Arashiyama Tour: Hidden Temples and Bamboo

Explore Arashiyama’s hidden temples and serene bamboo forests. Discover wabi-sabi’s beauty in imperfection on this tranquil Kyoto walking tour.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a tranquil and lesser-known treasure, offering a distinctive and personal experience. The temple is famous for its collection of over 1,200 stone statues, known as rakan, each with unique facial expressions, creating a whimsical yet peaceful atmosphere. The serene gardens and natural…
What's Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Guided walk of Arashiyama
  • Local Guide
  • Admission fee for Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Jojakko-ji Temple
Additional Information

Experience Arashiyama in a unique way with this small-group walking tour. While you will still explore renowned attractions like the Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge, the guide will also take you to lesser-known temples steeped in history, traditional villages, and picturesque local spots often overlooked by tourists. This tour is crafted to be both…

Location
Hannari Hokkori Square
Meetup: 09:15 am Go to Hannari Hokkori Square in front of Randen Arashiyama Station. Meet a guide with a green signboard written "Japan Wonder Travel" . Please come 15 minutes before the start time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(36 Ratings)
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Lily_m
Sep 14, 2025
Amazing Kyoto - Tour guide professional and informative. So much to see and learn about Kyoto. We had a great time. My suggestion is for you to come to Kyoto in Spring (Cherry Blossoms) or Autumn. Summer in Kyoto is hot and humid but if you’re someone who don’t mind the hot and humid weather, Japan is a must see country: history; culture; aesthetics, and so much more.
Review provided by Viator
Voyage66982357226
Sep 6, 2025
Exploring Oku Saga - We visited 2 temples and each temple was quite impressive. Otagi Nenbutsu ji temple have 1,200 unique stone rakan statues (disciples of Buddha), each carved with a different expression—some humorous, some serene. Jyo Jakko ji temple have a beautiful moss gardens, bamboo forests and views over Kyoto city from its hillside location. Overall Oku-Saga has a calm, rural atmosphere with narrow lanes, old houses, small temples, and rice fields.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sai
Sep 6, 2025
Walking Tour in Arashiyama - I joined a wonderful half day tour in Arashiyama led by Saeko who guided us with a warm smile and clear explanations. Highlights included the 1,200 statues at Otagi-Nenbutsuji Temple, a refreshing drink stop on the way to Jojakko-ji Temple, a walk along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, and a photo stop at the Bamboo Grove. It was fun, educational, and a great way to learn about Kyoto’s culture and history. I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J6200nyek
Sep 2, 2025
Friendly and experienced guide - My guide Toshi is extremely helpful and friendly and well prepared. He knows all the best spots and gave me time to take photos and explored. Besides historical facts, he had also shared his experience as a local. He would talk at the right timing and made sure that I hadn‘t missed a view or the essential information. The cafe break was also very nice and an experience to observe and talk to the locals as well. I do very much appreciated the experience. Nice choice of popular spots as well as hidden gems.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elodiebw514fs
Aug 31, 2025
Great experience! - It was a really great tour! Osamu san was our guide and he was super friendly, explained everything we would be doing i details and a great guide. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Muskanb371
Aug 30, 2025
Arashiyama Walking Tour - The Arashiyama walking tour was a wonderful experience. The itinerary was well-planned, covering beautiful temples, quiet streets, and the famous bamboo grove at a relaxed pace. Everything was organized smoothly, and it never felt rushed. Our guide, Tossy, made the day even better with his friendly personality and great knowledge—he shared interesting stories that brought each place to life. It was a perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer19604608701
Aug 30, 2025
What a memorable tour with Tossy! - What a wonderful tour I had! Our guide Tossy was really professional. He was really plite but friendly, knowledgebul and taking really good care of all the members. Thanks for him all we had a relixing, enjoyable time. I really recommend the tour with Tossy! Thank you for your hard work to give us such a memorable moment, Tossy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Miyukio958
Aug 29, 2025
experience the religion and history of Arashiyama - It was a great experience, as our guide was well informed and took the time to explain the religious history behind the beautiful shrines and temples that we visited. Each location we visited had such a different vibe, making the tour well rounded and enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M1088psmartinag
Aug 21, 2025
Absolutely amazing tour! We explored hidden temples and quiet streets in Oku-Saga before visiting the Bamboo Grove. - I had the most amazing experience on this tour—it truly exceeded all expectations! Instead of being rushed through the usual crowded spots, we began our journey by bus into the peaceful Oku-Saga area. It felt like stepping into a secret corner of Kyoto, away from the hustle and bustle. The two temples we visited were absolutely beautiful, each with its own charm and fascinating stories that gave me a much deeper appreciation for the history and culture. Walking through the nostalgic streets lined with traditional houses was like traveling back in time. Every corner seemed to hold a quiet elegance that made me slow down and take it all in. And of course, the highlight was seeing Arashiyama’s famous Bamboo Grove and the stunning Togetsukyo Bridge. Experiencing these landmarks after exploring the serene village made them feel even more special—it was the perfect balance between hidden gems and iconic sights. This tour gave me a completely new perspective on Arashiyama. Instead of just checking off the popular spots, I felt like I got to feel the spirit of the place. Truly unforgettable—I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to experience Kyoto in a more authentic and meaningful way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Possanunt
Aug 18, 2025
Lovely! Highly Recommended! - I have a very nice experience in this tour. Our guide is very kind and the experience was amazing. We learned a lot about arashiyama hidden spot that you wouldn't know if you come by yourself . It is highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $78
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).