Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Zen Gardens
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Zen Gardens
Begin at the dazzling Kimono Forest before stepping into the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Zen garden. Wander the famous Bamboo Grove off the beaten path, explore the hilltop Okochi Sanso Villa, and stroll the peaceful banks of the Katsura River to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.
Tour Highlights
- ✦Kimono Forest
- ✦Tenryu-ji Temple & Zen Garden
- ✦Bamboo Grove
- ✦Okochi Sanso Villa
- ✦Katsura River
- ✦Togetsukyo Bridge
What's Included
- ✓English-speaking tour guide
- ✓Walking tour
- ✗Hotel pick up and drop off
- ✗Meals and other drinks
- ✗Personal expenses
- ✗Entrance fees (Okochi Sanso and Tenryu-ji)
Your route & what to expect
Meeting Point
Meet your guide here. Brief introductions and walk-through of the route before setting off.
Kimono Forest
A magical colonnade of 600 illuminated kimono-fabric poles lines the path from the station. Each pole glows with traditional Kyoto Nishijin textile patterns, a breathtaking first impression of Arashiyama.
Tenryu-ji Temple & Zen Garden
Enter one of Japan's finest Zen gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden's centrepiece pond perfectly reflects the forested Arashiyama mountains behind it, unchanged since the 14th century. Your guide will explain the philosophy of borrowed scenery (shakkei).
Bamboo Grove
Step into one of the world's most photographed natural corridors. Towering moso bamboo stalks creak and sway overhead, filtering light into a luminous green canopy. Your guide will take you off the main path into the quieter northern groves away from the crowds.
Okochi Sanso Villa
The hilltop estate of silent-film actor Denjiro Okochi offers sweeping panoramas of Kyoto and the Hozu River gorge below. Stroll through several distinct garden styles, moss, stone, and pruned pine, ending with complimentary matcha and wagashi sweet.
Katsura River
Descend from the hillside to the peaceful banks of the Katsura River. Traditional wooden cormorant fishing boats (ukai) are moored along the shore. Your guide shares the history of this ancient fishing practice as you walk towards the bridge.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Cross the iconic "Moon Crossing Bridge," a landmark that has spanned the Oi River since the Heian period. The view from the bridge's centre of mountains, river, and wooden boats is one of the most emblematic scenes in all of Japan.
End of Tour
Tour concludes here. Your guide will suggest nearby lunch spots and optional add-ons.
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