Arashiyama From Kyoto: Private & Personalized With A Local Guide
What your day looks like
This private Arashiyama walking tour is a flexible, personalized day trip from Kyoto that offers a unique alternative to standard sightseeing. Instead of following a rigid schedule, you'll explore at your own pace with an itinerary thoughtfully tailored to your interests. Experience Arashiyama’s highlights and hidden corners in a way that feels dynamic and engaging. Stroll beneath towering bamboo groves, visit tranquil temples off the beaten path, and wander atmospheric streets lined with artisan shops. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories, discover local traditions, and appreciate the distinctive character that makes Arashiyama so memorable.
The experience, in brief
- Stroll through Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and peaceful streets with a local host
- Visit hidden temples like Jojakkoji and meet monkeys at the hilltop park
- Explore Tenryuji, a UNESCO Zen temple with stunning gardens
- End with matcha and sweets at scenic Daikakuji, a former imperial retreat
The journey, in full
Explore the beautiful scenery of the Arashiyama district with its magical bamboo grove with a knowledgeable host by your side. Discover hidden gems away from the crowds like the Jojakko-ji Temple, a quiet and pleasant temple surrounded by beautiful nature on the mountainside of Ogura mountain. It offers spectacular overlook views of Arashiyama from its 12 m tall pagoda. Visit the monkeys at the Arashiyama Monkey Park - they’re cheeky things, though, don’t be fooled by those adorable faces. One of the main highlights of this area, Tenryu-ji, was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is registered as a world heritage site. Take the chance to learn more about Japanese Buddhism while relaxing in its beautiful landscape garden, created by the famous garden designer Muso Soseki. One of the underrated -but definitely worth visiting- temples on the outskirts of Arashiyama, it houses a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues which rewards adventurous visitors. Former imperial palace, now converted into a temple, Daikakuji played a role in several historical events. Would you like to discover more about Japanese culture and literature? Ask your host to tell you more about “the Tale of Genji”, the first novel in Japanese literature, taking place right here, at Daikaku-ji. One of the top sights in Kyoto, the main house here is a marvelous example of traditional Japanese architecture. The entrance ticket includes a taste of Japanese finest Matcha tea and wagashi (traditional sweets). Take your time to explore the beautiful garden, and you will find out why the imperial family built retreats in Arashiyama solely for its scenery. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed, and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Your day, step by step
Kyoto
Local Flavor at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
What to know before booking
Included
Private, personalized walking tour with a passionate local host Tickets to 4 of these 5 temples: Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, Gio-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Daikaku-ji Admission to Okochi Sanso Villa and Monkey Park Iwatayama Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your interests Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and tips
Not Included
Food and drinks Additional tickets for any attractions not listed in the inclusions Transportation (primarily a walking experience; public transport may be used at an additional cost) Bicycle rentals Gratuities (optional)
Meeting & Pickup
Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building Shop, Japan, 600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokōjichō
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
Had a great tour and learned a ton of history. Would recommend this tour as the guide is very knowledgeable and has the knows route and hidden gems to stop at along the way