Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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. The 2025 plan includes 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.
Additional Info
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 3 km
Free for children aged 0-5 as long as they will not occupy separate seats
Summer itinerary (July - September 22): Earlier start time to avoid peak heat. Part of the itinerary changes. Visit to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden replaces Jojakko-ji visit.
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.
What To Expect
Arashiyama
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.
Jojakkoji Temple
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.
Options
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.
Regular Tour
Regular Course: Saga-Arashiyama Station > Jojakko-ji Temple > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Tenryu-ji Temple > Togetsukyo Bridge > Boat cruise
What‘s Included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee
Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Fees other than those listed in Includes
[During July and September] Jojakko-ji Temple
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
86 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
amandalK5561EJ,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible experience! Sumiko was an excellent guide who provided a lot of history regarding the shrines, gardens and other facts within the area. We had plenty of time to see everything we wanted as well as some free time for pictures. Well worth the experience for our first time in Kyoto! Suggest to book for a great first visit.
An amazing and informative tour!
Aussieb807,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views and tour guide were wonderful as well as the information given throughout the tour were amazing. The length of the tour was perfect and we had a very nice amount of free time at the stops to be able to enjoy the scenery and take photos. It was a nice pace of time to not feel like we were being rushed. I was very pleased with the amount of places and information we received while on the tour. This is suited for everyone whether it is families or solo travelers.
Beautiful blooms
lucapasqualem,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lots to see, beautiful gardens and landscaping.
An interesting walk
Excursion45247101746,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the walk around bamboo gardens and the temple gardens
Viewing Bamboo Beauty
153wendyi,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day exploring Sagano bamboo grove and touring temples around Arashima with Yuki (our guide)! She really knows the area well and taught us so many great things about the places we visited. Yuki was so happy to help us take photos at the best places - we were so grateful for that! She also gave us some insight about local food culture and the most unique and interesting souvenirs to look for when we shopped. which we absolutely loved! We definitely recommend this tour!!
Walking tour through garden
brucem0,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide MuMu very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Good pace.
What a wonderfully insightful experience with Yuki-chan
pseudos2025,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yuki-chan was so very insightful on our tour. She carefully explained the train system in Kyoto for us and then took us to a less populated area of the bamboo forests so that we didn't have to deal with the crowds as much. She was very informative about the cultural aspects of the different Buddhist temples and their rich history. The boat ride was beautiful on a clear day and even a food boat pulled up and we were able to get drinks and snacks. After the boat ride we visited a popular shopping street where we were able to sample multiple local foods and candies. I can't stress enough how informative Yuki-chan was at every stop we made; explaining the cultural significance of different foods and snacks as we shopped. Truly a wonderful experience spending the day with Yuki-chan
Small group best experience
R1670QEtomc,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed the day out, tour guide was very informative and helpful. Our group was small at only 4 people so it made the day much easier
Beautiful experience
594barbarat,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Yuki was really a fantastic guide, she took us even to uncrowded places despite having been really many people! To conclude exceptional boat trip!
Bamboo walking tour
codyz160,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yuki was very good tour guide, was very easy to understand for strictly English speakers, her information about all the temples and shrines was amazing and so in depth very kind and very friendly amazing tour guide couldn’t speak highly enough of her
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