Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We keep groups small, with a maximum of 10 guests, so you enjoy a truly premium experience.
Your route avoids crowds and follows quiet, insider paths that bring you closer to real local life and the beauty of nature.
Also you'll be guided by someone who actually lives here — not a script reader — so you get the real stories, secret spots, and local life instead of the standard tourist version. You'll learn why emperors, nobles, and wealthy merchants all chose Arashiyama as their private retreat, and how history, food culture, zen culture and daily life all connect to this landscape.
By the time you’ve seen the views, tasted the flavors, and heard the truth behind Arashiyama, you won’t just visit Arashiyama — you’ll understand it and fall in love with its soul.
nd your Arashiyama journey with a beautiful local tea treat and a relaxing foot massage. You can even choose a flower petal foot bath, a perfect healing touch after the fatigue of travel.
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Kyoto Sagano Maison Matcha Cafe Torokko Saga Station
Discover the history of the Sagano Romantic Train. Explore the origin and meaning of Saga (Sagano).
Heijo-in Temple
Discover the history of Shinbutsu Shūgō, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism.
Bamboo Forest
Real local neighborhood where people actually live
Bilingual Local Tour Guide
Togetsukyo Bridge
Coffee and/or Tea
Tipping is optional but appreciated for excellent service
Lunch
Dinner
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
L747YBabbyh,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had a wonderful time exploring Arashiyama with my guide, Benjamin. I originally thought this place was just about the bamboo grove, but there’s actually so much more history and beautiful scenery to discover. Highly recommended! He’s also a fantastic photographer.

anas0nu,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We loved the tour! Benjamin is a great guide and told us many interesting things and took great pictures of us. After the tour, he sent us a list of restaurant recommendations. Great experience :)
Pioneer47402195431,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We did a tour yesterday with Benjamin through GuruWalk, and it was amazing. He took us to all the places we wanted to see—the main tourist spots as well as some hidden gems that we absolutely loved exploring. His knowledge was incredible, and he surprised us with so many interesting details that we would have never discovered on our own. We 1000% recommend him!

Excursion63203024326,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Ben was an amazing guide! I did the bamboo first tour and yes the forest is busy but Ben did a great job finding us quiet areas. The nature in this part of Kyoto is breathtaking. He was so knowledgeable about the area and its history. He also had so many great recommendations everywhere in Japan. I’d highly recommend booking this!
alfonsolh922,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with Ben! We appreciated his knowledge and demeanor. Very kind.
381alessandraf,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is a wonderful tour and our guide Benjamin is very knowledgeable, funny and engaging. Beautiful walk through the bamboo forest and surrounding. I highly recommend this tour!




preyeshm2017,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Benjamin was a wonderful guide around Arashiyama. He was knowledgeable and funny. Great to be around and also takes great photos.
kathyw922,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a fabulous walk today with Benjamin. We did the early morning tour in order to beat the crowds. There were still a lot of people. Our visits to the shrines, bamboo forest and river were complemented by great insights into the culture, beauty and nature of the area. We bumped into others who got lost so I would recommend a tour from an educational point of view and time efficiency. You may be lucky enough to get Benjamin as your guide.
eduardov847,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We have learned a lot, it has shown us the most interesting and beautiful places. A great guide
829jennifert,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had the best time with Ben the Tour Guide! Our group met early in the morning and he showed us around the Arashima bamboo forest, history, poetry, pottery and quiet nature and neighbourhoods. In addition, he was our personal photographer and told us many stories with a peronal touch. He was especially extremely kind to me when I needed a bit of help to sort out my travels. I recommend Ben to anyone passing through Kyoto!
Operated by WonderlandJapan