Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Temples

Beat the crowds by walking Arashiyama's temples and bamboo while the morning is still quiet

A guided morning walking tour through Kyoto's Arashiyama district with a licensed English-speaking guide, covering the Sagano Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple's Zen gardens, and views from Togetsukyo Bridge. The route includes either Jojakko-ji Temple (autumn and winter) or Okochi Sanso Villa Garden (summer), and a yakatabune river cruise on tours from January to June and October to December 2027. The tour covers approximately 4 km on foot and lasts around four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Arashiyama Parkpassing by
2. Jojakko-ji TempleEntry included30m
3. Tenryu-ji TempleEntry included30m
4. Togetsukyo BridgeEntry included30m

Morning walk through Arashiyama

• Travel Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama Station
• Visit Jojakko-ji Temple or Okochi Sanso Villa
• Walk through Sagano Bamboo Grove
• Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens
• Enjoy views from Togetsukyo Bridge
• Take yakatabune boat ride (seasonal)

The experience

Early departures mean you reach the Sagano Bamboo Grove before the day-trippers arrive. The guide leads you through the tall stalks, then on to Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage site where the Japanese garden sits framed by Arashiyama's natural landscape. The temple is registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and the guide provides cultural context as you walk the grounds.

Which temple you visit depends on when you go. From January through June and October through December, the route includes Jojakko-ji Temple, which sits on a hillside with panoramic views across Sagano and Kyoto. In autumn the foliage turns the slopes around Mt. Ogura into a 360-degree color display. During summer (July to September), you visit Okochi Sanso Villa Garden instead, which offers a different kind of landscape garden. Either way, you walk the Sagano Bamboo Grove between them, heading toward Tenryu-ji.

The tour ends at Togetsukyo Bridge, a 250-meter span that frames seasonal views: cherry blossoms in spring, colored leaves in autumn. On tours running January to June and October to December 2027, you then board a yakatabune boat for a river cruise along the Hozu River, seeing Arashiyama from the water. The guide does not join the boat. This is your time to sit with the scenery. If high water prevents the boat from operating, the tour visits either Fukuda Art Museum or Okochi Sanso as an alternative, and the boat fare is refunded.

You travel to Arashiyama by public transport from Kyoto Station on non-reserved seats, so seating is not guaranteed during busy hours. The total walking distance is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles), and the tour takes around four hours. Admission fees and transportation are included. Wear shoes suitable for walking.

What’s included

• National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter.
• admission fees to temples and attractions.
• public transportation from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
• yakatabune river cruise along the Hozu River (January to June and October to December 2027 tours only).

Options for this experience

3 options

2026 Regular TourGuide in English · 08:30Regular course: Saga-Arashiyama Station, then Jojakko-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and finally Togetsukyo Bridge

Summer itinerary, July to SeptemberGuide in English · Available from 3 Jul 2027Itinerary change: a visit to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden takes the place of the regular Jojakko-ji visit. Summer itinerary: Kyoto AVANTI, then Saga-Arashiyama Sta., Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Okochi Sanso Villa, and Kyoto Sta.

2027 Regular TourGuide in English · Available from 7 Jan 2027Regular course: Saga-Arashiyama Station, then Jojakko-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, and finally Yakatabune

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 4h, runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 08:30, from JP¥ 12,000 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:302 later ›

GroupUp to 252 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.1 with pickup ›

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

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Is this one for you?Choose the 2027 regular tour (January to June or October to December) if you want the yakatabune river cruise as part of your morning. The summer itinerary (July to September) swaps Jojakko-ji Temple for Okochi Sanso Villa Garden and removes the boat ride to accommodate an earlier start and avoid peak heat. The 2026 tour does not include the river cruise at all.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What is the Sagano Bamboo Grove like when you walk through it?

The Sagano Bamboo Grove is a popular spot among international travelers, with tall stalks creating a distinctive landscape. The early morning timing of this tour means you experience it before crowds build up during the day.

Can I see cherry blossoms or autumn leaves on this tour?

Togetsukyo Bridge is known for framing seasonal views: cherry blossoms in spring and colored autumn leaves in fall. The specific foliage you see depends on the month. Jojakko-ji Temple's hillside bursts into autumn color from September through November, while spring blossoms peak in late March and early April.

Is the yakatabune boat ride included in every tour?

The yakatabune river cruise is included only on tours operating from January to June and October to December 2027. Summer tours (July to September) and all 2026 tours do not include the boat ride. If high water prevents boarding, the tour visits an alternative site instead and refunds the boat fare.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The total walking distance is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles), covered over the four-hour tour. The route connects the Sagano Bamboo Grove, Jojakko-ji or Okochi Sanso (depending on season), Tenryu-ji Temple, and Togetsukyo Bridge.

What does Tenryu-ji Temple look like?

Tenryu-ji Temple is a World Heritage site and Zen temple in one of Kyoto's leading sightseeing areas. Its Japanese garden is complemented by the beautiful landscapes of Arashiyama surrounding it, and the temple has been registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.