Half-Day Arashiyama Day Trip from Kyoto, with Tenryu-ji and the Bamboo Grove

Learn about this history of this magical bamboo forest with an expert on religion
From US$432 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
4 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Jojakko-ji Temple
  • Tenryu-ji Temple
  • Bamboo Grove
  • Sogenchi Gardens
Photos & Highlights
  • From beliefs and customs, to paintings and literature, learn all about the Heian period's influence on Japanese culture
  • Led by a local historian
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Tour Description
The Heian period is for the Japanese as the Ancient Greek and Roman eras are for Europeans. Many of the foundational ideas, beliefs, and customs, as well as defining paintings, poetry, and works of literature were developed during that period, leading some to consider the Heian period as the primary period of development for Japanese culture. Not coincidentally, Heian-Kyo is also the former name of Kyoto, which was at the center of this profound period of development. On our Arashiyama Tour, we travel back in time to this integral period of growth on an excursion to the quiet enclave of Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto, visiting villas, temples, and unspoiled forests to unearth how Japanese identity came about during this fertile period.

Arashiyama Tour

Meeting in front of Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, our guide will join us for the 20-minute train ride to Arashiyama, during which we’ll review the history of Kyoto, the important role that Arashiyama played in its development, and how it remains a tranquil enclave in a thoroughly urbanized society. Upon our arrival, we’ll walk to, and then across, Togetsu Bridge, the area's iconic landmark. The bridge, the name of which translates to “a bridge where the moon crosses," is surrounded by lush forests and is adjacent to a cherry tree grove, it provides a fittingly tranquil way to begin our exploration of Arashiyama.

Tenryuji, A Top Temple

Having passed over the bridge like monks have done for hundreds of years, we’ll move on to Tenryuji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Rinza-sect Zen temple, it is known in particular for its garden, which has remained virtually unchanged since its inception, created by famed garden designer Muso Soseki in the 14th century. Exploring the sprawling grounds with our guide on our Arashiyama Tour, we’ll learn about the power struggle that led to the temple’s inception, the foundations of Zen landscape design, and how Zen Buddhism shaped and continues to influence Japanese society today.

Basking in Bamboo Grove

Our Arashiyama Tour will at this point proceed into the famed bamboo grove. Wandering through this otherworldly place, we’ll spend some time appreciating the serene sensation of being surrounded by bamboo—it’s difficult to convey the particular sensation that comes from finding oneself surrounded by soaring shoots of bambooo. We may also visit a small shrine called Nonomiya Shrine in the middle of the forest. Originally, this was where an imperial princess purified herself before becoming a high priestess at Ise Grand Shrine. Notably, the shrine makes an appearance in The Tale of Genji, an 11th-century masterpiece of Japanese literature considered by some to be the world’s first novel.

Views of Kyoto

Exiting the grove, we’ll walk about ten minutes to the northern part of Arashiyama, stopping at Jojakkoji Temple. Built in the 16th century, this Buddhist temple is famous for its quiet, yet breathtaking scenery, lovely moss garden, and two hundred maple trees. Enjoying a quiet respite from the more famous sites nearby, we’ll drink in the views of Kyoto as we contemplate the important religious sites and natural beauty we have experienced on our Arashiyama Tour.

Take Aways

We'll wrap up at Jojakkoji Temple, having gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture, as well as a better understanding of the forces that shaped it. We will also have gotten the opportunity to see some of the most strikingly beautiful examples of nature in the city, from the finely manicured garden inside Tenryuji Temple to the unforgettable bamboo grove.

FAQ

Where does it meet? Where does it end? We meet near Hankyu Kawaramachi station. The tour ends in Arashiyama.

Are the transport cost and temple entrance fees included in the tour cost? Yes, all the venue entrance fees and roundtrip train tickets from Kyoto are included.

Can we use our JR pass on this tour? 
Unfortunately not - the only way for you to sit with the guide on the train is by using tickets bought directly by the guide, therefore you must purchase tickets through us.

Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
Where You'll Start
57 Reviews (4.85)

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Really enjoyed our trip out to Arashiyama. Crowded but our guide, Preston, knew how to avoid the worst blockages. Great day.
Nathan was wonderfully informative and passionate about Buddhism and Japanese culture. We very much enjoyed spending the day with him and would highly recommend him as a guide!!
Martin was such an amazing tour guide, he taught us so much and let us ask him any and all questions we had about Japanese history and culture. Would absolutely recommend him as a guide.