
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night
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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 1,407 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 $36 per person. It scores 95 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,407 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 95 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1,407)
- Duration
- 2.2 hours
- From
- $36 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
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
- Not recommended to walk around the area before the tour
- 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!
- The tour needs a minimum of 4 guests to proceed.
- Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,407 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
1,407 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience 😃😃
Great experience 😃 I really loved it:) Sebastian is a great guide and fantastic storyteller. Definitely recommend:))
via Tripadvisor
Spooky Kyoto tour
The tour guide Eric was very friendly and made the experience extra scary. The stories and the shrines definitely made the tour. Would definitely recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour
Our tour guide Sebastian was amazing and the stories were amazing!! The guide was very scary.
via Tripadvisor
10/10 experience.
Fantastic experience. Sebastian was a phenomenal story teller. We learned a lot about Japanese history and popular media. Recommend to all.
via Tripadvisor
Kyoto Ghost Tour
It was an amazing experience, really insightful stories about Kyoto and it's surroundings. Sebastian was a great guy with a good way of telling the stories and selling the experience, it was superb!
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
- Price range
- $36 to $6444
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 492
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 95
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 $36 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 95 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,407 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
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 492 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 : 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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