Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the best of western Kyoto on this full-day tour. Begin in Arashiyama, where you’ll stroll through the iconic bamboo grove, cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and explore Tenryu-ji Temple’s famous garden. Try your hand at a traditional Japanese craft, creating a memorable souvenir to take home. Afterward, we’ll travel by train to Ryoan-ji to admire its world-famous Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of simplicity and contemplation. Finally, visit Kinkaku-ji, the dazzling Golden Pavilion, where shimmering gold leaf and serene gardens create an unforgettable scene. This tour combines Kyoto’s natural beauty, historic temples, and hands-on cultural experiences, making it the perfect way to see the highlights of western Kyoto in one day.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Tenryu-ji Temple
Meet with your guide and JR Kyoto Station and start your journey to Arashiyama Station. Explore the Arashiyama area with your guide followed by the first stop, Tenryuji Temple. Build in 1339 by Takauji Ashikaga.
Togetsukyo Bridge
After spending some time at the temple, we will head through the bamboo grove to Togetsukyo Bridge. Togetsukyo Bridge has been a landmark in the Arashiyama area for over 400 years. A wooden bridge spanning the Katsuragawa River in front of Arashiyama offers a wonderful view. It is your lunchtime! There are many restaurants and food stalls along the river. You can either sit in a restaurant or try different types of street food. If you finish lunch before the meeting time, you can buy souvenirs at the lively shopping street.
Options
Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji
What‘s Included
Guided tour with an English speaking guide
Bus and train tickets required for the tour
Koboshi experience fee
Entrance fees for each spot during the tour
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day with our great guide Justin
HillsofCV,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Justin was waiting to meet us and we ended up being the only people signed up for the tour, so we got a wonderful private tour. We traveled by trains, bus, walking, etc to 3 amazing places. We could not have gotten to all those places on our own, but Justin seamlessly led us around to lovely places outside the city center. Justin spoke perfect English and very good Japanese. He even gave us lots of suggestions for food and things to do when we go to our next destination. Thank you to Justin and Snow Monkey Resorts. We booked about 7 tours with Snow Monkey and they were all wonderful.
Great English Tour
T5986CTmaryy,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a phenomenal tour. The guide Justin was incredibly knowledgeable about all the destinations we went too. And he always answered our questions whether about the history or culture. Great lunch spot, cold noodles on a hot day! There were times to rest if you needed too or grab a drink in the hot weather.
Kyoto city tour
Venture18069626888,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, Justin was fun, entertaining and knowledgeable. We were able to do spend the perfect time in each activity.
Great tour
Dave K,Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Justin did a great job. We saw what we wanted to see and we were always on schedule without feeling rushed. The Kinkakuji Temple was spectacular.
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Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)