Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect 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
4.8/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour! worth booking?
Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour! is a 6-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $116 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (36)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $116 per person
Saga/Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto City, is home to many attractive spots that transport visitors back a thousand years ago, such as historic temples and shrines, bamboo forest paths, and bridges acros
What you get
About this experience
Saga/Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto City, is home to many attractive spots that transport visitors back a thousand years ago, such as historic temples and shrines, bamboo forest paths, and bridges across the Katsura River. This tour will take you through Arashiyama's scenic spots and provide you with a wealth of Kyoto's history and seasonal beauty. Even though it's my first time, I'm sure I'll want to visit again. Let's go on a perfect tour of Arashiyama to enjoy with all five senses! [Visit Spots] ・Nonomiya Shrine ・Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ・Jojakko-ji Temple ・Tenryu-ji Temple ・Arashiyama Shopping Street ・Togetsu-kyo Bridge ・Arashiyama Monky Park
What's included
Included
- Private Tour
- Necessary expenses for the tour guide
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Estimated Costs of the Tour: 3,500 JPY per Person
- Breakdown: Transportation: 0 JPY, Admission Fees: 2,400 JPY, Meal costs: 1,000 JPY per Person
- Optional Experience Costs: 100 JPY per Person
What you'll see and do
Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine: This shrine is located in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama. This shrine was the setting for the 1,000-year-old historical work The Tale of Genji, and is believed to bring blessings such as marriage and fertility. Enjoy the quiet and magical atmosphere of the temple grounds, which are close to the bamboo forest path.
20 minutes here
The Bamboo Forest Trail
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: The bamboo forest path is one of Kyoto's most famous sightseeing spots. Bamboo trees about 20 meters high stand on both sides of the 400 meter long road, making it look like a green tunnel. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll while being surrounded by the refreshing scent of bamboo.
15 minutes here
Jojakkoji Temple
Jojakko-ji Temple: This is a temple surrounded by lush greenery located halfway up Mt. Ogura. Many maple trees are planted within the grounds, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of each season. Because it is located on a hill, you can get a panoramic view of the area around Arashiyama, and you can take pictures of the beautiful scenery along with the pagoda.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple: It is a representative Zen temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto. This prestigious and historic temple was built by the first shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, and there are many attractions within the grounds, including a beautiful garden and a large dragon painting. Experience Zen at a temple surrounded by the beautiful nature of Arashiyama.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Arashiyama
Arashiyama shopping street: This is Arashiyama's main street. There are many shops representing Kyoto and Arashiyama. Not only can you enjoy gourmet food unique to Kyoto, but buying souvenirs is also fun.
60 minutes here
Togetsukyo Bridge: This is a famous bridge that spans the Katsura River and is a symbol of the Arashiyama area. It is said that the unique name of the bridge was derived from the way the moon moves over the bridge. Take a commemorative photo on the bridge, which was designed to blend in with Arashiyama's beautiful scenery.
20 minutes here
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Arashiyama Monkey Park IWATAYAMA: This park is home to Arashiyama's wild monkeys, and is a popular spot where you can enjoy interacting with them. You can also see the city of Kyoto from the top of the mountain. Enjoy contact with animals and nature at the same time!
80 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
JR Saga Arashiyama Station, in front of the ticket gate
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Keifuku Arashiyama Main Line, Arashiyama Station
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- OTOMO Travel Guide
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
- If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the means of transportation, destinations, and routes may be changed.
- The disbanding location is different from the meeting location. If you wish to change the dissolution location, please consult your guide.
- There will be a lot of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 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.
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.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Never forget this experience!!
YOSHI is an absolutely AMAZING guide!! He’s actually a national tour guide and extremely knowledgeable. He took his time to show us everything and explain the meaning of the shrines, the gates and the temples etc. The monkey temple was by far the highlight of the tour and I’d recommend this in a heartbeat. At the end of the tour he took us by bus to an excellent local restaurant that had ramen and rice dishes that were delicious. He didn’t have to do that and we’d never have found the restaurant ourselves. I would highly recommend YOSHI and this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Yoshi was great and so...
Yoshi was great and so kind. Took us to the major stops in arashimaya and his favorite tonkotsu restaurant! To be honest I don’t think you need a guide to explore arashimaya though
via Viator
Lovely and beautiful tour
I loved the tour. It was a very calm and peaceful tour. Really enjoyed the tour. Our guide was very friendly and very interactive. He’s really fun and energetic. Loved it.
via Tripadvisor
4 Australians in Kyoto
Had a great day. Corentin was amiable and a good communicator. Shared his insights and knowledge and even took on the role of photographer.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with Kyoko-san!
We had a fantastic tour with Kyoko. She was flexible and accommodating, and we had time to see all the sites we requested. She also helped us get to our next destination, as well as gave us helpful information on places to eat, shop, local specialties, and interesting stories about the various sites. We were allowed plenty of breaks when we needed it (and I certainly needed it on the climb up to see the monkeys...it's a steep, but doable, uphill climb), and she made sure that we weren't overwhelmed or tired. If you plan on feeding the monkeys, she asked which the monkeys liked more and at least when we went it was the apples. I was also able to get goshuin at the various shrines/temples we saw, as well as bought some souvenirs for the family back home. Kyoko was also very friendly and personable, and she had excellent English. I would definitely recommend using her as a guide no matter what your interests are. History, shopping, fun facts, general questions...she makes a great guide and time will seem to pass by quickly.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $116 to $36300
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour! cost?
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Prices start at $116 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 Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour! take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 36 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 Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect 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 Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour! suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect Tour!?
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Around 13 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Day Tour - Kyoto Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Perfect 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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