
Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 86 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama worth booking?
Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $84 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 86 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (86)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $84 per person
If you are thinking bamboo forest and Togetsukyo bridge are the only attractions in Arashiyama, you are missing the chance to see even more beautiful and less crowded places in the area. Do join us and discover another charm in Kyoto. With just a 20 minute ride from Kyoto station, you can slip back into the scenery of 400 years past. Meet our experienced guide in JR Saga Arashiyama station at 9am and the guide will take you to much more beautiful and less crowded amazing hidden spots only locals know in Arashiyama. Half Day Private Walking Tour Time: 9:00-13:00 (4 hours, no lunch) Price: 13,000 yen (per person) Meet our guide at JR Saga Arashiyama Station (9:00am) Itinerary 1. JR Saga Arashiyama Station 2. Seiryoji temple 3. Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area 4. Otagi-nenbutsuji temple (entrance fee 300 yen needed) 5. Bamboo grove 6. Tenryuji Temple (entrance fee 500 yen needed) 7. Togetsukyo Bridge (tour ends here)
What you get
About this experience
If you are thinking bamboo forest and Togetsukyo bridge are the only attractions in Arashiyama, you are missing the chance to see even more beautiful and less crowded places in the area. Do join us and discover another charm in Kyoto. With just a 20 minute ride from Kyoto station, you can slip back into the scenery of 400 years past. Meet our experienced guide in JR Saga Arashiyama station at 9am and the guide will take you to much more beautiful and less crowded amazing hidden spots only locals know in Arashiyama. Half Day Private Walking Tour Time: 9:00-13:00 (4 hours, no lunch) Price: 13,000 yen (per person) Meet our guide at JR Saga Arashiyama Station (9:00am) Itinerary 1. JR Saga Arashiyama Station 2. Seiryoji temple 3. Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area 4. Otagi-nenbutsuji temple (entrance fee 300 yen needed) 5. Bamboo grove 6. Tenryuji Temple (entrance fee 500 yen needed) 7. Togetsukyo Bridge (tour ends here)
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Entrance fee to temple
What you'll see and do
This temple is known as one of the oldest temples in Kyoto built as a villa of an aristocrat in the 9th century.
10 minutes here
Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area
This area is designated as one of 4 town preservation areas in Kyoto. It used to be called Atago highway, an old highway leading to Mt. Atago which enshrines the god of fire prevention in Shintoism. You can see 2 types of traditional Japanese style houses such as Kayabuki thatched roof house and Machiya town house in the area.
10 minutes here
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
This temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of Rakan, disciples of Buddha. They were all hand carved by 1200 individuals visited the temple. You can experience peaceful time surrounded by cute and unique statues.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Bamboo Forest Street
While walking though the famous bamboo grove path in Arashiyama, you can learn about mysterious plant bamboo how it has been cherished and been utilized in Japan.
10 minutes here
Tenryu-ji Temple
Zen Buddist temple founded in the 14th century. It's designated as one of the World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto. You can feel the spirit of Zen, a peaceful state of your mind in this beautiful garden.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Togetsukyo Bridge
This bridge was built to get to the temple across the river. An ancient emperor named it "Moon Crossing Bridge" when he saw the moon as if it was crossing the bridge.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Departure Point: Meeting point JR Saga-Arashiyama Station at the ticket gate * You can use JR Pass to get to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Return point: Tour ends at Togetsukyo Bridge, which is close to Monkey Park. You can continue explorering the area.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kyoto Sagano Walk Bamboo Forest
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 86 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
86 verified traveler reviews for Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome
Walking through the bamboo forest is pretty awesome. The tall bamboo on both sides of the walkway are beautiful to look at and take great pictures.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Bamboo
The bamboo itself was breathtaking and the sights will give great photo opportunities. However, try to go early or later in the day because it gets VERY crowded and the people will definitely ruin the experience.
via Tripadvisor
bamboo forest was unique
Loved the forest...not so much all the people. The gardens within the forest were especially lovely. You have to pay about 500 yen but it is well worth it. You have tea and biscuit and then wander through the lovely garden. Vistas were great.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing walk through the bamboo forest and along riverside
This was part of a day visiting attractions around Kyoto, Like all attractions the walk and forest is busy as the day goes on, but it is a gentle walk and not hard to do. Amazing to see the bamboo and realise it is one or two plants. A good way to spend an hour or so and its free.
via Tripadvisor
Bamboo forest
My lovely wife and I visited this bamboo forest. The forest dates back some 400 years and there is a roughly 20-minute walk you take through this forest. Lovely and very popular for photographs and selfies! However, not much else to see or do here
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
- Wed
- Price range
- $84 to $13,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama cost?
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Prices start at $84 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 Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama 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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 86 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 Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama?
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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 Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama 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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama?
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Around 30 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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama 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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama?
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Included: Professional guide. Not included: Lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Transportation to/from attractions; and Entrance fee to temple. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama?
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Departure Point: Meeting point JR Saga-Arashiyama Station at the ticket gate * You can use JR Pass to get to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and 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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama?
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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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama 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 Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama?
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Across 86 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money. The views and photo stops come up again and again. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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