Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night
Overview
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THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL GHOST TOUR.
This is something completely different—a uniquely Kyoto experience that blends creepy, fun, and thrilling storytelling with an unforgettable night out while walking around. If you’re expecting a haunted house, an asylum, or a prison tour or similar, this might not be for you!
We’ll start by grabbing a drink and dive into spine-tingling urban legends, chilling tales, and eerie events from Kyoto’s dark history. Instead of traditional yōkai or classic ghost stories, you’ll explore atmospheric streets and shadowy bamboo forests, immersing yourself in haunting tales and unique thrills.
At one point, you’ll even walk alone in the dark for a short stretch—an eerie and unforgettable moment designed to let you feel the atmosphere on your own. It’s safe, brief, but adds a delicious sense of dread to your night.
We highly recommend visiting the beautiful Kimono Forest (always open) nearby. It’s a stunning sight and a great way to set the mood for our tour.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Absolutely NOT recommended for travelers that are afraid of the DARK
Not recommended to walk around the area before the tour
Must be able to walk alone in the dark
IMPORT: some topics are NOT suitable for some people (suicide, serial killers, sexual assault)
Not Your Typical Ghost Tour: Focused on Real Mysteries, Not Mythical Yōkai
Kids under 16 are not allowed due to content and activities.
A minimum of 4 guests is needed to proceed.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
A SOLO walk in the bamboo forest
An Anti Curse QR code (limited)
1 drink (alcoholic or non-acoholic)
A Japanese Curse (only lasting 24 hours!)
Urban Legends, Real Ghost Stories & Serial Killers
Tips (WELCOMED)
Souvenir ghosts (they prefer to stay there)
Exorcisms (we like our ghosts just the way they are!)
What To Expect
We'll meet up at Saga-Arashiyama Station, right outside the ticket gates. You won't have to go down any stairs to find us. From there, we'll swing by a convenience store to grab some drinks. Then we'll take a walk towards the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. But keep in mind, the bamboo forest will be pitch dark at this time of night, making for a unique and scary experience.
Arashiyama
Step into the darker side of Arashiyama—an area known for its stunning views by day, but haunted by whispers of the past by night. From ghostly samurai to vanished lovers and eerie legends passed down through generations, this tour reveals the unsettling truths that lie beneath the surface. Walk the same roads where strange things have happened—and still might. This experience is not for the weak.
Options
Ghosts & Dark Tales
Reviews
513 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kyoto ghost tour
brianbE827YX,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My girlfriend and I had a great time during the ghost tour. Santiago was awesome and kind. He's an excellent story teller. I would definitely recommend.
Fun night!
Alison B,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The bamboo forest is an eerie place at night. The tour was entertaining and interesting It was lots of fun. Thanks for a great night!
Like no other
alejandrot895,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aron was very funny. Provided oversight of Japan's great stories and made a great scary/funny environment. We have done several experiences like this in Edinburgh, Madrid and Italy. But this one takes the first place
Great, fun and different experience to do in one of Kyoto's landmarks
sugheis,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time, Aron told great stories, between legends of lore and true crime, and with a great sense of humor despite the cold weather. Being in a forest at night is beautiful and spooky, perfect for this activity. Had such a great time that we didn't even felt the walk tiring after being walking all day in the city before that.
Lovely experience
ricecake17,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We totally loved our experience with Aron and Zoey! These have been a couple of hours well spent accompanied by great storytelling!Thank you for the boxed orange juice! Claudiu 🫶🏻
I had a great time and quickly bonded with everyone over spooks and laughs.
G4377ILmikea,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was wonderful. The tour guides had a great sense of humor and told wonderful stories, both local and even for other cities we'll be visiting. I would highly recommend it if you enjoy the paranormal, or just a fun night stroll through the bamboo forest.
Eerie fun with laughs and lore!
Odyssey32319047607,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! The guides told great stories, a mix of lore and true crime. Being in a forest at night set a perfect spooky ambiance. Definitely book with these guys!
Awesome spooky ghost tour
557colbyp,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A-Aron and Zoe were great tour guides! The tour was both informative historically and spooky. They also do a great job of bringing in everybody, I would recommend this to anyone!
Great tour
jamessG1701FK,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyable tour Guides were great and loved the stories Seeing Kyoto in the dark forest was great and would recommend Top notch stuff
Fun time
rhiannonk942,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was great, fun tour guides interesting stories great group of people. Would recommend highly enjoyable. Thanks again to Aaron and Zoey
From $47.77
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