Arashiyama Premium Full Day Private Tour

Your guide will meet you at your chosen pickup location, including the cruise terminal passenger exit, hotel lobby, accommodation entrance, train station, or another agreed meeting point. For bookings that include private transportation, both your guide and driver will be arranged to meet you together at the designated pickup location.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

A small but historically significant Shinto shrine nestled beside the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Dating back over a thousand years, it served as the purification site for imperial princesses before they were sent to serve at the Grand Shrine of Ise. The shrine is famous for its rare black torii gate made from unpainted wood and its connections to classical Japanese literature, particularly the The Tale of Genji. Surrounded by a tranquil forest setting, Nonomiya Shrine is known as a place for blessings related to love, relationships, academic success, and safe childbirth. Visitors can experience a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling bamboo grove nearby, making it an ideal stop to learn about Kyoto's imperial history and spiritual traditions.

Tenryu-ji is the most important Zen temple in Arashiyama and one of Kyoto's most celebrated cultural treasures. Founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, it is the head temple of the Tenryu branch of the Rinzai Zen school and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Its highlight is the garden designed by Musō Soseki nearly 700 years ago. Centered on a large pond and framed by rocks, pines, and seasonal plants, it uses the technique of shakkei (borrowed scenery) to incorporate the surrounding Arashiyama mountains. The garden beautifully reflects Zen ideals of harmony, simplicity, and contemplation.

A beautiful hillside villa and garden located at the end of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It was the former estate of Denjirō Ōkōchi, one of Japan's most famous film stars of the early 20th century. The garden features winding paths, traditional tea houses, and panoramic views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. Designed over more than 30 years, it showcases the beauty of all four seasons and offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of matcha tea and a traditional sweet included with admission.