Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Hidden Garden Half-Day Walking Tour with Michelin Lunch
- Kyoto, Japan
- 5 hour tour
- Small group tour
- English speaking guide
- Instant Confirmation
What makes this tour unique
- TripAdvisor "Best of the Best" Award Winner : Experience the tour ranked in the top 1% worldwide. We navigate you away from the tourist noise to hidden sanctuaries where the true "Wabi-Sabi" (quiet beauty) of Kyoto remains.
- "Decode" the Art of Zen/Japanese Gardens Don't just look; understand the meaning. Learn why Japanese aesthetics value "Nature and Asymmetry" over Western symmetry, giving you a new perspective on beauty that guidebooks can't teach.
- Iconic Bamboo Grove via Quiet Route : Walk the mesmerizing Bamboo Forest using a smart route that avoids the heaviest crowds. Your guide knows the best angles to capture the magical tunnel of towering bamboo.
- Exclusive Michelin Lunch inside World Heritage : The finale is a premium lunch inside Tenryu-ji Temple. Savor "Shojin Ryori" (Buddhist vegetarian), recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Dining in a historic tatami room is the ultimate cultural immersion.
Tips and recommendations by our official guides
Many travelers come to Arashiyama and only see the backs of other tourists. That breaks my heart.
I designed this tour to show you the real Kyoto—the silence of the moss, the sound of the wind in the bamboo, and the taste of history. Being awarded 'Best of the Best 2025' proves that travelers appreciate this deeper, quieter connection. Let me show you the Arashiyama that I love because ARASHIYAMA OFFERS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST AN INSTAGRAM PHOTO!
While most people get stuck in the noise of the main street, I want to show you the "Real Kyoto." That is why we explore hidden sanctuaries—secret temples and moss gardens where the original silence remains. We don't just walk; our guides will teach you how to enjoy and feel Japanese gardens, helping you understand the deep philosophy of nature versus artificial symmetry.
The absolute highlight is our exclusive lunch. Instead of a standard tourist meal, we have secured seats at a Michelin-rated restaurant inside the World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple. Dining on authentic Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) in a historic tatami room is a true JAPAN experience that is hard to book on your own.
At MagicalTrip, we believe travel is about connection. By joining this small group, you aren't just a tourist; you are an explorer diving deep into Japanese culture. I am confident this mix of peace, learning, and gastronomy will be the highlight of your trip!
See you in Kyoto!
Official guide
What's included
Escape the Crowds & enjoy the beauty of Japanese garden with silence
While Arashiyama is famous for crowds, your local guide leads you to hidden sanctuaries where the original silence remains. We share the way of seeing Japanese garden aesthetics—contrasting Western symmetry with Eastern asymmetry—turning mere scenery into a deep cultural understanding.
Bamboo Grove & World Heritage Tenryu-ji : Travel deeper into the ancient villa landscapes once loved by nobles a thousand years ago.
We walk through the iconic Bamboo Grove for the perfect photos, then enter the UNESCO World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji Temple, to immerse ourselves in the authentic tranquility and elegance of Zen architecture.
Savor exclusive Michelin lunch inside the World Heritage Temple
Exclusive Michelin Lunch inside the Temple The tour concludes with a premium lunch inside the temple grounds. Savor "Shojin Ryori" (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Experience the delicate harmony of nature in a historic tatami room—a spiritual feast for the senses.
Meeting Point
Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand).
- A guide will be holding a orange signboard saying "Magical Trip Tour"
Itinerary
- Meeting point
- Local temple and Japanese Garden
- Ohkawauchi Sanso Japanese garden
- Bamboo Grove
- Tenryu-ji temple
- Lunch at Tenryu-ji temple
- End of the tour at main souvenir street
- People of all ages can join this tour.
- As we will enter buddhist and shintoist facilities, please make sure to wear respectful clothing.
- As this is a walking tour, please make sure you wear shoes with which you feel comfortable walking long distance
- Alternative: In the rare case that Sho-jin ryori restaurant inside Tenryu-ji temple is fully booked, we will guide you to another historic restaurant (est. 1965) famous for Kyoto's iconic Tofu cuisine, offering a beautiful Japanese room in Sukiya-style architecture.
- End of Tour: The tour ends at Tenryu-ji Temple, the heart of Arashiyama. You are perfectly positioned to continue your day by visiting the Monkey Park, relaxing at a nearby Onsen (hot spring), or shopping for souvenirs.
- The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
- This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have walking problems we recommend booking a private tour.
- Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-free are limited. ※Please request as soon as possible. We'll make out best to accommodate
- Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.※ Requests made on the tour day cannot be accommodated. Please kindly understand that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions or the substitutions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to us.
- Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.
Inform us about any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance.
| Dietary request | Availability |
|---|---|
dairy-free | △ limited |
vegan | △ limited |
vegetarian | △ limited |
gluten-free | ✕ unavailable |
We cannot be held responsible for any food allergens present at street food stalls during the tour.
- gluten
- nuts
Check out YouTuber Tokidoki Traveller experiencing our tour
