Arashiyama from Kyoto: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide
+5 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Price from
- $287 / person
- Location
- Kyoto, Japan
- Rating
- 4.7 / 5 · 47 reviews
- Languages
- JA, EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- City Unscripted
- Meeting point
- This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.
Description
This private Arashiyama walking tour is a flexible, personalized day trip from Kyoto that offers a unique alternative to standard sightseeing. Instead of following a rigid schedule, you'll explore at your own pace with an itinerary thoughtfully tailored to your interests. Experience Arashiyama’s highlights and hidden corners in a way that feels dynamic and engaging. Stroll beneath towering bamboo groves, visit tranquil temples off the beaten path, and wander atmospheric streets lined with artisan shops. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories, discover local traditions, and appreciate the distinctive character that makes Arashiyama so memorable. After booking, you'll receive a brief questionnaire to share your interests. Your guide will then create a customized, flexible itinerary to ensure your experience is truly immersive and tailored just for you.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM
- Next available
- Sat, Oct 17
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $287
- Child (ages 0–12)
- $98
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $510.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Arashiyama
Explore the stunning scenery of the Arashiyama district, including its world-famous Bamboo Grove. Wander serene lanes and hidden pathways with your knowledgeable local host, who will share the area’s rich history and local legends.
Discover this hidden gem tucked away on the slopes of Ogura Mountain. Jojakko-ji is a peaceful temple known for its lush moss gardens and a 12-meter pagoda offering breathtaking panoramic views over Arashiyama.
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Meet the cheeky residents of this hillside park—Japanese macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat. Hike up for fantastic city views while your host shares tips on respectful wildlife interaction.
Tenryu-ji Temple
A true highlight of Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples. Learn about Japanese Buddhism while strolling through its famous landscape garden, designed to inspire quiet reflection.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Venture off the beaten path to this wonderfully quirky temple on Arashiyama’s outskirts. Admire over 1,200 whimsical rakan statues, each with its own expression—making this a memorably unexpected stop.
Daikaku-ji Temple
Explore this former imperial villa turned temple, which played a key role in Japan’s cultural history. Ask your host about The Tale of Genji, Japan’s first novel, whose scenes are set here, and enjoy the serene pond garden and elegant architecture.
What's included
Included
Private, personalized walking tour with a passionate local host
Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and tips
Admission to Okochi Sanso Villa and Monkey Park Iwatayama
Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your interests
Tickets to 4 of these 5 temples: Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, Gio-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Daikaku-ji
Not included
Food and drinks
Additional tickets for any attractions not listed in the inclusions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience; public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Bicycle rentals
Gratuities (optional)
Pickup Locations & Times
This is a walking tour. Your host will meet you at your selected hotel, and the tour will begin on foot. If you’d prefer to meet at a central location instead, please choose the meeting point option. If your hotel isn’t on the list, simply select the central landmark option. This is a private walking experience. Once you’ve booked, our Experience Planners will get in touch to confirm the meeting point and help with any final details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your personalized tour. NO private vehicle is included. For longer distances, your host may suggest using public transport. Any transport costs can be settled on the day.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
47 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
- This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
- Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Arashiyama from Kyoto: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $287 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $510. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 0–12 pay from $98, adults from $287.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. This is a walking tour. Your host will meet you at your selected hotel, and the tour will begin on foot. If you’d prefer to meet at a central location instead, please choose the meeting point option. If your hotel isn’t on the list, simply select the central landmark option. This is a private walking experience. Once you’ve booked, our Experience Planners will get in touch to confirm the meeting point and help with any final details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your personalized tour. NO private vehicle is included. For longer distances, your host may suggest using public transport. Any transport costs can be settled on the day. Pickup points include Tune Stay Kyoto.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in JA, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 47 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by City Unscripted.
Reviews(47)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$287
4.7(47) Free cancellation