Arashiyama from Kyoto: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Visit the enchanting district of Arashiyama, renowned for its thick bamboo groves, resident monkeys, and well-preserved sacred shrines. On this personalized excursion, you’ll join a local guide to explore the stunning region, which lies at the foothills of the Arashiyama Mountains. Tours include admission tickets to four local temples as well as Okochi Sanso Villa, a traditional Japanese home and garden inscribed as national cultural properties.
- An off-the-beaten-track guided walking tour of Arashiyama
- Explore the stunning, nature-filled region with a local guide
- Select from tickets to four of five major temples in the area
- Choose a departure time that works best for your schedule
What's Included
- Private, personalized walking tour with a passionate local host
- Tickets to 4 of these 5 temples: Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, Gio-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Daikaku-ji
- Admission to Okochi Sanso Villa and Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your interests
- Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and tips
- Food and drinks
- Additional tickets for any attractions not listed in the inclusions
- Transportation (primarily a walking experience; public transport may be used at an additional cost)
- Bicycle rentals
- Gratuities (optional)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Arashiyama (Pass By)
Jōjakkōji Temple (Pass By)
Monkey Park Iwatayama (Pass By)
Tenryu-ji Temple (Pass By)
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (Pass By)
Daikaku-ji Temple (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
- This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
- Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 47 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sharon_A, Feb 2026
Amy was a fabulous guide. She was early to meet us, very knowledgeable and got us everywhere we wanted to go. She was responsive to our needs and flexible when we needed her to be. Very grateful for our day in Kyoto and highly recommend her and this tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Amy’s punctuality, knowledge, and flexibility helped make your day in Kyoto so memorable. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you again in the future.
Erin_K, Apr 2025
We had a wonderful day exploring the bamboo Forrest and several shines. Our guide Vanessa was wonderful! She was full of knowledge, friendly, and very informative. She tailored the trip to our wants and even met us at our hotel. I highly recommend booking a trip with Vanessa!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Vanessa is indeed an amazing host, and we’re glad she was able to tailor the trip to your interests. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Kristyn_R, Apr 2024
We had Alex as our guide and he was great. As we have young children he made sure the experience was suitable for them too, spending more time at the monkey park.
At the end of the tour he took us to markets and sent me directions to more places that would be good to take the kids for the rest of our stay in Kyoto.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Rafidah_O, Mar 2024
The bamboo forest is amazingly gorgeous and would have been serene if not for the crowd there. Recommend to go early morning to avoid crowd.
The actor’s house on hill is really beautiful and the temples and surrounding gardens are amazing.
Our guide is sweet and obliging though very much lacking in local knowledge. We had to prise him for information rather than him volunteering to explain the history behind these places. It would be great if the company could provide us with knowledgeable guides instead of someone who could just speak English.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Rafidah,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're delighted that you enjoyed the beauty of the bamboo forest and appreciated our host's kindness. However, we apologize for any disappointment regarding the host's knowledge.
Your feedback is invaluable, and we're reviewing our host's qualifications to ensure a more enriching experience for our guests. We hope for the opportunity to match you with the perfect host and create a memorable experience for you next time.
Warm regards,
Ruslan and the City Unscripted Team.
ebsanchez, Mar 2024
Our guide Ada is amazing. As it was pouring rain, we decided to skip the bamboo forest and Ada took us to lesser known shrines and historic sites. Her understanding of Japanese culture and history was a delight and most interesting to listen to.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with Ada! It sounds like she did a fantastic job adapting to the weather and providing you with a memorable tour despite the rain.
Jean_Z, Mar 2024
The trip was wonderful. It was very peaceful and interesting and the bamboo forest was beautiful. Our guide, Hide, was very kind and helpful in both setting the itinerary and helping with my sprained ankle.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
It's great to know that Hide was such a helpful and kind guide, especially in accommodating your sprained ankle. If you have any future travel plans, don't hesitate to reach out to us again. Safe travels!
Deborah_S, Mar 2024
Mia was EXCELLENT. She was flexible and kind to my son who has autism and enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We loved our tour!!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we're thrilled that Mia was able to accommodate and engage with your son.
CHINGHO_C, Mar 2024
I had a fantastic day exploring Arashiyama with my amazing guide Fatima. She was able to tailor my experience perfectly after asking for my preferences, even adding in activities that were kind of off the beaten path that I otherwise would not have been able to find myself. She was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating, and just a joy to explore Arashiyama with. Would definitely recommend this tour and Fatima to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Fatima and the entire team are uplifted by your positive feedback. Thank you!
Greg_P, Mar 2024
Alex was so friendly and personable. He gave us so much information about the area and the culture. We could ask him any question. He worked great with our kids and kept them interested throughout the entire day. We enjoyed our time with Alex. It was a perfect way to explore Kyoto. Highly recommend him.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Think of us next time you travel, we have a network of over 1,200 hosts around the world. I am so happy to hear your whole family had a great time with Alex! Your words are cherished!
Joseph_S, Dec 2023
Had a beautiful time in December 2023. Our guide took us to Adashino Temple first where we met the grandson of the founder and got a leisurely view of a bamboo grove with no crowds. From there we headed down the hill visiting temples along the way. We had lunch at a beautiful cafe that was set up in the style of a traditional tea house, and then headed for the main bamboo grove, the Kinkau-Ji temple, and the monkey preserve. Shinto was a fantastic guide, and he was patient with our multi-generational family, customizing the trip for us. It was a highlight of this trip.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
I'm so happy you had a great time exploring Kyoto with Shingo! Thanks a million for the recommendation, and we'd love to have you back for more adventures.
Tait_K, Nov 2023
We enjoyed our time in in Arashiyama. The monkey park with its views and unique experience was great. We also went to two “hidden gems” with Dairyn which were highlights. Loved the experience and would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thanks so much for your kind words. We're overjoyed to hear you had such an outstanding experience. Can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
Nuha_F, Nov 2023
I absolutely loved this tour Brenda was so patient and catering to our needs especially since we were travelling with a young child. The tour was beautiful we got to do everything we wanted and the day went so quickly. Brenda was so great and we learnt so much from her. She was so flexible and fantastic would highly recommend to anyone coming to Kyoto and looking to do a tour. We only really had 1 full day in Kyoto but we all fell in love with city and definitely want to come back soon.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Your kind words made our day! It's fantastic to hear that Brenda tailored the tour to your family's tastes. Looking forward to hosting you again in Kyoto when you return!
martin_r, Nov 2023
The Bamboo forest and the Temple. The guide was very good and friendly. Was more than was expected we will recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your review. It's our joy to have met your tour expectations!
Leigh_G, Nov 2023
We could not have asked for a better guide. Bita was knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and spoke great English! She planned the day and then rolled with wherever we wanted to linger. She took us to some breathtaking spots and was the mastermind of the entire experience. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hi Leigh,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Bita's expertise, friendliness, flexibility, and excellent English made your tour exceptional. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences in the future!
Janeth_F, Oct 2023
We got picked up by our guide, Jose, from Spain. He catered to our preferences and needs. This is a Walking Tour so be prepared for lots of walking in large crowds. The baboo forest was beautiful but no place to sit down and enjoy it. The gardens at the end were beautiful and we really enjoyed walking through them.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
We're happy to hear that Jose was able to cater to your preferences and needs during the tour. It’s great that you enjoyed the bamboo forest and the beautiful gardens at the end. We understand that the walking aspect, especially in large crowds, can be a bit challenging, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
aziz_c, Aug 2023
Jose, our guide, made this is an amazing experience. He reached out to us in advance, took the time to understand the experience we were seeking and delivered a memorable day. He was flexible and ensured that we had a fantastic experience. The highlight of the day for the kids was the monkey forest where they got to feed the monkeys. Be warned, though, the monkey forest is at the top of a very steep hill - it will be like walking up a 40 storey building. Your legs will feel it.
Ed_K, Aug 2023
Our tour guide Mi A was great. She was friendly and brought us to various temples, Japanese cracker store, and the monkeys. She was also great at taking photos for our family. It was a lot of walking and overall would highly recommend.
Oved_F, Aug 2023
Masaya was a nice guide who took us through multiple nice and interesting destinations in a very smooth fashion. We had a great lunch as well. It was really great having such a personal experience.
Susan_S, Jul 2023
Our tour guide Brenda was amazing and went out of her way to make this an unforgettable day. She was professional, knowledgeable, patient and extraordinarily helpful in every way.
Walter_A, Jul 2023
Miki was excellent and a great tour guide! She did what we wanted and was very knowledgeable and friendly! Took us to the places we wanted to see.
Mariam_K, Jun 2023
This is a great way to see temples, natural beauty, get in some shopping, and take a hike up to the monkey park. We had a great time and saw a lot. Our teenagers thought it was a highlight
Rebecca_B, Jun 2023
Our guide, Alex, was amazing! He was interesting, kind and flexible with our needs. His love for Kyoto was evident. We thoroughly enjoyed the bamboo forest, gardens and temples. He also led us to a great ramen place for lunch.
By the way, the monkey park is a lot harder climb than indicated online.
Vanessa_C, Jun 2023
The bamboo forest and tea house were spectacular on the day , and using public transportation was very easy
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the bamboo forest and tea house—such spectacular highlights. Glad to hear public transportation made the experience seamless!
DIMPLE_S, Jun 2023
This was likely our favorite tour during our two weeks in Japan. Our guide, Alex, is the best. Incredibly personable, genuinely passionate about what he does, and shares a wealth of information as we go. He also did a good job of engaging both of my teenage sons. We saw so much during this tour of the beautiful bamboo forest, wandering the nearby neighborhoods, visiting shrines and temples, learning much history, and also enjoyed the monkey park experience. Alex is incredibly flexible, and willing to customize the tour based on the group’s preferences. He also provided some great information for us, so that we could enjoy the rest of our days in Kyoto to the fullest. We recommend this tour 100%, and I hope you get lucky enough to have Alex as your guide!
Carol_Z, May 2023
Milos was my best guide in Kyoto. He was prompt, fun, highly -intelligent in Japanese history, world politics, economics etc. Add to that, he was patient, very informative in the sites we visited, kind, helpful and allowed me to set the pace whilst walking and climbing. That was critical for me since I’m probably 50 years older! His thorough explanations of the sites and surrounding countryside were enlightening and only served to enhance my experience as n Kyoto. Bravo Milos !
gillian_s, May 2023
Our guide Alex was amazing- really knowledgeable and friendly. He listened to our likes and fillies and tailored the day accordingly. We got to see parts of Kyoto that we wouldn’t have managed to get to on our own. A really fun and memorable day out. Thanks city unscripted and especially to Alex!
Sonja_N, Apr 2023
Tour guide didn't show up, called her and she said she wasn't booked to host us. Some big mess up in your office. Very disappointing. Will not be recommending your company. On a positive note all my emails to viator were answered prompty I appreciated that
Joyce_S, Apr 2023
Dairyn was amazing! She knew my family was on a time crunch and made every effort to show us the most in the amount of time we had, all while giving time to my kids to appreciate the experience. She had wonderful suggestions for places the kids would enjoy and had ideas for food options for our vegetarian family. We would definitely look her up again when we visit Kyoto. 10/10 experience for our family.
Isaura_S, Oct 2023
Todo increíble, Alex el guía extraordinario, muy carismático y amable además con gran conocimiento del lugar, 200% recomendado!
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Arashiyama from Kyoto: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide
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