Guided Tours

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour with Tenryu-ji Temple Admission

Walk with a local guide through Tenryu-ji Temple and its Zen gardens, then into Arashiyama's bamboo grove for a calm escape from city streets.

Begin at Tenryu-ji using your included ticket, meet your local guide, then set off on a relaxed walking route toward the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Your guided access covers the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple, from tranquil Zen gardens to paths that open up panoramic views of nearby mountains.

Stroll the photogenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then browse local shops for matcha sweets, wagashi treats, and handcrafted bamboo gifts to take home.

Add an optional chopstick-making workshop at Chopsticks Studio Kyoto to craft your own pair, with the studio admission fee paid separately on site.

Entry to Tenryuji Temple

Local Guide

Walking tour of Tenryuji Temple, gardens and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Visit to local shops for matcha sweets and gifts

Admission fee for Chopsticks Studio Kyoto workshop

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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What our guests say
Last week
My partner and I joined the Arashiyama walking tour on a sunny morning in Kyoto. Having a local guide with us made all the difference—she pointed out things in the bamboo grove I never would have noticed on my own. The included admission to Tenryu-ji Temple took away all the stress of buying tickets, and the gardens there are truly breathtaking. We ended at the bridge with great views of the river and mountains, snapping plenty of photos. The option to check out the chopstick studio at the end was a nice touch. Only thing is, it got a bit warm on the walk, but overall a fantastic experience.
3 weeks ago
I went solo and this tour was a highlight of my Kyoto trip. The guide was truly passionate about the history of Arashiyama and explained the background of Tenryu-ji Temple in such a clear way. Walking through the Bamboo Grove felt almost magical and even though the group was small, it made asking questions so much easier. I liked that admission to the temple was included. I would've liked a bit more time for photos, but overall, this is definitely a tour I'd tell friends to book.
5 days ago
We took this tour with our teenage kids and everyone in the family found something to enjoy. The guide balanced history and fun facts perfectly, especially when we walked through the bamboo grove and visited Tenryu-ji Temple. The included entry tickets were super convenient. My only minor complaint: the group got a bit spread out while walking to the bridge, but otherwise it was well organized and we’d recommend it to other families.
3 weeks ago
Tenryu-ji and the bamboo forest were super cool to see. Valeria was patient when we were late and still made sure we saw the temple, gardens, and the bamboo forest without rushing. She explained things in a way that made everything interesting, plus it felt like we got our money’s worth. Would totally join another tour with her.
4 days ago
Went with friends and it was a memorable walk. The guide answered all our questions and pointed out details we’d never have noticed alone. Tenryu-ji Temple’s garden was my favorite spot. Even with a bit of drizzle, the area was gorgeous and the tour still felt special.

Explore Kyoto's Arashiyama on a guided walking tour that includes Tenryuji Temple admission and a local guide.

Getting started

Meet your local guide at the designated starting point in Arashiyama and get a brief overview of the walking route. Your Tenryuji Temple entry ticket is organized in advance, so you can proceed directly toward the UNESCO World Heritage temple area. Once the group is ready, you set off on foot toward Tenryuji Temple to begin your guided visit.

What to expect

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Arashiyama, known for its Zen Buddhist architecture and historic garden layout. Your visit begins inside the temple precincts before continuing into the surrounding landscape.

Features

Your Tenryuji Temple entry ticket is included with this Guided Tour with Temple Admission Included, so you can focus on experiencing the site instead of handling ticket purchases on the day.

With a local guide, you follow a walking tour that covers Tenryuji Temple, its Zen gardens, and onward paths that connect to the wider Arashiyama area.

Inside the temple grounds, you explore the celebrated Zen gardens that frame views of the surrounding mountains and provide changing scenery as you move along the paths.

From selected viewpoints near the temple, you enjoy panoramic mountain views, which your guide helps you appreciate in the context of the garden design and temple setting.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

After the temple visit, the walking tour continues into the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto's most photographed landscapes. Paths lead between tall bamboo stalks, creating a distinct atmosphere as you move through the grove.

Features

The walking tour of Tenryuji Temple, gardens and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove lets you experience how the temple grounds connect directly into this famous bamboo corridor.

As you walk through the photogenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, your guide sets the pace and explains how this landscape has become one of Kyoto's signature sights.

The route through the grove includes spots that highlight the height and density of the bamboo, giving you time to pause for photos and absorb the surroundings.

Local shops in Arashiyama

The final part of the walk brings you into nearby streets lined with small businesses that specialize in regional snacks and crafts. Here you can discover food and gift options that reflect Arashiyama's location and materials.

Features

Your guide leads you to charming local shops where you can browse matcha sweets, traditional wagashi, and bamboo gifts that draw on local ingredients and craftsmanship.

The visit to shops for matcha sweets and gifts is included in the route, giving you practical suggestions for items to try or purchase as souvenirs.

You have the option to join a chopstick-making workshop at Chopsticks Studio Kyoto, which your guide can help you locate if you choose to participate.

Entry to the Chopsticks Studio Kyoto workshop is not included in this experience, so any admission fee for the chopstick-making session is paid separately on site.

Wrapping up

The guided portion of the Arashiyama Walking Tour With Admission concludes near the local shop area, where your guide can point out directions for returning by public transportation or for continuing your own exploration of Arashiyama.

What's not allowed

Wheelchairs and strollers: This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and strollers are not suitable on the route.

Pets: Pets are not suitable on this tour route.

Accessibility

Mobility: The route has uneven terrain, slopes, and stairs, which may be difficult for guests with limited mobility.

Wheelchair access: The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the walking route conditions.

Stroller access: The tour is not stroller accessible along the planned paths.

Infants: Infants must not sit on laps during the tour, and infant seats are not available.

Transport access: Public transportation is available nearby for reaching the starting area.

Additional information

Nearby transport: You can reach the tour area easily since public transportation is available nearby.

Chopstick workshop: Entry to the Chopsticks Studio Kyoto workshop is optional, and its admission fee is not included.