Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Hokyoin
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.
hidden gems
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Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
456 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
See the hidden secrets of Arashiyama
426hannesw,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a wonderful tour, where you can see many scenic and beautiful temples, shrines and gardens. This day I was the only guest, which didn't seem to worry my guide, Josh. He did an amazing job, explaining all the little details and was very patient and cheerful. Great experience, thank you so much! I need to come back in autumn/fall :)
Beautiful tour
X7517HCalexp,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Tony O and he was wonderful. Very knowledgeable of the history and showed us the ins and outs of many gardens. Made great conversation and went out of the way to help us find where to go after the tour. Was a wonderful guide and tour. Highly recommend!
Bamboo Forrest and Tea Garden Walking Tour
P5451OKstevenp,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip to Kyoto was incredibly exciting, and our guide, Moeka, made it even more memorable. She was professional, kind, funny, and very personable throughout the tour. Her knowledge of the Bamboo Forest and the surrounding tea gardens added so much depth to the experience. One of my favorite moments was visiting a calligraphy studio in the Bamboo Forest. Moeka kindly helped us write our names in Katakana, which was such a unique and fun cultural experience. She was patient, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable. It was also a wonderful way to relax and recharge after exploring the area on foot. The tour was informative, engaging, and ended on a perfect note. I highly recommend Moeka to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Kyoto!
Yumi is the Best!
E8644IFannae,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yumi was a wonderful guide for our trip and found lots of out of the way places. My young son adored her and loved the places we went.
Exceptional Kyoto Tour with a Phenomenal Guide
Mark R,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour experience was absolutely excellent! We learned so much about Kyoto and wrapped up the day with an amazing meal. Our guide, Yuki, was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. She even went out of her way to help us get to our next destination. We are extremely grateful for her hospitality and highly recommend both this tour and Yuki—she is truly the best guide we’ve ever had!
Bamboo forest and temples
vonneho,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very beautifull views. Guided through hidden gems where you suddenly escape the busy tourism into a beautifull sight with a long private moment of silence. Great explanations from our guide. A lot of information thanks to her being a devour believer. Showing us how to meditate and how to show courtesy towards temples.
Very beautiful!
242daniloo,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience is worth it, especially thanks to the guide who accompanied us on this experience, Akira
Information!
edwardrR210BR,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amy was fun and informative and a fantastic guide.
Hidden Gems and Bamboo Forest
debaM2093GE,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bamboo Forest and Hidden Garden Tour - Tour Guide: Amy ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ A wonderful tour that took us to the hidden gems including the most magnificent gardens, Shrines and Temples The highlight for us was the quiet gardens that were off the usual tourist routes. Amy shared her extensive knowledge of culture, history and the local stories. The lunch was fabulous and Amy took time to take us through the foods and dishes Overall one of the best walking tours we have been on Debra & Stephen A
magical experience
salleet2026,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00a beautiful walk along the streets, we enjoyed seeing the new houses built in the old traditional way. the gardens and temples were beautiful. we had a lovely guide, who spoke excellent english, with lots of great information of what we were seeing. we learnt a lot of new information today. with the bamboo forest near the end of the tour was a magical site. and a most enjoyable lunch. thank you
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