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Offered languages
- English
Experience the tranquility of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest on this early morning walking tour, designed for crowd-free exploration (just look at the cover photo!). This small-group journey (contact us for private tours) takes you through the serene bamboo grove at its most peaceful, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Led by a knowledgeable guide and former educator, delve into hidden temples and quiet backstreets, gaining insights into Kyoto's rich cultural history. Enjoy expert photography assistance to ensure your memories are captured beautifully, making this tour a unique blend of sightseeing and cultural immersion.
- Early morning access to the Bamboo Forest for a quiet experience
- Explore hidden temples and lesser-known historical sites
- Expert photography assistance included for stunning images
- Small group size for a personalized and engaging tour
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
When you get off the train, walk towards the front of the station - the guide will be waiting for you in front of the crossing. The tour will begin promptly at 8:00am unless otherwise arranged.
Itinerary
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1Bamboo Forest Street
A must-see in Kyoto. We will arrive before the adjacent temple opens to avoid crowds and you will learn a brief history of how it came to be.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Nonomiya Shrine
Learn how to tell the difference between a temple and a shrine, and a brief explanation about the significance of the shrine and what is commonly found at shrines.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Jojakkoji Temple
Jojakko-ji Temple is a historic Zen temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, located near the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Bamboo Grove. This hillside Kyoto temple is known for its moss gardens, stone pathways, traditional wooden halls, and panoramic views over Kyoto city. Beautiful in every season, Jojakkoji Temple is a year-round highlight in Arashiyama, from spring cherry blossoms and summer greenery to autumn leaves and peaceful winter scenery.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4
Our Arashiyama Kyoto walking tour continues to Hōkyō-in Temple — a quiet, off-the-beaten-path Zen sanctuary rarely included on standard Arashiyama tours. While most visitors explore the famous landmarks, we step into a secluded space that preserves one of the most unexpected and deeply human stories of Japan’s medieval warrior era. Beneath its understated grounds lies a burial that reshapes how we understand loyalty, rivalry, and respect — a story few travelers ever hear without a guide who knows where to look.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Our journey concludes at Seiryō-ji Temple in Arashiyama, home to one of Kyoto’s most sacred and historically significant Buddhist images. While many visitors admire its impressive main hall and move on, this temple preserves a story that connects imperial devotion, international exchange, and centuries of quiet faith. It’s the kind of place where the surface is beautiful — but the deeper meaning only reveals itself when you understand what you’re truly standing in front of.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot comfortable walk approximately 10,000 steps
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty climbing stairs
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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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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