Kyoto: Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest Walk

Summary

Rickshaw ride through Kyoto’s bamboo forest and old shrines

You’ll roll through Kyoto’s Arashiyama district by rickshaw, slip into hidden corners of the bamboo forest most visitors miss, pause at Nonomiya Shrine for local stories, and walk up into the tallest groves on foot with your guide beside you. Expect laughter, quiet moments under swaying bamboo, and memories that linger longer than any photo.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft clatter of the rickshaw wheels on the stones — not loud, but steady enough to make me realize this wasn’t just a regular walk in Arashiyama. Our guide, Hiroshi, grinned and pointed out a tiny bakery tucked behind some lanterns (I’d have missed it). The main street was busy — school kids in uniforms, shopkeepers calling out greetings — but once we turned off toward the bamboo forest, everything changed. It got cooler somehow. The air smelled green, if that makes sense. I kept reaching for my phone to take pictures but honestly, nothing really caught how tall those stalks were or how they creaked when the wind moved through.

Hiroshi pulled us along a path reserved just for rickshaws (he said it’s one of the perks — less crowded), and then stopped near Nonomiya Shrine. He told us about couples who come here to pray for good luck in love; there were little wooden plaques everywhere with wishes written on them. I tried to read one and totally failed — my Japanese is tragic — but Hiroshi laughed and helped me out. After that we walked into another part of the bamboo forest that felt more like a park, quieter except for a pair of crows arguing overhead. There was this cottage with a straw roof where a famous haiku poet used to live; I could almost imagine him sitting there with tea, watching people go by.

The last stretch you have to do on foot — Hiroshi parked the rickshaw and led us up this surprisingly steep slope (my legs definitely noticed). That’s where you get to the most famous part of the bamboo grove, where everyone tries to snap that perfect photo. Even with other visitors around, it felt peaceful in a way I can’t quite explain. Maybe it was just being surrounded by all that green light filtering down or maybe it was how Hiroshi waited quietly while we stood there. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rickshaw and walking bamboo forest tour

• Start rickshaw tour in Arashiyama
• Pass by Nonomiya Shrine
• View cottage of famous Haiku poet
• Ride through bamboo grove for photos
• Stop rickshaw near third bamboo forest section
• Walk steep slope to famous bamboo forest

Top questions

How long does the Arashiyama rickshaw tour take?

The duration depends on your chosen option; tours can be customized based on time selected.

Is pickup included in this Kyoto rickshaw tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start from the rickshaw stand in Arashiyama.

Can children join the bamboo forest rickshaw tour?

Yes, children 5 years and under can ride free on an adult's lap; older children need their own seat at adult price.

Are entry fees or taxes included?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers in early pregnancy due to walking slopes.

What if it rains during my Kyoto rickshaw experience?

The tour operates rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing if rain is expected.

Can I customize which attractions we visit?

The route can be customized depending on your chosen tour duration—ask your operator when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a traditional rickshaw pulled by a local guide through Arashiyama’s quieter paths, guided walks into different sections of the bamboo forest including areas only accessible on foot, stops at sites like Nonomiya Shrine and a poet’s cottage, plus all fees and taxes covered so you can just show up and enjoy without extra hassle.