Get your discount tickets for the Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour, save up to 9% !
Overview
Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience. 1. Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove: We take you to the iconic Bamboo Forest for the perfect photo, but also escape to a "Secret Temple" with stunning moss gardens and a hillside villa with panoramic views of Kyoto, far from the tourist crowds. 2. Guaranteed Michelin-Rated Lunch: Enjoy a premium lunch at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens (World Heritage). We serve authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide—a healthy and unforgettable cultural experience. 3. Don't just look at the gardens; understand them. Your guide will teach you how to "read" and enjoy the philosophy of Japanese gardens, comparing Western symmetry with Japanese "Natural Asymmetry," turning the scenery into a deeper cultural lesson.
Meeting and Pickup
Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand). Your guide will be holding an orange signboard saying "Magical Trip".
End Point
Tour will finish around main souvenir street. It may change depending on the location of the lunch restaurant.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. First, we escape the tourist trail to visit a hidden temple known only to locals. Enclosed by mud walls and vibrant maple trees, this temple offers a perfect example of a "Moss Garden." Unlike the grand, open temples, this intimate sanctuary allows you to experience true "Wabi-Sabi"—the beauty of imperfection and tranquility.
2. hidden gems
3. Walk through the towering bamboo stalks that seem to reach the sky and take memorable photos.
4. Next, we ascend to a private mountain villa and garden that feels like a hidden fortress. This spot offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. As you stroll through its winding paths, you will see many Japanese garden's design, which harmonizes with nature. It is a masterpiece that blends art with wild nature.
5. We will have an authentic Kyoto style lunch near Togetsukyo bridge
6. At Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, you can enjoy Japanese gardens and Zen paintings with a guide's commentary.
7. End the tour at the souvenir street or Togetsu-kyo bridge
Inclusion
Photos during the tour
A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
Exclusion
Additional foods and drinks (Available for Purchase)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon ss possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
As we will visit Buddhist and Shintoism facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
People of all ages can join this tour.
This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour.
Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.※ Requests made on the tour day cannot be accommodated. Please kindly understand that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions or the substitutions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to us.
Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs reaching 40°C (104°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (23°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. The tour may be canceled in the event of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance
Alternative: In the rare case that Sho-jin ryori restaurant inside Tenryu-ji temple is fully booked, we will guide you to another historic restaurant (est. 1965) famous for Kyoto's iconic Tofu cuisine, offering a beautiful Japanese room in Sukiya-style architecture.
End of Tour: The tour ends at Tenryu-ji Temple, the heart of Arashiyama. You are perfectly positioned to continue your day by visiting the Monkey Park, relaxing at a nearby Onsen (hot spring), or shopping for souvenirs.
Reviews
4.9
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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