Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji
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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
4.4/5
Based on 89 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji worth booking?
Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $77 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 89 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (89)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $77 per person
Discover Kyoto’s timeless charm on a guided morning walk through Arashiyama’s scenic wonders. Stroll the iconic Sagano Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji Temple’s Zen gardens, and enjoy peaceful views from Togetsukyo Bridge.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Kyoto’s timeless charm on a guided morning walk through Arashiyama’s scenic wonders. Stroll the iconic Sagano Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji Temple’s Zen gardens, and enjoy peaceful views from Togetsukyo Bridge. Depending on the season and plan, explore Jojakko-ji Temple’s mossy grounds or Okochi Sanso Villa’s panoramic hilltop garden. Beat the crowds with early departures and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of Kyoto’s nature. Tours operating from January to June and October to December 2027 include a relaxing yakatabune boat ride along the Hozu River, offering a unique view of Arashiyama from the water. Led by a licensed English-speaking guide, this tour blends cultural insight with natural beauty - perfect for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
What's included
Included
- National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
- Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Not included
- [During July and September] Jojakko-ji Temple
What you'll see and do
Arashiyama
From Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, travel by public transport with non-reserved seats. Please note that seating is not guaranteed and may require standing during busy hours.
Pass by without stopping
Jojakkoji Temple
Jojakko-ji Temple offers panoramic views of Sagano and Kyoto. In autumn, the temple’s hillside bursts into color as vibrant foliage blankets Mt. Ogura, creating a stunning 360° seasonal spectacle. During summertime (July - September), instead of Jojako-ji, explore the exquisite Okochi Sanso Villa Garden, featuring beautiful landscapes.
30 minutes here · Admission included
From Jojakko-ji Temple, the tour will be heading to Tenryu-ji Temple while strolling along the Sagano Bamboo Grove, a popular spot among international travelers.
10 minutes here
Tenryu-ji Temple
A World Heritage site. This Zen temple stands in one of Kyoto's leading sightseeing areas. The Japanese garden is complemented by the beautiful landscapes of Arashiyama, and has been registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Togetsukyo Bridge
This 250-meter-long bridge offers a spectacular location for viewing cherry blossoms or colored autumn leaves. Enjoy the scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama from aboard the yakatabune. The guide will not board the yakatabune. During summertime (July 2 - September 22), the "yakatabune" boat cruise is excluded from this period.
30 minutes here · Admission included
[Only January to June & October to December 2027] Enjoy the scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama from aboard the yakatabune. The guide will not board the yakatabune. *This experience is not included in 2026 tours or July to September 2027 tours.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Meet your guide at the Sunrise Tours Desk on B1F of Kyoto AVANTI, located directly across from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. The meeting point is on the basement level, not the ground floor. [October - June] 8:30am [July - September] 7:05am
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends upon arrival at Kyoto Station. Please proceed to your next destination independently
Options you can book
Summer Itinerary Jul - Sep
Itinerary changes: Visit to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden replacing the regular course of Jojakko-ji visit Summer Itinerary: Kyoto AVANTI > Saga-Arashiyama Sta.> Togetsukyo Bridge > Tenryuji > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Okochi Sanso Villa > Kyoto Sta.
2026 Regular Tour
Regular Course: Saga-Arashiyama Station > Jojakko-ji Temple > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Tenryu-ji Temple > Togetsukyo Bridge
2027 Regular Tour
Regular Course: Saga-Arashiyama Station > Jojakko-ji Temple > Arashiyama Bamboo Grove > Tenryu-ji Temple > Togetsukyo Bridge > Yakatabune
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
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- If the minimum number of adult participants (2) is not met by 4 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date maybe canceled
- This tour uses public transportation with non-reserved seats. Please note that seating is not guaranteed
- The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
- As this is a walking tour, please wear shoes and clothing that are suitable for walking. The total walking distance for this tour is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Free for children aged 0-5 as long as they will not occupy separate seats
- Summer itinerary (July to September): Earlier start time to avoid peak heat. Part of the itinerary changes. Visit to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden replaces Jojakko-ji visit
- [IMPORTANT NOTICE] A yakatabune river cruise is included on tours operating from January to June and October to December 2027. This experience is not included on 2026 tours or tours operating from July to September 2027
- [January to June and October to December 2027 Tours Only] If the yakatabune cannot be boarded due to effects of high water level, etc., the tour will visit either Fukuda Art Museum or Okochi Sanso (partial refunds will not be issued). If all of the above alternative destinations are closed or unavailable for entry, the corresponding yakatabune boarding fare will be refunded (JPY 1,500/adult, JPY 1000/child)
- Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 89 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 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
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
89 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Kyoto experience
Super Great experience. Our guide, Masa was the best we could have. He explained everything, showed us every spot (he even helped take many photos). So nice and gentle, he replied to many questions on the japanese culture and it made the experience so beautiful!!!
via Tripadvisor
Bamboo Forest
Beautiful location. Our tour guide , Sumiko, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We loved our tour.
via Tripadvisor
Walking tour
Great service sightseeing and experience.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
What an incredible experience! Sumiko was an excellent guide who provided a lot of history regarding the shrines, gardens and other facts within the area. We had plenty of time to see everything we wanted as well as some free time for pictures. Well worth the experience for our first time in Kyoto! Suggest to book for a great first visit.
via Tripadvisor
An amazing and informative tour!
The views and tour guide were wonderful as well as the information given throughout the tour were amazing. The length of the tour was perfect and we had a very nice amount of free time at the stops to be able to enjoy the scenery and take photos. It was a nice pace of time to not feel like we were being rushed. I was very pleased with the amount of places and information we received while on the tour. This is suited for everyone whether it is families or solo travelers.
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, Sat
- Price range
- $77 to $14000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji cost?
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Prices start at $77 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 Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji 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 Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 89 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji?
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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 Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji suitable for kids and families?
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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 Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji?
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Around 31 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 Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji 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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