What a wonderful day we shared with Kazu. We spent the morning and early afternoon exploring Arashiyama with Kazu whose knowledge brought Kyoto’s history, religion, and culture to life. Having someone explain not just what we were seeing but why it mattered made an enormous difference. First up was the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks create an almost otherworldly landscape. Walking among them, listening to the rustling leaves beneath the green canopy, felt genuinely magical. Bamboo has long held cultural and spiritual significance in Japan. It is associated with strength, resilience, flexibility, and purity, while its straight, towering growth creates a natural sense of order and calm. In Buddhist settings, bamboo can also evoke simplicity, impermanence, and the disciplined path toward enlightenment. The grove offered a glimpse into the Japanese appreciation of forests not merely as scenery, but as places of reflection and spiritual connection. Of course, we shared this supposedly contemplative experience with thousands of others who had the same brilliant idea. Finding tranquility required patience or an unusually creative camera angle. Still, the grove really is beautiful. Next came Tenryu-ji, one of Kyoto’s great Zen Buddhist temples. Its magnificent garden incorporates the surrounding mountains into a landscape that feels both carefully designed and completely natural. Nothing seems forced; everything belongs. The Japanese call this “borrowed scenery.” Then came Okochi Sanso Garden, the former estate of Denjiro Okochi, a celebrated Japanese film actor best known for his samurai roles. He spent roughly 30 years developing this remarkable hillside retreat. The result is a gorgeous succession of gardens, winding paths, carefully framed views, and glimpses across Kyoto — a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate Japanese garden design. It’s also a place with a LOT of steps. Up steps. Down steps. More up steps. Steps apparently designed by someone who believed a beautiful view should require a modest sacrifice of one’s remaining quadriceps. The gardens were spectacular. Our legs had a different review. Finally, we visited Jojakko-ji, a peaceful hillside temple with moss-covered grounds, beautiful vegetation, and an atmosphere that felt worlds away from the crowds below. Naturally, reaching this serenity required — you guessed it — more steps. 😳 There’s a certain irony in climbing half a mountain in pursuit of Zen. By the end, I was less interested in contemplating the impermanence of existence than the permanent damage to my calves. This was Kyoto at its most reflective — and occasionally most aerobic.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- 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
Excludes
- 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.
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 2 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
Itinerary
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.
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.
The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style. Shugakuin's name comes from a former temple built on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was constructed between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno's daughter added ten years later. More recently in 1964, the surrounding farmlands were bought by the Imperial Household Agency. They are leased out to local farmers who continue to work the fields.
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family. Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots. Tours in English are available.
Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible hot springs from Kyoto. Outdoor and indoor baths can be enjoyed at Kurama Onsen, a ryokan located at the upper end of the town of Kurama. It can be reached in a 10 minute walk from the train station along the town's only road or along a nature trail following the river. Staying guests can use the baths for free, while daytrippers pay 2500 yen(Weekday), 2700 yen(Weekend) to use all of the baths or 1400 yen(Weekday), 1600 yen(Weekend) for just the outdoor bath (rotemburo).
Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism located in Kyoto's western mountains. Similar to Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountain side and looks out onto Kyoto. The temple grounds are spacious and there are many buildings distributed up the mountain side. A priest from Enryakuji, named Gesan, established Yoshiminedera as a personal retreat in 1029. In 1467 the temple was destroyed in the Onin War but was rebuilt in 1621. The temple's main objects of worship are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan and a Kannon statue given to the temple by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.
Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a large temple in the northern part of Kyoto's Sagano district. It was originally built in the early 800s as the detached palace of Emperor Saga, who thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this calm area on the outskirts of Kyoto. Thirty years after the emperor's death, the palace was converted into a temple and has since been one of the highest ranked temples of Shingon Buddhism. Daikakuji has had a role in several significant historical events. A succession of retired emperors reigned from here, and in the 12th century the temple hosted peace talks that reunited the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts after 50 years of civil war. Daikakuji is also featured in the Tale of Genji, the first novel in Japanese literature. Today, the temple is one of the best places to still feel the ancient court atmosphere described in the novel and is often used for filming historical dramas.
Daikakuji is a temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Formerly the residence of an emperor, the buildings were converted into a temple in 876. During its history the temple traditionally had members of the imperial family serve as the head priest. Beside the main temple buildings there is a large pond and a pagoda.
This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), located in the back of Arashiyama's bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several different gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and gates. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside.
Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), the temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths.
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family. Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots. Tours in English are available.
This mountainside temple was founded in 1596. With small, attractive buildings and gates, the temple has a quiet and understated atmosphere. Maple trees and moss are located just beside the paths and stairs that lead across the temple grounds. From a number of spots, visitors can enjoy views over Kyoto.
Similar to Jojakkoji, Nisonin Temple is a hillside temple with slightly larger and imposing buildings. A generally understated atmosphere on the temple grounds is partly due to the overhanging trees along approach. Founded in the mid 9th century, Nisonin is a temple of the Tendai sect. There are views over the city from the upper grounds.
Gioji is even more nestled into the forest than Jojakkoji and Nisonin. It is known for its moss garden that is punctuated with tall maple trees. The temple's entrance gate and small main hall have thatched roofs. The latter has an attractive round window looking into the gardens.
Adashino Nenbutsuji is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The temple was founded in the early 9th century when the famous monk Kobo Daishi placed stone statues for the souls of the dead here. Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of such stone statues. In the back of the temple, a short path leads through a bamboo forest.
Another ten minute walk north of the similarly named Adashino Nenbutsuji, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression. Created relatively recently in the 1980s and early 1990s, the many statues stand across the temple grounds which cover part of a forested mountain slope.
Kibune (貴船) is a small town in a forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, which developed around Kifune Shrine. According to legend, a goddess traveled in a boat from Osaka all the way up the river into the mountains north of Kyoto, and Kifune Shrine was built at the site where her boat journey had come to an end. Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain and believed to be the protector of those at sea. Here you can obtain a unique type of fortune written on paper slips (omikuji) that reveal their messages when dipped into water. Okunomiya, the inner sanctum and original site of Kifune Shrine, lies about one kilometer further up the valley. It has a large rock, known as the boat stone, which is said to be where the goddess' yellow boat is buried.
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Reviews
We 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.
We 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.
Our 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.
Tom 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.
We 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 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!
Nabet was the best!!! He clearly knows and loves Kyoto. Perfect itinerary and kept us on pace to see everything. Thank you!
Had 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.
You 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
We 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.
We had such a great time exploring the Arashiyama area with Yuka! She was very knowledgeable and knew exactly where to take us!
Privileged to have such a wonderful and knowledgeable guide in Akiyama-san. So enjoyed our experience - great combination of a history lesson and amazing vistas and temple visits. Ask for Kazunori Akiyama-san by name, you won't be sorry.
Nice n Wah scenery but need long walking, November is crowded, not advisable for those people want slow walk n take photo
Kyoto customized garden tour: Our guide Kaeko Tanigawa was outstanding. We had the perfect day in Kyoto including: Arashiyama Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Villa, and Ryoanji Temple and Kinkakuji Temple. A beautiful trip, plus great recommendations on restaurants in Kyoto.
Our tour was excellent. It was a very hot day and it was very tiring. Ken was a great tour guide. He was very informative and he even gave us a 1 page info sheet about Kyoto history. My children were able to go to the monkey park too!
We had such a fantastic day out with Rie! She was an excellent tour guide and she showed us some lovely spots in the forest, Kyoto and Uji! Her English is excellent and she took some lovely photos of us. Rie was very communicative over email and was happy to adapt the itinerary to our requests. We would highly recommend booking this tour. Thank you again Rie!!
Hi We were so happy about our guided tour to the Bamboo forest in Kyoto, and beyond :). Kaeko T. was an amazing guide, she told us so many things we didn’t know, and she always had a keen eye on us, she made sure we didn’t get lost or separated, she also made sure to ask about it we ever needed a break or if we were thirsty or hungry. Top service. Thank you so much for this your kindness and heartfelt service. All the best, the family from Denmark
We spent a wonderful Saturday touring with our guide Kazz on the “Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Private Tour". We were blessed with a perfect sunny 30degree day and Kazz made contact with us prior to our departure from NZ to check on whether we had any preferences for things we wanted to see. He arranged to meet us at our hotel at 9am and had provided a rough itinerary of where we’d be visiting and an expected budget for entrance fees and taxis (the most logical way around in our timeframe). This was very useful to know so we could ensure we had enough cash as not all taxis accept c/cards. Kazz was very friendly and had allot of knowledge about every place we visited. We started at Kinkaku-ji temple, then Ryōan-ji temple (rock garden), Giō-ji temple, Bamboo Path (Take-no-michi), Tenryū-ji temple, Arashiyama Togetsu-kyo bridge, Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, Sannenzaka path, Yasaka-no-to Buddhist pagoda, finishing in Gion district. We saw and learnt so much being with Kazz. It was an action packed day but there is no way we would have seen all that we did by ourselves in the time we had. Kazz is a talented photographer and he knew all the best spots for photo opportunities! We took our own photos but the icing on the cake was he kindly took many photos of us and the places we visited as well. He sent us a link to download any photos we wanted to after the tour … we now have some wonderful photos of us in these beautiful locations - thanks Kazz! We’d totally recommend a day with a guide to ensure you hear the history of these amazing places and if you’re lucky enough, you might get Kazz 🌟
Yuka was an amazing guide and we had a lovely six hour visit with her. She was supposed knowledgeable and pleasant, and she was also flexible in responding to our requests. I would recommend her 100%.
We had a lovely tour with Tomo, she took us to see the best sights and knew how to avoid the crowds most of the time very much improving our experience
Satoko was a wonderful and engaging guide. The monkeys were the highlights for the kids, but we also enjoyed the bamboo forest and the temples and shrines.
Kiyoshi was an amazing tour guide. He took us to the Golden Pavillion, the bamboo forest and the Imperial palace. He provided all the background information and interesting facts about the sites and allowed ample time for snacks and a lunch break. We would tour with him again.
Our tour with Bell was truly so great. She was a wonderful guide and took us through the tranquil parts of Kyoto. She was very patient with our larger group and insightful on all the temples we visited. The tour didn’t feel rushed, we had time to stop at the little markets throughout the quite neighborhoods and get all the snacks and treats we wanted. We definitely would do this tour again, there’s so much to see in the areas we were in!
An excellent and insightful tour with our kind and knowledgeable guide, Kazuo. We went to Arashiyama, of course, but also went to little-known places that were peaceful and not so touristy. We also appreciated how considerate Kazuo was with my being slow due to previous injuries. Five stars!
Overall we had a lovely relaxing day. Our visit to the Bamboo Forest was beautiful. We were very lucky with the weather. It was a bright clear sunny day. Very picturesque place. Later we visited a temple. Again a very beautiful spiritual place with plenty of photo opportunities. A trip to the Imperial Palace was very insightful and we learned a bit more about the Japanese culture. Laterally we visited a Geisha district. Not much to see here as we visited in the afternoon. Think it would come alive a night time.
It was a good and comprehensive tour of Arashiyama. The scenes of autumn peak were truly breathtaking. Pity it was very crowded and the paths up and down the hills were very slippery especially when it was raining then.
Nice area to explore, communication with guide prior really helped in putting together an itinerary that met my wish list. The area was super crowded the time of year I visited but guide knew her way around to minimize the 'touristy crowded areas' which helped improve our experience. She was also very patient when we came to a spot I want to spend more time in for photos. Would have been difficult to navigate the sites without Bell.
Our guide was Hirofumi Nalagawa. He is very professional and thorough in his preparation of our itinerary. He took our interests in full consideration and was meticulous throughout the tour. Arashimaya is beautiful and the changing of the colours of leaves during autumn and the serenity of the bamboo forest made it both magical and mystical. A must see.
This trip was a great opportunity for a nice brisk walk through the fabtastic bamboo forest and Monkey Park. We were surprised by the very large crowd which slightly lessened the effect of the experience. Our guide Ichiro was pleasant, well prepared and meticulous. He took time to explain all the features at the site. We were also very pleased that he also joined us for lunch where we were able to have a nice social chat - and for him to explain the meal.
Kazuo was terrific, knowledgeable and certainly made the day productive and at our pace. Highly recommend!
The bamboo forest was quite lovely , but could have been seen in an hour. There wasn't much else of interest on this tour. Additionally, our guide was quite ill-prepared. He could not answer the majority of the questions we asked.
After booking the tour, Kazz reached out to discuss the itinerary. He made some initial suggestions and then we worked back-and-forth to fine tune the tour. Our goal was to see some key sites in this area on the edge of Kyoto, and also to avoid crowds and see some places off the traditional path. On the day of our tour, he met us at our hotel and we took a taxi out to the Arashiyama area. We began at a temple on the outskirts of town, and were the first to experience it when it opened for the day. It even had a bamboo forest—not the crowded one of Instagram fame so it was perfect! Also to our surprise, Kazz brought his camera and throughout our day together took some great pictures and sent them to us after the tour. As we worked out he way across town visiting various sites, temples, and shrines, we not only learned about where we were visiting but about Kazz and his life. It was a very personal experience. We’re pretty active so he accommodated our request for the more walking the better. For lunch he recommended a local soba place, which made for a nice break in the day. Our last stop, also a bit further from the core touristy area along the river and up into a forested mountain was Daihikaku Senko-ji—a Buddhist temple perched in the rocks high up along the river. At the end of the tour Kazz made sure we knew how to get back to central Kyoto via train.
Great to see start of autumn colours, temples gardens and to visit a local market. Great to have help with public transport. Also great to share with our guide stories from different countries and culture.
Tomy was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable about Kyoto and attentive to our interests and needs.
Our tour was magical and informative. It made us feel like we were seeing the more traditional side of Japan. Kazuo was a phenomenal tour guide so we highly recommend him. He was very kind, professional, and knowledgeable of the history. He was honest and considerate enough to customize the tour based on our interests. He even helped me find a local artist I’d been searching for. This was our favorite day in Japan.
Tomy was the name of guide - we took a private tour to see arashiyama area: zen temple, monkey park, Tenryuji temple Ans garden and bamboo forest ! It was a great experience! Specially because we have a toddler and we couldn't take a regular tour! Tomy was very patient and nice with our little one! I would definitely recommend that - we didn't have to worry about directions looking into our phone- had a great family time exploring the area without hassle
Arashiyama was amazing and Sakoto made it an even more special experience. Her knowledge of the various temples made the difference after seeing so many temples and shrines. The added benefit was the sites that weren’t the major tourist spots!
My guide was very knowledgeable and patience, a great deal of information was obtained from her. I will definitely recommend this tour
Our guide Issa was knowledgeable and informative. The sites were beautiful and amazing and well worth the visit… the downside is that I read the tour as a small group tour with vehicle provided, when the cost for was a guide only..
The weather was fr from perfect, but we headed to the bamboo forest anyway and it did not disappoint, even in the rain! The walk to the various temples was amazing, loved the authentic neighborhoods. Our guide, Shoji, was knowledgeable and delightful. Great local lunch before heading back to city center.
Very informative and responsive guide Enjoyed our day out with Ted Caring person who took great pain in explaining the history of the places we visited
Our guide , Shoji , was a wonderful host and took us on a magical experience through western Kyoto. He was engaging and worked hard to make sure my mother in law was as comfortable as my teenage daughter. He took us to a local noodle place for lunch and the food and ambience was outstanding. . We also were lucky to be around and sit in on a buddhist ceremony at Daikakuji for the 1250th year birthday celebration of a famous Japanese monk. At the end he also made sure we got a cab to the Imperial palace so that we could squeeze in a quick look after our tour with him. We had missed it the day before as it was closed Family was happy and we would recommend Shoji to any person visiting Kyoto.
We had a wonderful time exploring Kyoto with Kazz as our guide. The tour was about five hours long and we got to see so many beautiful shrines and temples. Kazz sent us the professional itinerary several days before and he encouraged us to provide edits to be sure we saw everything we wanted to. We chose to take off one historic site and instead walk through the Nishiki Market where we had tempura and sake. Kazz was very knowledgeable and it is clear he is passionate about his job. He also brought a camera with him and took pictures of throughout the day and shared them with us after the tour. So helpful to have him taking quality photos not on a iPhone!Would highly recommend this tour.
We had a great tour, our guide Hiro was accommodating, helped us find gardens and calm. Recommended!
Our most memorable experience was having Kazuo Sumi as our guide. Kazuo kept in touch prior to commencement of our trip to organise which particular sites we wanted to see, providing options to choose from. Our transport from site to sight was seamless. Kazuo was very knowledgeable about places we visited, and welcomed any questions. When our trip had finished Kazuo took us to where we wanted to finish our day off. He also provided option for a meal. Thankyou Kazuo it was a most pleasurable time.
Loved seeing the gorgeous gardens, bamboo forest. Our guide was very helpful and clearly cared about our experience.
If you’ve already done the Kyoto and Nara tours, then this 3rd tour is a nice complement to them both. The bamboo forest and monkey park are worth seeing and there are some breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto along the way. If you like nature, this is a great tour to take!
Very informative guide who was kind enough to go over the scheduled time. She also helped us research and book our nighttime activity. Would highly recommend.
We had a great time with Satoko on our customised itinerary. She spent a lot of time and effort on research and planning; highly appreciated!
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