Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour, Kyoto

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour (Self Guided), Kyoto

The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst nature's splendor.

Adjacent to the Bamboo Grove is the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered for its historical importance and stunning architecture. Within the temple grounds lies the Sogenchi Garden, a meticulously landscaped Zen garden that epitomizes the harmony between man and nature. Visitors can wander through its pathways, admiring the carefully arranged rocks, moss, and foliage that create a sense of calm and contemplation.

Nearby, the Okochi Sanso Villa offers another glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. Once the private retreat of a famous Japanese actor, this sprawling estate boasts traditional gardens, teahouses, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River, providing a picturesque vantage point for admiring the scenic beauty of Arashiyama. From here, visitors can embark on leisurely strolls along the riverbanks or enjoy boat rides offering unique perspectives of the area.

Horin-ji Temple, with its ancient pagoda and tranquil ambiance, offers further opportunities for exploration and reflection. Meanwhile, adventurous travelers can venture to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where they can observe Japanese macaques in their natural habitat.

The Arashiyama scenery is unparalleled and therapeutic, especially if you visit Kyoto during sakura season or when the autumn leaves change color. There is also a welcoming rustic town with lots of shops and restaurants, or you can check out a few ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) if your budget can support it. So why wait? Embark on a self-guided journey to Arashiyama today and enjoy the timeless allure of this remarkable destination.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Tatyana Temirbulatova.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Kyoto

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour
Guide Location: Japan » Kyoto (See other walking tours in Kyoto)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Kyoto?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Kyoto Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Kyoto?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Higashiyama Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu’s relocation of his court to Heian-kyō (which is Kyoto’s former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Gion District Walking Tour

Gion, one of Kyoto’s most captivating districts, is deeply rooted in Japan’s cultural heritage. Located in the Higashiyama (the so-called “Eastern Mountain”) neighborhood, its history dates back to the Sengoku period, when it began as a hospitality area for pilgrims visiting Yasaka Shrine. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it had evolved into a renowned entertainment quarter,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper’s paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various “one-of-a-kind items” are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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