
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1,637 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night worth booking?
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night is a 2.2-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from ¥6,660 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,637 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1,637)
- Duration
- 2.2 hours
- From
- ¥6,660 per person
MOST UNIQUE GHOST TOUR. After visiting Fushimi Inari and wandering through Gion, most travelers think they’ve seen Kyoto. But when night falls, the city feels different. This Ghost Tour takes you into the Bamboo Forest after dark for an immersive experience filled with folklore, creepy legends, and darker historical tales rooted in the area. As the crowds disappear and the paths grow quiet, the atmosphere shifts. You’ll walk through shadowed bamboo corridors, hear carefully researched ghost stories connected to Kyoto’s past, and experience moments designed to make you question what’s real in the dark. At one point, guests take part in a brief solo walk through the forest — a rare opportunity to feel the setting in complete stillness. This small-group night tour blends storytelling, local history, suspense, and subtle surprises into an unforgettable evening. Perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the typical Fushimi Inari visit and experience Kyoto in a completely different way.
What you get
About this experience
MOST UNIQUE GHOST TOUR. After visiting Fushimi Inari and wandering through Gion, most travelers think they’ve seen Kyoto. But when night falls, the city feels different. This Ghost Tour takes you into the Bamboo Forest after dark for an immersive experience filled with folklore, creepy legends, and darker historical tales rooted in the area. As the crowds disappear and the paths grow quiet, the atmosphere shifts. You’ll walk through shadowed bamboo corridors, hear carefully researched ghost stories connected to Kyoto’s past, and experience moments designed to make you question what’s real in the dark. At one point, guests take part in a brief solo walk through the forest — a rare opportunity to feel the setting in complete stillness. This small-group night tour blends storytelling, local history, suspense, and subtle surprises into an unforgettable evening. Perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the typical Fushimi Inari visit and experience Kyoto in a completely different way.
What's included
Included
- A SOLO walk in the bamboo forest
- An Anti Curse QR code (limited)
- A Japanese Curse (only lasting 24 hours!)
- Urban Legends, Real Ghost Stories & Serial Killers
- 1 drink (alcoholic or non-acoholic)
Not included
- Tips (WELCOMED & ACCEPTED)
- Souvenir ghosts (they prefer to stay in the forest)
- Exorcisms (we like our ghosts just the way they are!)
What you'll see and do
We'll meet up at Saga-Arashiyama Station, right outside the ticket gates. You won't have to go down any stairs to find us. From there, we'll swing by a convenience store to grab some drinks. Then we'll take a walk towards the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. But keep in mind, the bamboo forest will be pitch dark at this time of night, making for a unique and scary experience.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Arashiyama
Step into the darker side of Arashiyama—an area known for its stunning views by day, but haunted by whispers of the past by night. From ghostly samurai to vanished lovers and eerie legends passed down through generations, this tour reveals the unsettling truths that lie beneath the surface. Walk the same roads where strange things have happened—and still might. This experience is not for the weak.
100 minutes here · Admission included
As our journey reaches its finale, we'll make our way back to the Saga-Arashiyama Station. Enriched by the memorable sights and experiences, we will end our tour under the soft glow of the station lights. It's a time to reflect on our nocturnal adventure through the bamboo groves. Thank you for joining me on this unique journey through the breathtaking beauty of Arashiyama at night.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Meet inside Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the round window near the North Gate (upstairs - see picture). Ensure WhatsApp is installed, as we will use it to contact you. Please arrive early—late arrivals cannot join once the tour begins.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet inside Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the round window near the North Gate (upstairs - see picture). Ensure WhatsApp is installed, as we will use it to contact you. Please arrive early—late arrivals cannot join once the tour begins.
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japanify Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Absolutely NOT recommended for travelers that are afraid of the DARK
- NO linking arms during the SOLO walk!
- Must be able to walk alone in the dark
- IMPORT: some topics are NOT suitable for some people (suicide, serial killers, sexual assault)
- Not Your Typical Ghost Tour: Focused on Real Mysteries, Not Mythical Yōkai
- Minimum age is 16!
- Not recommended to walk around the area before the tour
- Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,618 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
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
1,618 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A chilling, spooky walk trough the woods with friends
We were on the tour with Zowee. He was welcoming biult a friends like athmosphere, so along the tour we had a lot of fun in the group. But even with the fun the spooky part didn't come short. It was a chilling, fun experience even with some facts about the places we had been visiting. Would totaly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Very Awesome tour!
Zoe was an awesome ghost tour guide! He was funny and entertaining with his ghost/urban legend stories! I’m glad I booked this tour :)
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Ghost Tour
My experience was fun! Zoe was our guide and he told us the many stories about the forest area. Some were very sad but informative. I came in from Osaka for the tour. There was a festival going on so the beginning of the tour was a little loud but once we got away from the crowds the suspense began. I really enjoyed the tour and would totally recommend it and do it again when I come back to Japan.
via Tripadvisor
Ghost Tour
Zoe was great. Very entertaining
via Tripadvisor
Amazing haunted forest experience.
Zoe the guide was funny and the tour was interesting, we learned a lot about local folklore and the part where we walk alone was scary. It was so fun and I really enjoyed it.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.2 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
- 573
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Japanify Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Japanify Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night cost?
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Prices start at ¥6,660 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night take?
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Plan for about 2.2 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,637 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night?
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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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night?
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Around 573 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 2.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night 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 : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour, Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available). 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night?
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Included: A SOLO walk in the bamboo forest; An Anti Curse QR code (limited); A Japanese Curse (only lasting 24 hours!); Urban Legends, Real Ghost Stories & Serial Killers; and 1 drink (alcoholic or non-acoholic). Not included: Tips (WELCOMED & ACCEPTED); Souvenir ghosts (they prefer to stay in the forest); and Exorcisms (we like our ghosts just the way they are!). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night?
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Meet inside Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the round window near the North Gate (upstairs - see picture). Ensure WhatsApp is installed, as we will use it to contact you. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night offered in?
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It runs in 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night?
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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.
What happens to Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night 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.
What do travelers say about Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night?
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Across 1,637 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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