Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private)
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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 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private) worth booking?
Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private) is a 7.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $750 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (24)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $750 per person
Get away from the crowds and spend a wonderful day in Arashiyama which will undoubtedly stand out in your mind as you think back to your time here in Kyoto. We begin with a morning stroll through the lush garden of one
What you get
About this experience
Get away from the crowds and spend a wonderful day in Arashiyama which will undoubtedly stand out in your mind as you think back to your time here in Kyoto. We begin with a morning stroll through the lush garden of one of Japan’s first Zen temples dating back over 1,000 years. We then head into the foothills and as we peacefully stroll back to town we visit twelve hundred stone Buddhas on a hillside, an Edo period cafe, an ancient burial ground, a temple founded by two former geisha, a working pottery studio, the villa of a silent film actor, a majestic bamboo grove, and the "shrine of love'. All this as we browse shops filled with handmade goods and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch. Important Note: Each guest is required to bring an additional 5,500 yen (cash) for admission tickets and lunch.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide service
Not included
- Important Note: Each guest is required to bring an additional 5,000 yen (cash) for admission tickets
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Togetsukyo Bridge
Start the day at this bridge, one of the most iconic images of Kyoto.
20 minutes here
Tenryu-ji Temple
Visit one of the first Zen temples in Japan, home to a masterpiece Zen garden.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Walk the grounds of this temple with history going back to the Heian period. Your guide will tell you about the 1,200 stone buddha statues that you will spend time with here.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
We will enjoy tea and sweets at this cafe which originated in the Edo period.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Adashino Nembetsu-ji Temple
You will see over 8,000 memorial stones gathered from the surrounding mountains and placed together on this site. Walk through a small but very picturesque bamboo grove.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Gio-ji Temple
Visit what was once a nunnery founded by two ex-geisha. Walk through the moss garden surrounded by bamboo.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Okochi Sanso Garden
Spend time on the sprawling estate of a well known silent film actor. The views from this site are some of the best in all of Arashiyama
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Bamboo Forest Trail
Travel through the well known Sagano Bamboo Grove.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
We will meet in front of the station. If you need directions to the meeting point please let me know where you are coming from and I will gladly send you the route.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will meet in front of the station. If you need directions to the meeting point please let me know where you are coming from and I will gladly send you the route.
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 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- An Design
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Strollers will be available as we walk from site to site, but will not be allowed in the sites themselves. Stollers can be stored at the reception desk of each site.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A tour that isn’t too touristy
Such a great tour. Off the beaten path. Really enjoyed the day. Learned a lot & saw a lot. Highly recommend
via Viator
Great walking tour....
Great walking tour. Andrew was very knowledgeable and we saw some great sites and learned about the history and culture behind them.
via Viator
A Total Highlight of Our Trip – Don’t Miss a Day with Andrew
Spending a day with Andrew in Kyoto was hands-down the highlight of our entire Japan trip. We did a full-day tour focused on temple gardens and traditional neighborhoods, we’re still thinking about it. If you’re even remotely interested in Japanese gardens, Zen, or just want to understand Kyoto on a deeper level—book this tour. Andrew is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but he’s also just a joy to spend time with. He has this amazing ability to explain the deeper meaning and symbolism behind Japanese gardens and Buddhism as it relates to temple designs in a way that’s easy to understand, but also really profound. It felt like we weren’t just seeing beautiful places—we were actually understanding them. By the end of the day, we were seeing Kyoto, and honestly Japan as a whole, through a whole new lens. The pace of the tour was perfect—relaxed, immersive, and never rushed. It gave us the space to really take it all in. We also loved the unexpected moments—getting glimpses into traditional crafts and everyday life that made the experience feel that much richer. What really stood out was Andrew himself. He’s warm, easygoing, and just one of those people you could talk to for hours. He’s a true cultural interpreter, and our conversations throughout the day were as memorable as the gardens themselves. If you’re looking for something truly special in Kyoto, we can’t recommend this experience enough. Thank you, Andrew!
via Tripadvisor
Memorable Days in Kyoto
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Andrew. Our two days ( The Path Less Travelled tour and Descending Arashiyama ) turned out to be the highlight of our trip. Seeing the beauty of these temple gardens through the eyes of someone whose passion for the art and symbolism of Japanese gardens and Zen, made it special and memorable. We thoroughly enjoyed the pace allowing us to feel immersed in the environment. An added bonus was our introduction to traditional crafts and way of life. We highly recommend these tours and cannot thank Andrew enough.
via Tripadvisor
Full day tour of Arashiyama
We had an amazing day with Andrew! He was a wealth of information and we enjoyed experiencing each site through the eyes of an expert. He even took us to a 400 year old inn for tea and a quaint traditional Japanese coffee shop for lunch. I highly recommend adding Descending Arashiyama to your itinerary if you are visiting Kyoto!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private) cost?
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Prices start at $750 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: Descending Arashiyama (Private) take?
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Plan for about 7.5 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: Descending Arashiyama (Private) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 24 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: Descending Arashiyama (Private)?
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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: Descending Arashiyama (Private) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private)?
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Around 8 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 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private) 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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