Share this tour
Offered languages
- Japanese
- Japanese
- English
- English
Explore a quieter, more local Arashiyama on a relaxed walking tour.
This experience focuses on hidden paths, calm temples, scenic views, and local food—beyond the typical tourist route.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Arashiyama comfortably and thoughtfully, with a small group and a local guide.
My name is Yusuke. I designed this tour and guide it myself as a local Kyoto guide.
With experience guiding over 3,000 guests, I aim to help you enjoy a deeper and calmer Arashiyama.
For guests who choose the “The Tale of Genji” option:
Most of the places visited on this tour (except the bamboo forest) appear in The Tale of Genji.
If you are interested, I will explain the historical and literary context during the tour.
Both options visit the same locations.
The “The Tale of Genji” option simply adds deeper literary storytelling.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of Locker area at the Keifuku(Randen) Arashiyama station. Randenya is shop at Keifuku(Randen) Arashiyama station. +Google map does not show exact place when you put correct station address.
If you prefer to go back to starting point. I will offer FREE returning walking tour.
Itinerary
-
1Nonomiya Shrine
+ Seeing black wooden Torii gate. Only 2 shrines in Japan have black torii gate. + Seeing beautiful moss garden. + Knowing the way of visiting temple and praying. + Knowing the differences between shrine and temple. + Feeling relaxing as a spiritual place. + Getting Shrine stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay stamp fee. *”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale. + Experiencing physically the world of the tale.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
+ Enjoying beautiful bamboo forest and soundscape of bamboo. + Taking photo time and memorable photos by Yusuke in bamboo forest.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
+ Experiencing old temple. This temple was built about 1,200 years ago originally. Present building was built about 300 years ago. + Seeing Japanese national treasure – Shaka Nyorai Buddhism statue. + Enjoying magnificent building and corrido with beautiful Japanese garden. + Getting temple stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay extra stamp fee. *There are 2 kinds of Temple stamp. Official stamp with paying and free stamp. + Enjoying local sweets. (optional) *Sweets fee does not include. + Ticket is 400JPY *”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale. + Seeing the tomb of Toru Minamoto who is the model of Genji in the tale. + Experiencing physically the world of the tale.
55 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4Daikaku-ji Temple
+ Former Emperor’s Imperial palace called Saga Gosho that was built about 1200 years ago. + This temple is the hidden gem. You can enjoy traditional imperial palace without crowds. + There are some unique way of building such as nightingale floor, corridor of Murasame and so on. + This is former imperial palace so that you can experience how emperor and queen lived. You also can move without walking on the ground. + Getting temple stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay stamp fee. + Ticket it 500JPY. *”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale. + Experiencing physically the world of the tale.
50 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5
+ The oldest artificial pond in Japan. + Enjoying beautiful scenery in each season and quiet bamboo forest. + Ticket is 300JPY.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- 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
- Travel/Walking time is included on the total tour duration. We will walk about 3km/55minutes during the tour with enjoying local scenery.
Additional info
- 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
- Travel/Walking time is included on the total tour duration. We will walk about 3km/55minutes during the tour with enjoying local scenery.
- You have to take off your shoes to enter inside at Seiryoji-temple and Daikakuji Temple.
- This tour will take about 4 hours.
- Please bring snacks if you need. There are not many restaurants around the ending point.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
