Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour

Outty Ranking 61 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $165
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour worth booking?

Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $165 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
4 hours
From
$165 per person

Get away from the tourist crowds in the center of Arashiyama and admire the true beauty of the area. Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate of Saga Arashiyama station and head to the iconic Togetsu Bridge. Admire the bridge and then head to the observatory of Arashiyama Park. Take a picture in front of the bamboo forest and then head to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues. Continue to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple with 8,000 stone images and pagodas. On the way to Seiryoji Temple, go through the streets of Saga Toriimoto. Admire the street view filled with traditional Japanese houses and visit some local shops including a cocoon dolls shop and Washi paper shop. Along the way, learn the history of Okusaga and Arashiyama from your guide. Finally, finish your tour at Saga Arashiyama station.

What you get

    About this experience

    Get away from the tourist crowds in the center of Arashiyama and admire the true beauty of the area. Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate of Saga Arashiyama station and head to the iconic Togetsu Bridge. Admire the bridge and then head to the observatory of Arashiyama Park. Take a picture in front of the bamboo forest and then head to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues. Continue to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple with 8,000 stone images and pagodas. On the way to Seiryoji Temple, go through the streets of Saga Toriimoto. Admire the street view filled with traditional Japanese houses and visit some local shops including a cocoon dolls shop and Washi paper shop. Along the way, learn the history of Okusaga and Arashiyama from your guide. Finally, finish your tour at Saga Arashiyama station.

    What's included

    Included

    • A local guide
    • Admission to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
    • Admission to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Souvenirs

    What you'll see and do

    1. Togetsukyo Bridge

      The first stop on the tour is Arashiyama and the famous Wataratsuki Bridge, one of Kyoto's most scenic spots. The view of Arashiyama with the bridge has been written in various waka (Japanese poems) and is well known among Japanese people.

      5 minutes here

    2. Bamboo Forest Street

      The bamboo groves of Arashiyama are one of the first places you should visit when you come to Japan. The sound of the wind in the silence, the rustling of bamboo leaves. Please feel the mysterious and ethereal beauty of the scenery with all your senses.

      10 minutes here

    3. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

      From this temple, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, onward is an area of Arashiyama that does not attract that many tourists. The temple grounds, still unknown to many tourists, are lined with numerous moss-covered stone Buddha statues, creating an “apologetic” atmosphere.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Even deep inside Arashiyama, the area around this temple was a place of burial called “Adashino. Numerous stone pagodas are lined up in the center of the temple, and these have mourned for many people over the long history of the temple. The sight of so many stone pagodas lined up in an orderly fashion is beautiful in its own quiet way, and evokes the beauty of the Japanese spirit.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area

      Further steps lead up a gentle slope toward the mountain. This area is the approach to a temple located deep in the mountains, and has been crowded with visitors since ancient times. The area is known for its rows of straw-roofed Japanese houses, and special care has been taken to preserve this scenery.

      30 minutes here

    6. Seiryo-ji Temple

      The tour concludes with a visit to Qingliangsi Temple. Arashiyama has long been a busy vacation spot for Kyoto residents, and numerous temples have been built in the area. Among the many historic temples lining the street, Seiryo-ji Temple is one of the best temples to see.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kyoto

    Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate at Saga Arashiyama Station. The guide will be holding a yellow sign with DeepExperience logo.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate at Saga Arashiyama Station. The guide will be holding a yellow sign with DeepExperience logo.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ja, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    DeepExperience

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour is open to infants and toddlers, but as it is a walking tour, there are no seats or other facilities for infants.

    Photos

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour, photo 2Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour, photo 3Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour, photo 4Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour, photo 5Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour, photo 6Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Mark_D · May 2026

    Wonderful tour

    We really enjoyed the tour. Malika gave us of these really nice temples and shines. She will have a nice story explaining about the city in about the history and about the meaning of all the various things she was fun to talk to and listen to her stories and we were so lucky to have this experience. she really did a good job of taking us through areas that might otherwise be crowded and knew the way around the crowd to make everything enjoyable.

    via Viator

    Wander577111 · April 2025

    Amazing Arashiyama

    This was one of the highlights of our trip, it was great been able to see hidden spots without the crowds and having an amazing time, our guide also gave us an insight into Japanese culture and history.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
    Price range
    $165 to $41,000
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by DeepExperience, who run 208 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.3.

    See everything DeepExperience runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)15
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)71
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.

    How much does Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $165 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 Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour take?

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    Plan for about 4 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 Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided 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 Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour?

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    Around 1 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture 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.

    What is included in Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour?

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    Included: A local guide; Admission to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple; and Admission to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. Not included: Food and drinks; and Souvenirs. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour?

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    Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate at Saga Arashiyama Station. The guide will be holding a yellow sign with DeepExperience logo. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour.

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