Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour With Bamboo Forest and Daikakuji

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 (up to 6 guests) 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.

1. 1

   Nonomiya Shrine

   30 min

   + 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. 2

   The Bamboo Forest Trail

   15 min

   + Enjoying beautiful bamboo forest and soundscape of bamboo. + Taking photo time and memorable photos by Yusuke in bamboo forest.

3. 3

   Seiryoji Temple

   55 min

   + 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. 4

   Daikaku-ji Temple

   50 min

   + 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. 5

   Osawaike

   20 min

   + The oldest artificial pond in Japan. + Enjoying beautiful scenery in each season and quiet bamboo forest. + Ticket is 300JPY.

• 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.

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