Arashiyama Hidden Gems: Walking Tour escaping crowds
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore a quieter, more local Arashiyama on a relaxed walking tour.
This experience focuses on hidden paths, calm temples, scenic views, and local food—beyond the typical tourist route.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Arashiyama comfortably and thoughtfully, with a small group and a local guide.
My name is Yusuke. I designed this tour and guide it myself as a local Kyoto guide.
With experience guiding over 3,000 guests, I aim to help you enjoy a deeper and calmer Arashiyama.
For guests who choose the “The Tale of Genji” option:
Most of the places visited on this tour (except the bamboo forest) appear in The Tale of Genji.
If you are interested, I will explain the historical and literary context during the tour.
Both options visit the same locations.
The “The Tale of Genji” option simply adds deeper literary storytelling.
Available options
The Tale of Genji Tour
Extra guiding option: Guide will provide information about “The Tale of Genji”.
Enjoyable/Relaxing Tour
Basic tour option: If you don’t know about The Tale of Genji, please chose this option. Up on request, I’m happy to provide guiding about it.
What's included
Original Tour Booklet (about 15 pages)
Helping to take good photos. I’m learning Photography as my hobby.
Guiding
Detailed itinerary
1
+ Seeing black wooden Torii gate. Only 2 shrines in Japan have black torii gate.
+ Seeing beautiful moss garden.
+ Knowing the way of visiting temple and praying.
+ Knowing the differences between shrine and temple.
+ Feeling relaxing as a spiritual place.
+ Getting Shrine stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay stamp fee.
*”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale.
+ Experiencing physically the world of the tale.
2
+ Enjoying beautiful bamboo forest and soundscape of bamboo.
+ Taking photo time and memorable photos by Yusuke in bamboo forest.
3
+ Experiencing old temple. This temple was built about 1,200 years ago originally. Present building was built about 300 years ago.
+ Seeing Japanese national treasure – Shaka Nyorai Buddhism statue.
+ Enjoying magnificent building and corrido with beautiful Japanese garden.
+ Getting temple stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay extra stamp fee.
*There are 2 kinds of Temple stamp. Official stamp with paying and free stamp.
+ Enjoying local sweets. (optional) *Sweets fee does not include.
+ Ticket is 400JPY
*”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale.
+ Seeing the tomb of Toru Minamoto who is the model of Genji in the tale.
+ Experiencing physically the world of the tale.
4
Stop 4
+ Former Emperor’s Imperial palace called Saga Gosho that was built about 1200 years ago.
+ This temple is the hidden gem. You can enjoy traditional imperial palace without crowds.
+ There are some unique way of building such as nightingale floor, corridor of Murasame and so on.
+ This is former imperial palace so that you can experience how emperor and queen lived. You also can move without walking on the ground.
+ Getting temple stamp (Goshuin). (optional)*You need stamp book and to pay stamp fee.
+ Ticket it 500JPY.
*”The Tale of Genji Tour” gives you more guiding about the tale.
+ Experiencing physically the world of the tale.
5
+ The oldest artificial pond in Japan.
+ Enjoying beautiful scenery in each season and quiet bamboo forest.
+ Ticket is 300JPY.
What's not included
Ticket for Daikakuji temple & Osawa-no-ike Pond
Ticket for Seiryoji temple
Japanese snacks (Optional)- about 500 yen
Insurance-Please prepare your insurance on your own if you need.
Gratitude
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Written guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
12 reviews
5★
11
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
Travel/Walking time is included on the total tour duration. We will walk about 3km/55minutes during the tour with enjoying local scenery.
You have to take off your shoes to enter inside at Seiryoji-temple and Daikakuji Temple.
This tour will take about 4 hours.
Please bring snacks if you need. There are not many restaurants around the ending point.
Meeting point
In front of Locker area at the Keifuku(Randen) Arashiyama station.
Randenya is shop at Keifuku(Randen) Arashiyama station.
+Google map does not show exact place when you put correct station address.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
$89
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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