Kyoto - Must see Zen Temple, Bamboo Grove, Japanese Garden and more
Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn not only its history but also the beauty and philosophy behind its famous garden. Stroll through the enchanting bamboo grove, visit a lesser-known photo spot, and explore Museum Richo, featuring art and traditional crafts. Here, you can experience a uniquely Arashiyama atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Kyoto. Along the way, wander quiet backstreets and discover a more peaceful side of Arashiyama.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
RANDEN TRAIN ARASHIYAMA STATION
- Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan Meeting location address is for RANDEN TRAIN ARASHIYAMA STATION (20, Saga Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, 616-8384). You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel lobby) .
Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Around Randen Arashiyama Station, there are many delightful places to explore, including the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, charming souvenir shops, popular local coffee shops, and cafés serving delicious matcha lattes. We can take our time and stop at any places that catch your interest on our way to Tenryu-ji Temple.
At Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I will share the fascinating history of the temple and explain the beauty and philosophy behind its magnificent Japanese garden. One of the highlights is the breathtaking "borrowed scenery" (shakkei), where the surrounding Arashiyama mountains become part of the garden itself. We will also stroll through the peaceful grounds and fully appreciate this timeless landscape with all five senses.
Bamboo Grove
Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and experience one of Kyoto's most iconic landscapes. Beyond the famous pathway, I will also take you to a lesser-known photo spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the bamboo forest away from the crowds. Along the way, we can visit a unique local shop specializing exclusively in bamboo crafts and products. Although still relatively unknown to many visitors, it is a wonderful place to discover traditional craftsmanship and find special souvenirs that reflect the spirit of Arashiyama.
Museum Richo
Museum Richo is a private museum located in Arashiyama, western Kyoto. It is renowned for its breathtaking garden and scenery, which was selected as the 12th most beautiful garden and landscape in Japan. The gallery specializes in exquisite ceramics from the Joseon (Yi) Dynasty, as well as folk art pottery from Japan, Korea, and England.
The collection is a remarkable fusion of artistic beauty and historical significance, offering a captivating array of works that reflect rich cultural heritage and timeless craftsmanship. The museum is located across from Rakushisha, the historic cottage associated with the poet Matsuo Basho.
Enjoy a luxurious and peaceful experience in refined sukiya-style architecture while taking in magnificent views of Mt. Hiei, Mt. Ogura, Mt. Atago, and Rakushisha. This is a truly special place where you can relax, slow down, and enjoy an unforgettable moment away from the crowds.
Ending Point
RANDEN TRAIN ARASHIYAMA STATION/HANKYU ARASHIYAMA STATION
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/105689/e0a2abaf-e32e-4434-9247-c05cdf566410.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Private Guide Fee
・Public transportation fees
・Taxi fare(If you meet at a location far from Arashiyama Station, you will travel to the first destination by taxi, which costs about ¥2,000–¥5,000 per ride. Each taxi can accommodate up to 4 passengers.)
・Entrance tickets Tickets: (Tenryuji Temple: the ticket price is ¥800 per person, and ¥600 for 7 to 15 years old children. Museum Richo:¥1,000 per person, and no fees for 15 and younger children.)
・Personal expenses
Tour Important Information
If hotel pickup is requested, we will take a taxi from your hotel to Arashiyama for a smoother and more comfortable start to the tour.
Lunch is not included in this tour, but I would be delighted to recommend some excellent local restaurants and cafés based on your preferences.
Important message from the supplier
I am available until 2pm on every Friday.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Miki J.
My name is Miki, and I was born and raised in Kyoto. The streets, temples, shrines, gardens, arts and crafts, and traditions here have been part of my life since childhood, and sharing them with visitors is something I truly love.
My father designs traditional Sukiya-style architecture, Japanese gardens, and tea rooms, and is also a passionate collector of antiques from Japan and Korea. Through his work, I developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and beauty found throughout Japanese culture.
My mother is a professional cook, and I grew up watching my parents warmly welcome guests into our home, preparing matcha and meals while creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. From them, I learned the spirit of Japanese hospitality Omotenashi.
I began learning English at an international school in elementary school, which allowed me to communicate with people from many different countries from a young age.
Over time, I realized how much I enjoy helping people discover the deeper meaning behind the places we visit. Kyoto is a city where every temple, shrine, garden, and small street has a story. While many visitors are drawn to its beauty, understanding the history and traditions behind these places makes the experience even more meaningful.
I love sharing these stories and introducing hidden local spots that many visitors might otherwise miss. My goal is to help you experience Kyoto with all five senses and enjoy the culture and traditions that make this city so special.
Whether it is your first time visiting Japan or you are returning to Kyoto, I would be truly honored to share this beautiful city with you.
If I can help create even a small, special moment in Kyoto that becomes a lasting memory for you, it would be my greatest happiness.
$260/ per group
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/8f50719a-bece-4ce8-a526-14cf6c086ca6.jpg)
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/167349.jpg)
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Short on time? Experience the best of Arashiyama in just 4 hours! We follow a smart, one-way route from a peaceful hidden gem through the magical Bamboo Forest down to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. By entering Tenryu-ji Temple from the north gate, we avoid crowds and backtracking Saving your precious time and energy. Enjoy a seamless morning with a local professional guide!
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/94000/e38d160b-175f-486f-b995-35b518756a89.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12587/178876.jpeg)
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/47276/806519d4-d314-43ca-93bc-a4fef8e6ce4e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/6b3bf6d4-4c6a-4e70-ba95-7fa907d67df6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/af819ee7-ba66-4cd0-b56b-720f8d6236bb.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/7be2ee6a-d6e4-4c31-8021-8c6a9af8a313.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/896da65a-8499-4f38-a784-f89a1cb9e50d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/a44a3f96-c715-4735-9e06-b1497d5cc80f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/efc0ed3f-6d16-4138-928e-2ecda733241b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/5b609606-5164-4580-96a9-15a5094c9ae4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/c6695ced-13c8-44e4-b2f6-ef06162921fb.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/da0bfec3-1e26-4fe0-af11-89c250c2923c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/9f241632-2eff-46ce-b95c-df75c3e7c10d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/5aff815c-3663-49f4-bd6e-e05d7201ca90.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24327/ecb51119-aa5e-4f18-bf9b-998e1a3a0797.jpg)