Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
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September 2026
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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 468 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour worth booking?
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour is a 5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $12000 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 468 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 (468)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $12000 per person
Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience. 1. Hidden Temples &
What you get
About this experience
Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience. 1. Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove: We take you to the iconic Bamboo Forest for the perfect photo, but also escape to a "Secret Temple" with stunning moss gardens and a hillside villa with panoramic views of Kyoto, far from the tourist crowds. 2. Guaranteed Michelin-Rated Lunch: Enjoy a premium lunch at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens (World Heritage). We serve authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide—a healthy and unforgettable cultural experience. 3. Don't just look at the gardens; understand them. Your guide will teach you how to "read" and enjoy the philosophy of Japanese gardens, comparing Western symmetry with Japanese "Natural Asymmetry," turning the scenery into a deeper cultural lesson.
What's included
Included
- Photos during the tour
- A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Additional foods and drinks (Available for Purchase)
What you'll see and do
Hokyoin
First, we escape the tourist trail to visit a hidden temple known only to locals. Enclosed by mud walls and vibrant maple trees, this temple offers a perfect example of a "Moss Garden." Unlike the grand, open temples, this intimate sanctuary allows you to experience true "Wabi-Sabi"—the beauty of imperfection and tranquility.
15 minutes here · Admission included
hidden gems
60 minutes here
Bamboo Forest Street
Walk through the towering bamboo stalks that seem to reach the sky and take memorable photos.
15 minutes here
Okochi Sanso Garden
Next, we ascend to a private mountain villa and garden that feels like a hidden fortress. This spot offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. As you stroll through its winding paths, you will see many Japanese garden's design, which harmonizes with nature. It is a masterpiece that blends art with wild nature.
45 minutes here
Tenryu-ji Temple
At Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, you can enjoy Japanese gardens and Zen paintings with a guide's commentary.
70 minutes here · Admission included
Togetsukyo Bridge
End the tour at the souvenir street or Togetsu-kyo bridge
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand). Your guide will be holding an orange signboard saying "Magical Trip".
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour will finish around main souvenir street. It may change depending on the location of the lunch restaurant.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MagicalTrip Inc.
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon ss possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
- As we will visit Buddhist and Shintoism facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
- People of all ages can join this tour.
- This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour.
- Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.※ Requests made on the tour day cannot be accommodated. Please kindly understand that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions or the substitutions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to us.
- Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs reaching 40°C (104°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (23°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. The tour may be canceled in the event of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
- As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance
- Alternative: In the rare case that Sho-jin ryori restaurant inside Tenryu-ji temple is fully booked, we will guide you to another historic restaurant (est. 1965) famous for Kyoto's iconic Tofu cuisine, offering a beautiful Japanese room in Sukiya-style architecture.
- End of Tour: The tour ends at Tenryu-ji Temple, the heart of Arashiyama. You are perfectly positioned to continue your day by visiting the Monkey Park, relaxing at a nearby Onsen (hot spring), or shopping for souvenirs.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 468 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
468 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An exceptionally serene day tour
From start to end, Hide made this tour friendly, intimate and personal. Very educational and largely away from the larger crowds. Excellent way to see and learn about some of the Buddhist temple history and view the amazing zen gardens. The traditional lunch at the end was simply amazing.
via Tripadvisor
Good tour with Tea.
Tea was our guide. The tour was amazing. He was there on time, was extremily polite and kind. Explained about the neighbourhood and the tamples, making us to understand a little bit more about Japanese culture. He was really helpfull and patient, both in our ritm and with our questions. The lunch was amazing, it was also explained for us how to eat and each plate. In the end he guided us to the right train and indicated us on how to arrive at the hotel. P.s. he helped us with the pictures, and they were amazing.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Tea. It’s wonderful to know that his kindness, patience, and knowledge helped you better understand the neighborhood, temples, and Japanese culture. We’re also glad you enjoyed the lunch and appreciated Tea’s explanations and assistance throughout the day. It’s especially lovely to hear that he helped you with your photos and made sure you knew how to get back to your hotel safely. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Tour 20 Agosto 2026
It's a wonderful tour to discover the wonders of Arashiyama and the bamboo forest. Our guide, Hide, illustrated and explained everything to us with patience and dedication. He is also a very good person who immediately made us feel at ease. Highly recommended!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering the beauty of Arashiyama and the bamboo forest with Hide. It’s great to know that his patience, dedication, and friendly personality helped you feel comfortable throughout the tour. Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan again!
via Tripadvisor
Tour 20 agosto 2026
The tour was pleasant, the time flew by with a competent and very good person like Hide.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a pleasant time exploring with Hide and that his knowledge and friendly personality made the tour enjoyable. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Day!
Absolutely wonderful tour, we really enjoyed our day. Our tour guide, Taisei, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and we immediately felt comfortable with him. He offered to take pictures for us and he did a wonderful job - he also had some excellent ideas of picture placements and poses. He consistently checked in with us to make sure we were having a great experience and was flexible to things we wanted to take more time with. The food on the tour was also excellent and really added to the experience. It was a wonderful and enriching day for us because Taisei was such a fantastic guide. Thank you Taisei for such an amazing experience and a day we will always treasure! Amy
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great day with Taisei. It’s wonderful to know that his friendly attitude, knowledge, and thoughtful support made your experience special. We’re also glad you enjoyed the food and the tour! We hope to see you on one of our tours again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $12000 to $18500
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 164
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $12000 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 Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 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 Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking 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 468 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking 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 Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour?
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Around 164 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking 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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