Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide, explore the area of Arashiyama and Sagano, where aristocrats once unwound in their villas more than 1,000 years ago.
The highlights of this tour include the scenic countryside views from Togetsukyo bridge; Tenryu-ji temple with its beautiful traditional gardens; the enchanting world from within the Bamboo Grove; and Jojakko-ji Temple with its breathtaking green moss. During the tour you will also visit some secret spots unfamiliar to the usual tourists.
Enjoy the walk and delicious food while learning about Japanese culture and history. Our guides are looking forward to arranging a tour that’s best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
Arashiyama
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. "Moon Crossing Bridge") is Arashiyama's most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located just adjacent to the bridge.
Options
Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Meet up with guide in Kyoto
The pick up/drop off for this tour is on foot.
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Lunch - Lunch (for yourself)
Entrance fee (for yourself)
Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)
Private Vehicle
Other personal expenses
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
57 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Day With Kazu
LMG-77,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Kazu touring Arishiyama. Kazu is extremely knowledgeable and provided an excellent overview of Kyoto history. The day was well planned and we got a full perspective on each site was visited. Kazu speaks excellent English and is a friendly and interesting guide. We highly recommend him with 5 stars.
Great personal guide
peteroD2851RF,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were met by Yuka at our hotel. She was very personable and professional. She explained where we were going and how to get there. She had great knowledge and explained what we were seeing.. At the end of the tour, there was still more time. She offered to take us to the market which was a couple of kilometres from the Golden Temple where we were. She took us to the market, and showed us how to get back to our hotel. Really enjoyed the market.
Fabulous tour in Arashiyama!
Irina K,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour Arashiyama park was fabulous! Our guide Kazuo S. was knowledgeable, passionate about Japan’s culture and history, friendly and very flexible with a good command of English language. Kazuo organized everything and made out tour relaxing and enjoyable; he showed us not only places in itinerary but also some unique and hidden Arashiyama jams and treasures. It was an amazing day! We highly recommend this tour and our guide to people who want to know more about Japan.
Thorough, beautiful sites, and informative
Happiness50495564591,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tom was our guide. He spoke fluent English and was able to communicate enough with the Japanese locals at all the stops. He is very knowledgeable about all the sites we visited and was able to answer the questions we peppered his way. The tour felt thorough and unrushed.
Private guided tour - Kyoto
Jean L,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed our guided tour with Kazuo, he was very helpful and knowledgeable. We covered the following areas within the 6 hours of our tour. - Arashiyama bamboo forest - Okochi Sanso garden / villa - Otagi / Adashino / Gioji / Tenryu-ji temples - Togetsukyo bridge - Walking through Sagano area
Nabet is awesome
Sucheta B,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nabet is truly wonderful. He did a great job making sure we saw all the important things, gave detailed and interesting information on each place, and key us on pace! He’s GREAT!
Perfect tour.
Jet01398218798,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nabet was the best!!! He clearly knows and loves Kyoto. Perfect itinerary and kept us on pace to see everything. Thank you!
A wonderful day in Sagano/ Arashyama
Asrar H,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a wonderful time with Michi san. He’s very knowledgeable and flexible. Visiting the Shugakuin Imperial Villa was a unique experience. We had excellent views of Arashyama, slightly away from the crowds. I took many beautiful photos.
Walking Arashiyama & Sagano
Rebecca H,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00You need a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of the experience. Arashiyama is so much more than a pretty backdrop for photos. So much history & culture
Great tour of monkey park and bamboo forest
Chris C,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great tour of the Kyoto monkey park and bamboo forest. Our guide Michi was terrific. He made the tour both fun and educational for our entire family. He also showed us many other sites in the Arashimaya area that were interesting and very pretty. We cannot say enough great things about Michi.
Related Experiences
Operated by Japan Guide Agency