Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 79 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour worth booking?
Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour is a 5.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $50 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 79 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (79)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Meeting point at Kyoto Station, easy to find and accessible to everyone. We board the train all together and travel for less than 20 minutes. Explore the highlights of Saga-Arashiyama, Western part of Kyoto. Wander throu
What you get
- Admission fees
- Guide Fee
About this experience
Meeting point at Kyoto Station, easy to find and accessible to everyone. We board the train all together and travel for less than 20 minutes. Explore the highlights of Saga-Arashiyama, Western part of Kyoto. Wander through the towering stalks of Bamboo Forest, experience the serene garden and pond of Tenryuji Temple, trek the hill gardens of Okochi Sanso and enjoy the free unlimited drinks of green teas. Visit the historical Nonomiya Shrine, stroll across the colorful pillars of Kimono Forest. Take a break for lunch, indulge your cravings with local Japanese foods and sweets. Walk through the iconic Togetsukyo bridge and hike up the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe and feed the snow monkeys. Take in and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic mountain views of Kyoto.
What's included
Included
- Admission fees
- Guide Fee
Not included
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
What you'll see and do
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Walk through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks sway gently overhead, creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. As sunlight filters through the dense green canopy, the rustling bamboo and quiet path invite peaceful reflection. Your guide will share the cultural and spiritual significance of this iconic Kyoto landmark.
30 minutes here
Nonomiya Shrine
Step into the quiet charm of Nonomiya Jinja, a small but sacred Shinto shrine nestled in a bamboo grove. Known for its connection to imperial history and blessings for love and purification, it offers a peaceful pause along the Arashiyama path. Your guide will share its unique traditions, including the ancient role it played in preparing imperial princesses for shrine service.
15 minutes here
Tenryu-ji Temple
Take a peaceful walk through the gardens of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Zen design. The path winds past a tranquil pond, artfully placed stones, and seasonal plants, all set against the backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains. The serene landscape invites quiet reflection and a sense of harmony with nature.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Okochi Sanso Garden
Embark on a tranquil journey through Okochi Sanso, a hillside villa and garden crafted over 30 years by famed actor Denjiro Okochi. At the summit you will enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto, Mount Hiei, and the Hozu River gorge.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Arashiyama Kimono Forest
Kimono forest, a vibrant walkway features 600 glowing pillars wrapped in traditional kimono textiles, creating elegance and enchantment, perfect for photos and quiet reflection.
10 minutes here
Togetsukyo Bridge
Stroll across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, where the Katsura River flows gently beneath and the Arashiyama mountains rise in the distance. With each step, enjoy sweeping views that change beautifully with the seasons—from cherry blossoms to autumn leaves. The bridge offers a perfect moment to pause and take in the natural beauty of Kyoto.
15 minutes here
Monkey Park Iwatayama
(20 minutes hiking)Embark on a scenic hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park, where over 120 wild Japanese macaques roam freely in their natural habitat. The well-maintained trail takes approximately 20–30 minutes to ascend, offering glimpses of the monkeys along the way. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto city and the surrounding mountains while observing the macaques in a tranquil forest setting.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Inside JR Kyoto Station 1st Floor Main Entrance (facing Kyoto Tower) at the 7-11. The guide will be holding a placard of Me Kyoto Walking Tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ME Kyoto Walking Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 79 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
79 verified traveler reviews for Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Arashiyama Tour
My tour guide Marie was such a lovely guide and was very informative of the places we went to! She took photos during the experience and helped me live my best life! Gave good recommendations for after our time together and said to make sure to come back and see the cherry blossoms!🌸 Would recommend to book this experience!
via Tripadvisor
Bamboo and garden
Great tour with Marie ,highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Had a great time
Our tour guide Marie was very upbeat & informative, and made the tour feel quite interactive. Would do another trip with this travel group
via Tripadvisor
Arashiyama is a must do
The tour was great and covered a lot of things. Every stop was an amazing site. Maricel (Marie) was a great guide. Very nice and informative!
via Tripadvisor
Bamboo forest tour 🇲🇽
Great tour along with Marie, very good explanation, very friendly! :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $60
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 79 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour?
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Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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