Kyoto: Arashiyama Backstreet & Hidden Temple Guided Tour

Get away from the tourist crowds in the center of Arashiyama and admire the true beauty of the area. Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate of Saga Arashiyama station and head to the iconic Togetsu Bridge. Admire the bridge and then head to the observatory of Arashiyama Park. Take a picture in front of the bamboo forest and then head to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues. Continue to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple with 8,000 stone images and pagodas. On the way to Seiryoji Temple, go through the streets of Saga Toriimoto. Admire the street view filled with traditional Japanese houses and visit some local shops including a cocoon dolls shop and Washi paper shop. Along the way, learn the history of Okusaga and Arashiyama from your guide. Finally, finish your tour at Saga Arashiyama station.

1. 1

   Togetsukyo Bridge

   5 min

   The first stop on the tour is Arashiyama and the famous Wataratsuki Bridge, one of Kyoto's most scenic spots. The view of Arashiyama with the bridge has been written in various waka (Japanese poems) and is well known among Japanese people.

2. 2

   Bamboo Forest Street

   10 min

   The bamboo groves of Arashiyama are one of the first places you should visit when you come to Japan. The sound of the wind in the silence, the rustling of bamboo leaves. Please feel the mysterious and ethereal beauty of the scenery with all your senses.

3. 3

   Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

   30 min

   From this temple, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, onward is an area of Arashiyama that does not attract that many tourists. The temple grounds, still unknown to many tourists, are lined with numerous moss-covered stone Buddha statues, creating an “apologetic” atmosphere.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   Even deep inside Arashiyama, the area around this temple was a place of burial called “Adashino. Numerous stone pagodas are lined up in the center of the temple, and these have mourned for many people over the long history of the temple. The sight of so many stone pagodas lined up in an orderly fashion is beautiful in its own quiet way, and evokes the beauty of the Japanese spirit.

5. 5

   Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area

   30 min

   Further steps lead up a gentle slope toward the mountain. This area is the approach to a temple located deep in the mountains, and has been crowded with visitors since ancient times. The area is known for its rows of straw-roofed Japanese houses, and special care has been taken to preserve this scenery.

6. 6

   Seiryo-ji Temple

   15 min

   The tour concludes with a visit to Qingliangsi Temple. Arashiyama has long been a busy vacation spot for Kyoto residents, and numerous temples have been built in the area. Among the many historic temples lining the street, Seiryo-ji Temple is one of the best temples to see.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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