5-hr Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour

5.0 (489 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
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Duration5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 7 travelers

Overview

Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience.

1. Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove: We take you to the iconic Bamboo Forest for the perfect photo, but also escape to a "Secret Temple" with stunning moss gardens and a hillside villa with panoramic views of Kyoto, far from the tourist crowds.

2. Guaranteed Michelin-Rated Lunch: Enjoy a premium lunch at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens (World Heritage). We serve authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide—a healthy and unforgettable cultural experience.

3. Don't just look at the gardens; understand them. Your guide will teach you how to "read" and enjoy the philosophy of Japanese gardens, comparing Western symmetry with Japanese "Natural Asymmetry," turning the scenery into a deeper cultural lesson.

What's included

  • Photos during the tour
  • A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
  • Michelin-Rated Lunch: "Shojin Ryori" (Traditional Buddhist Vegetarian/Vegan Course) inside Tenryu-ji Temple or traditional Kyoto lunch ※Please request at least 1day before the tour
  • 2 temples and 1 garden including Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage)
  • Additional foods and drinks (Available for Purchase)

What to expect

  1. Hokyoin
    15m · Admission ticket included
    First, we escape the tourist trail to visit a hidden temple known only to locals. Enclosed by mud walls and vibrant maple trees, this temple offers a perfect example of a "Moss Garden." Unlike the grand, open temples, this intimate sanctuary allows you to experience true "Wabi-Sabi"—the beauty of imperfection and tranquility.
  2. 1h
    hidden gems
  3. Bamboo Forest Street
    15m
    Walk through the towering bamboo stalks that seem to reach the sky and take memorable photos.
  4. Okochi Sanso Garden
    45m
    Next, we ascend to a private mountain villa and garden that feels like a hidden fortress. This spot offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. As you stroll through its winding paths, you will see many Japanese garden's design, which harmonizes with nature. It is a masterpiece that blends art with wild nature.
  5. Tenryu-ji Temple
    1h 10m · Admission ticket included
    At Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, you can enjoy Japanese gardens and Zen paintings with a guide's commentary.
  6. Togetsukyo Bridge
    20m · Admission ticket included
    End the tour at the souvenir street or Togetsu-kyo bridge

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand).
Your guide will be holding an orange signboard saying "Magical Trip".

End point

Tour will finish around main souvenir street. It may change depending on the location of the lunch restaurant.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon ss possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
  • As we will visit Buddhist and Shintoism facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
  • People of all ages can join this tour.
  • This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour.
  • Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.※ Requests made on the tour day cannot be accommodated. Please kindly understand that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions or the substitutions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to us.
  • Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs reaching 40°C (104°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (23°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. The tour may be canceled in the event of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
  • As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance
  • Alternative: In the rare case that Sho-jin ryori restaurant inside Tenryu-ji temple is fully booked, we will guide you to another historic restaurant (est. 1965) famous for Kyoto's iconic Tofu cuisine, offering a beautiful Japanese room in Sukiya-style architecture.
  • End of Tour: The tour ends at Tenryu-ji Temple, the heart of Arashiyama. You are perfectly positioned to continue your day by visiting the Monkey Park, relaxing at a nearby Onsen (hot spring), or shopping for souvenirs.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (489)
From
20,400.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by MagicalTrip Inc. · Booked through Viator
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