Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Hidden Garden Walking Tour

Discover the best of Arashiyama on a guided walking tour that blends Kyoto's iconic Bamboo Forest with hidden temples, tranquil gardens, and a Michelin-rated Zen dining experience.

Getting started

Meet your certified guide at the designated meeting point in Arashiyama, where you'll receive a brief introduction before setting off on foot. This half-day walking tour explores some of Kyoto's most celebrated landmarks alongside peaceful hidden gems with plenty of opportunities to learn about local history, culture, and Japanese garden design.

What to expect

• Begin your journey away from the busy tourist routes with a visit to a quiet local temple surrounded by serene gardens. Your guide will introduce the philosophy behind Japanese landscape design and explain how harmony, balance, and natural asymmetry shape these peaceful spaces.

• Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and stroll beneath the towering bamboo stalks of one of Kyoto's most photographed attractions. Visit at a relaxed pace while your guide shares stories about the area's history and points out the best spots for memorable photos.

• Continue to the beautifully landscaped Okochi Sanso Garden, a hillside retreat offering seasonal scenery, elegant walking paths, and panoramic views over Kyoto's western hills.

• Discover UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple-one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples, renowned for its centuries-old architecture and gardens that have remained largely unchanged since the 14th century.

• Complete your experience with a traditional Shojin Ryori (Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) meal served inside the Tenryu-ji Temple grounds. If unavailable, you'll dine at a historic Kyoto restaurant renowned for its signature tofu cuisine.

The tour concludes near Arashiyama's main souvenir street, leaving you perfectly placed to continue exploring the neighborhood, visit the nearby Monkey Park, relax at a local onsen, or browse Kyoto's charming shops and cafés.