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Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion & Arashiyama – Bamboo Forest, Zen Garden & Hidden Gems

Bamboo Grove

Tenryuji Temple-Late March

Road from Arashiyama Station to Togetsukyo Bridge

Daikakuj Temple

Matsuo-taisha Shrine

Kimono Forest

Kinkakuji Temple

Phoenix on the roof of Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple

Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion & Arashiyama – Bamboo Forest, Zen Garden & Hidden Gems

Highlights

Joined 2026

Kazunori O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Kazunori O.)

Up to 6 people

Discover two of Kyoto’s must-see destinations in one relaxing tour. Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and explore Arashiyama’s highlights, including Tenryu-ji Temple, the Bamboo Grove, Kimono Forest, and Togetsukyo Bridge. Along the way, I’ll share Kyoto’s history, culture, and local stories. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both Kyoto’s famous landmarks and its peaceful atmosphere.

I’m looking forward to sharing my favorite city with you!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your hotel in Kyoto.

- I will meet you at your hotel lobby in Kyoto. Please provide your hotel name and address after booking.

10:00 AM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama. It’s one of Kyoto’s most beautiful photo spots. Let’s take some pictures with the bridge and the beautiful nature behind us!

10:20 AM

Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Tenryu-ji Temple, an important Zen temple built in 1339. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous garden is about 700 years old and uses the mountains as part of the scenery. Please enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

11:00 AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Bamboo is an important plant in Japanese culture. Please enjoy the beautiful view, the fresh air, and the peaceful atmosphere. This is one of the most famous places in Kyoto for taking photos.

11:40 AM

Nonomiya Shrine

A small but historic shrine in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In the past, imperial princesses came here to purify themselves before serving at Ise Shrine. Today, many people visit this shrine to pray for good relationships, marriage, and good luck. The black wooden torii gate is one of its unique features.

12:30 PM

Lunch

For lunch, you can try some food you would like to experience in Arashiyama, or choose a restaurant that interests you.

Of course, I can suggest some good restaurants in Arashiyama.

01:30 PM

Kimono Forest

Kimono Forest at Randen Arashiyama Station. There are about 600 pillars decorated with beautiful Kyo-Yuzen kimono patterns.

After Kimono Forest, we’ll take the local Randen train toward Kinkaku-ji. Then, we’ll take a bus, and arrive at Kinkaku-ji in about 10 minutes.

03:00 PM

Kinkaku-ji Temple ( Golden Pavilion )

Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. It is also called the Golden Pavilion because the top two floors are covered with gold leaf. The beautiful building reflected on the pond is one of the most popular views in Japan.

Ending Point

Your hotel in Kyoto.

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide fee and hotel pick-up in Kyoto city.

What‘s not included

Public transportation fee ( About 800 JPY per person for you and guide )

Entrance fee ( 1,000 JPY per person )

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Lunch: JPY 1,000–2,000 per person

Your personal expenses are not included.

Tour Important Information

Please wear comfortable shoes, as we will be walking a lot during this tour.

This tour may not be suitable for guests who have difficulty walking or have back problems.

I have guided many tourists in their 70s on this tour, and they were all able to complete the tour. As long as you do not have any serious leg or back problems, I believe this tour can be enjoyable for older guests as well.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Please inform me in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restriction.

My available dates are basically shown on my calendar, but I may also be available on other days.

So please feel free to contact me first and ask about your plans.

I would be happy to give you advice to help make your trip more enjoyable, even if I am not available on your preferred date.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Important message from the supplier

Although my calendar currently shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as available, my work schedule changes every week. I may also be available on weekdays, depending on my shift. If you’d like to book a tour on another day, please feel free to send me a message. I’ll do my best to accommodate your request. Please don't hesitate to ask!

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

Joined 2026

Kazunori O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kazunori O.

Hello! I’m Kazunori. I’ve been guiding visitors around Kyoto for the past two years. So far, I’ve guided more than 30 groups. Many guests have told me I should become a professional guide, and their kind reviews encouraged me to join GoWithGuide.

I know Kyoto very well, especially Arashiyama and the Higashiyama area, including Kiyomizu-dera.

My goal is to help you enjoy Japan so much that you’ll want to come back again. I’ll be happy to share Kyoto’s history, food culture, and traditions in a simple and enjoyable way.

I look forward to meeting you and showing you the beauty of Kyoto!