Arashiyama Beyond the Crowds: Bamboo Grove & Hidden Paths

Don’t walk, run to book your tour with Michael! He is truly one of the best tour guides that we have ever had and made our Kyoto experience so much more memorable. As a former teacher, he knows how to tell stories in a way that connect with both adults and children (we have two teenagers). Michael knows all of the hidden gems to visit - spots that are so cool but not crowded with other tourists. His stories are really interesting (not just what you read on Wikipedia) and he is willing to answer any and all questions honestly! You will not regret booking a tour with Michael! -Lauren

1. 1

   Bamboo Forest Street

   20 min

   A must-see in Kyoto. We will arrive before the adjacent temple opens to avoid crowds and you will learn a brief history of how it came to be.

2. 2

   Nonomiya Shrine

   10 min

   Learn how to tell the difference between a temple and a shrine, and a brief explanation about the significance of the shrine and what is commonly found at shrines.

3. 3

   Jojakkoji Temple

   30 min

   Jojakko-ji Temple is a historic Zen temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, located near the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Bamboo Grove. This hillside Kyoto temple is known for its moss gardens, stone pathways, traditional wooden halls, and panoramic views over Kyoto city. Beautiful in every season, Jojakkoji Temple is a year-round highlight in Arashiyama, from spring cherry blossoms and summer greenery to autumn leaves and peaceful winter scenery.

4. 4

   Hokyoin

   30 min

   Our Arashiyama Kyoto walking tour continues to Hōkyō-in Temple — a quiet, off-the-beaten-path Zen sanctuary rarely included on standard Arashiyama tours. While most visitors explore the famous landmarks, we step into a secluded space that preserves one of the most unexpected and deeply human stories of Japan’s medieval warrior era. Beneath its understated grounds lies a burial that reshapes how we understand loyalty, rivalry, and respect — a story few travelers ever hear without a guide who knows where to look.

5. 5

   Seiryoji Temple

   30 min

   Our journey concludes at Seiryō-ji Temple in Arashiyama, home to one of Kyoto’s most sacred and historically significant Buddhist images. While many visitors admire its impressive main hall and move on, this temple preserves a story that connects imperial devotion, international exchange, and centuries of quiet faith. It’s the kind of place where the surface is beautiful — but the deeper meaning only reveals itself when you understand what you’re truly standing in front of.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• *Prams and strollers may have to be left at the gates of temples

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