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- English
Explore the serene beauty of Arashiyama on this captivating day tour, featuring visits to unique temples and a scenic bamboo grove. Discover the whimsical stone figures at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, contemplate the memorial stones at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, and stroll along the historic Saga-Toriimoto Street. Experience tranquility at the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji Temple before immersing yourself in the enchanting bamboo forest. Conclude your day with a private river cruise on the Katsura River, hosted by a former maiko who shares Kyoto's rich cultural heritage through music and storytelling.
- Visit iconic sites including Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Tenryū-ji Temple
- Enjoy a private boat cruise on the Katsura River with a former maiko
- Stroll through Arashiyama's famous bamboo grove and preserved streets
- Experience local culture and history in a small group setting
This tour requires an easy level of fitness. We use buses and boats, so unfortunately it is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The Starbucks is on the first floor of the Kyoto Tower Sando commercial building, right beside the Kyoto tower entrance. Look for the guide holding a Snow Monkey Resorts sign outside the Starbucks.
Itinerary
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1Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
In the quiet hills, we first visit Ōtagi Nenbutsu-ji, a hidden temple filled with 1,200 stone guardians, each carved by ordinary people under the guidance of a devoted priest. The statues—some smiling, some mischievous, some serene—create a joyful and spiritual atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Kyoto. You can find your “favorite face" and take a photo with it.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Adashino Nembetsu-ji Temple
From here we descend to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, where thousands of stone memorials stand in neat terraces. For centuries this was a burial ground for those without family, and today the temple honors their spirits in a striking landscape of stone and silence. A bamboo path winds behind the temple, offering a quiet moment of reflection before we continue.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area
We then stroll down Saga-Toriimoto Street, a beautifully preserved approach once used by pilgrims heading to Atago Shrine. Its thatched-roof townhouses and traditional wooden buildings preserve the charm of old Kyoto. Here we slow our pace, browse small shops, or enjoy a light lunch, just as travelers and nobles once did centuries ago when visiting Arashiyama for poetry gatherings, moon-viewing, and seasonal beauty.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Tenryu-ji Temple
In the afternoon, we step into Tenryū-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking here is a chance to experience the principles of Zen harmony, balance, and stillness. From Tenryū-ji we wander directly into the world-famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks sway gently above us and light filters through in shifting shades of green and gold.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Our day culminates in a private boat on the Katsura River, a place long celebrated in poetry and art. Here, a former maiko (geisha apprentice) named Kohaku welcomes us in her seasonal kimono. She plays the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument central to geisha entertainment, and shares stories from her years of training in Kyoto’s exclusive hanamachi (geisha districts). Guests enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into geisha culture—normally closed to outsiders—learning about the artistry, discipline, and traditions that continue in Kyoto today
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- 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.
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