---
title: 5-hr Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour
lang: en
type: tour
city: Kyoto
country: Japan
price: 118
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.96
reviews: 491
duration_minutes: 300
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: "true"
rank_in_category: 1 of 9 (Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Tours)
schedule_checked: 2026-11-08
data_updated: 2026-11-08
canonical: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/tours/5-hr-kyoto-arashiyama-bamboo-forest-hidden-garden-walking-tour/
---

# 5-hr Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Walking Tour

**Guidekin's take:** This Arashiyama walk pairs the Bamboo Forest with two temples and a garden, including Tenryu-ji Temple. Lunch and tour photos are included; request dietary adjustments in advance, as options are limited. 4.96 from 491 reviews at €118 per person for 5h.

In our comparison: #1 of 9 in Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 1% Worldwide). The ultimate Arashiyama half-day experience. Combine the must-see highlights with hidden gems and a world-class dining experience.

1. Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove: We take you to the iconic Bamboo Forest for the perfect photo, but also escape to a "Secret Temple" with stunning moss gardens and a hillside villa with panoramic views of Kyoto, far from the tourist crowds.

2. Guaranteed Michelin-Rated Lunch: Enjoy a premium lunch at a restaurant inside the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens (World Heritage). We serve authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine recognized by the Michelin Guide—a healthy and unforgettable cultural experience.

3. Don't just look at the gardens; understand them. Your guide will teach you how to "read" and enjoy the philosophy of Japanese gardens, comparing Western symmetry with Japanese "Natural Asymmetry," turning the scenery into a deeper cultural lesson.

## Before you book

- Meeting point: Outside the North Exit of JR…
- Entry ticket included: skip the ticket desk
- Starts 09:00: one departure a day
- Food included: see what is included
- Strollers OK: infants accepted
- Age rule: Specialized infant seats are available

**Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

## Key facts

- Price: from €118 per person
- Duration: 5h
- Rating: 4.96/5 from 491 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: MagicalTrip Inc.
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English
- Tickets: Admission included
- Start times: 09:00
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08

## Reviews

4.96 from 491 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
99% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 487 of 491.

- 5 stars: 481 (98%)
- 4 stars: 6 (1%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 1 (0%)
- 1 star: 3 (1%)

## What's included

- Photos during the tour
- A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
- Michelin-Rated Lunch: "Shojin Ryori" (Traditional Buddhist Vegetarian/Vegan Course) inside Tenryu-ji Temple or traditional Kyoto lunch ※Please request at least 1day before the tour
- 2 temples and 1 garden including Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage)

## Not included

- Additional foods and drinks (Available for Purchase)

## Itinerary

1. **Hokyoin** (15m; admission included) - First, we escape the tourist trail to visit a hidden temple known only to locals. Enclosed by mud walls and vibrant maple trees, this temple offers a perfect example of a "Moss Garden." Unlike the grand, open temples, this intimate sanctuary allows you to experience true...
2. **hidden gems** (1h)
3. **Bamboo Forest Street** (15m) - Walk through the towering bamboo stalks that seem to reach the sky and take memorable photos.
4. **Okochi Sanso Garden** (45m) - Next, we ascend to a private mountain villa and garden that feels like a hidden fortress. This spot offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto City and the Arashiyama mountains, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. As you stroll through its winding paths, you...
5. **Tenryu-ji Temple** (1h 10m; admission included) - At Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, you can enjoy Japanese gardens and Zen paintings with a guide's commentary.
6. **Togetsukyo Bridge** (20m; admission included) - End the tour at the souvenir street or Togetsu-kyo bridge

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 09:00
- Schedule last checked: 2026-11-08
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

## Meeting point

Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand).
Your guide will be holding an orange signboard saying "Magical Trip".

Ends: Tour will finish around main souvenir street. It may change depending on the location of the lunch restaurant.

## Good to know

- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon ss possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
- As we will visit Buddhist and Shintoism facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
- People of all ages can join this tour.
- This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour.
- Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.※ Requests made on the tour day cannot be accommodated. Please kindly understand that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions or the substitutions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to us.
- Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs reaching 40°C (104°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (23°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. The tour may be canceled in the event of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.
- As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance
- Alternative: In the rare case that Sho-jin ryori restaurant inside Tenryu-ji temple is fully booked, we will guide you to another historic restaurant (est. 1965) famous for Kyoto's iconic Tofu cuisine, offering a beautiful Japanese room in Sukiya-style architecture.
- End of Tour: The tour ends at Tenryu-ji Temple, the heart of Arashiyama. You are perfectly positioned to continue your day by visiting the Monkey Park, relaxing at a nearby Onsen (hot spring), or shopping for souvenirs.

## Compared with other Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Tours

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #1 of 9** | €118 | 5h | 4.96 (491) | shared |
| [Kyoto top must-see Golden pavilion and Bamboo forest half-day Private tour](/japan/kyoto/tours/kyoto-top-must-see-golden-pavilion-and-bamboo-forest-half-day-private-tour/?format=md) | €107 | 4h | 4.97 (61) | private |
| [Arashiyama Bamboo Forest E-Biking Tour](/japan/kyoto/tours/arashiyama-bamboo-forest-e-biking-tour/?format=md) | €109 | 4h 15m | 4.93 (215) | shared |
| [Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour ( Infants & Kids )](/japan/kyoto/tours/arashiyama-bamboo-forest-family-bike-tour-infants-kids/?format=md) | €365 per group | 3h | 5.0 (35) | shared |

Ranked #1 of 9 in Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €105 to €260, median €117; typical length 5h. 6 of 9 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/arashiyama-tours/?format=md

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