Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Hidden Temple & Zen Garden Walking Tour
by MagicalTrip Inc.
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥37,000Overview
This about 5-hour walking tour in Kyoto focuses on Arashiyama's bamboo grove, a hidden temple, and scenic gardens, including a Michelin-rated lunch. The tour starts with a visit to a little-known temple featuring a moss garden enclosed by mud walls and surrounded by maple trees, showcasing traditional Japanese aesthetics. Next, participants walk through the bamboo forest, taking photos among the tall stalks. The route continues uphill to a private mountain villa with paths that display Japanese garden design and offer wide views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. Lunch is served near Togetsukyo Bridge at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple grounds, offering authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide. After lunch, the guide explains the philosophy of Japanese gardens during a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting Zen paintings and garden layouts. The tour concludes with free time at the souvenir street or Togetsukyo Bridge. Included are a certified guide, lunch, snacks, entrance fees, and photos taken during the tour. Additional food and drinks can be purchased separately.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Hidden Temple with Moss Garden
The tour begins at a hidden temple known mainly to locals. The temple is enclosed by mud walls and surrounded by maple trees. It features a moss garden that exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, highlighting imperfection and tranquility in a small, intimate setting.
15 min
Quiet Arashiyama Areas
The tour proceeds through less-frequented parts of Arashiyama, highlighting calm and lesser-known sites apart from the main tourist zones.
60 min
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Participants walk through the famous bamboo grove with tall bamboo stalks reaching skyward. This section offers opportunities for memorable photographs.
15 min
Mountain Villa and Garden with City Views
The group ascends to a private mountain villa and garden resembling a hidden fortress. The garden paths demonstrate Japanese garden design principles that blend art and nature. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains in a peaceful setting.
45 min
Lunch Near Togetsukyo Bridge
Lunch is served at a restaurant near Togetsukyo Bridge, located inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens. The meal consists of authentic Kyoto-style Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide.
60 min
Tenryu-ji Temple Gardens
At this UNESCO World Heritage site, the guide explains the design and philosophy of the Japanese gardens and presents Zen paintings. Visitors gain insight into Japanese garden aesthetics and cultural context.
30 min
Souvenir Street or Togetsukyo Bridge
The tour ends at either the souvenir shopping street or Togetsukyo Bridge, allowing participants time to continue exploring or relax.
20 min
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Hidden Temple & Zen Garden Walking Tour
by MagicalTrip Inc.
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥37,000Overview
This about 5-hour walking tour in Kyoto focuses on Arashiyama's bamboo grove, a hidden temple, and scenic gardens, including a Michelin-rated lunch. The tour starts with a visit to a little-known temple featuring a moss garden enclosed by mud walls and surrounded by maple trees, showcasing traditional Japanese aesthetics. Next, participants walk through the bamboo forest, taking photos among the tall stalks. The route continues uphill to a private mountain villa with paths that display Japanese garden design and offer wide views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. Lunch is served near Togetsukyo Bridge at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple grounds, offering authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide. After lunch, the guide explains the philosophy of Japanese gardens during a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting Zen paintings and garden layouts. The tour concludes with free time at the souvenir street or Togetsukyo Bridge. Included are a certified guide, lunch, snacks, entrance fees, and photos taken during the tour. Additional food and drinks can be purchased separately.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Hidden Temple with Moss Garden
The tour begins at a hidden temple known mainly to locals. The temple is enclosed by mud walls and surrounded by maple trees. It features a moss garden that exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, highlighting imperfection and tranquility in a small, intimate setting.
15 min
Quiet Arashiyama Areas
The tour proceeds through less-frequented parts of Arashiyama, highlighting calm and lesser-known sites apart from the main tourist zones.
60 min
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Participants walk through the famous bamboo grove with tall bamboo stalks reaching skyward. This section offers opportunities for memorable photographs.
15 min
Mountain Villa and Garden with City Views
The group ascends to a private mountain villa and garden resembling a hidden fortress. The garden paths demonstrate Japanese garden design principles that blend art and nature. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains in a peaceful setting.
45 min
Lunch Near Togetsukyo Bridge
Lunch is served at a restaurant near Togetsukyo Bridge, located inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens. The meal consists of authentic Kyoto-style Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide.
60 min
Tenryu-ji Temple Gardens
At this UNESCO World Heritage site, the guide explains the design and philosophy of the Japanese gardens and presents Zen paintings. Visitors gain insight into Japanese garden aesthetics and cultural context.
30 min
Souvenir Street or Togetsukyo Bridge
The tour ends at either the souvenir shopping street or Togetsukyo Bridge, allowing participants time to continue exploring or relax.
20 min
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.