the iconic Sagano Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji Temple’s Zen gardens, and enjoy peaceful views from Togetsukyo Bridge. Depending on the season and plan, explore Jojakko-ji Temple’s mossy grounds or Okochi Sanso Villa’s panoramic hilltop garden. Beat the crowds with early departures and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of Kyoto’s nature. Tours operating from January to June and October to December 2027 include a relaxing yakatabune boat ride along the Hozu River, offering a unique view of Arashiyama from the water. Led by a licensed English-speaking guide, this tour blends cultural insight with natural beauty - perfect for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.

Options

2027 Regular Tour

Regular Course: Saga-Arashiyama Station > Jojakko-ji Temple > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Tenryu-ji Temple > Togetsukyo Bridge > Yakatabune

Summer Itinerary Jul - Sep

Itinerary changes: Visit to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden replacing the regular course of Jojakko-ji visit
Summer Itinerary: Kyoto AVANTI > Saga-Arashiyama Sta.> Togetsukyo Bridge > Tenryuji > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Okochi Sanso Villa > Kyoto Sta.

2026 Regular Tour

Regular Course: Saga-Arashiyama Station > Jojakko-ji Temple > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Tenryu-ji Temple > Togetsukyo Bridge

What's included

  • National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
  • Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
  • [During July and September] Jojakko-ji Temple

What to expect

  1. Arashiyama
    Pass by
    From Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, travel by public transport with non-reserved seats. Please note that seating is not guaranteed and may require standing during busy hours.
  2. Jojakkoji Temple
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Jojakko-ji Temple offers panoramic views of Sagano and Kyoto. In autumn, the temple’s hillside bursts into color as vibrant foliage blankets Mt. Ogura, creating a stunning 360° seasonal spectacle. During summertime (July - September), instead of Jojako-ji, explore the exquisite Okochi Sanso Villa Garden, featuring beautiful landscapes.
  3. 10m
    From Jojakko-ji Temple, the tour will be heading to Tenryu-ji Temple while strolling along the Sagano Bamboo Grove, a popular spot among international travelers.
  4. Tenryu-ji Temple
    30m · Admission ticket included
    A World Heritage site. This Zen temple stands in one of Kyoto's leading sightseeing areas. The Japanese garden is complemented by the beautiful landscapes of Arashiyama, and has been registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
  5. Togetsukyo Bridge
    30m · Admission ticket included
    This 250-meter-long bridge offers a spectacular location for viewing cherry blossoms or colored autumn leaves. Enjoy the scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge.
  6. 30m · Admission ticket included
    [Only January to June & October to December 2027] Enjoy the scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama
    from aboard the yakatabune. The guide will not board the yakatabune. *This experience is not included in 2026 tours or July to September 2027 tours.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Sunrise Tours Desk on B1F of Kyoto AVANTI, located directly across from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. The meeting point is on the basement level, not the ground floor. [October - June] 8:30am [July - September] 7:05am

End point

The tour ends upon arrival at Kyoto Station. Please proceed to your next destination independently

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • If the minimum number of adult participants (2) is not met by 4 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date maybe canceled
  • This tour uses public transportation with non-reserved seats. Please note that seating is not guaranteed
  • The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
  • As this is a walking tour, please wear shoes and clothing that are suitable for walking. The total walking distance for this tour is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • Free for children aged 0-5 as long as they will not occupy separate seats
  • Summer itinerary (July to September): Earlier start time to avoid peak heat. Part of the itinerary changes. Visit to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden replaces Jojakko-ji visit
  • [IMPORTANT NOTICE] A yakatabune river cruise is included on tours operating from January to June and October to December 2027. This experience is not included on 2026 tours or tours operating from July to September 2027
  • [January to June and October to December 2027 Tours Only] If the yakatabune cannot be boarded due to effects of high water level, etc., the tour will visit either Fukuda Art Museum or Okochi Sanso (partial refunds will not be issued). If all of the above alternative destinations are closed or unavailable for entry, the corresponding yakatabune boarding fare will be refunded (JPY 1,500/adult, JPY 1000/child)
  • Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.5 (102)
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