Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove from the comfort of a traditional rickshaw, gliding along exclusive pathways away from the main crowds. Visitors can book private rides that offer quiet, unobstructed views of the groves with all fees and gratuities included.
Free Cancellation Walk through Arashiyama’s bamboo groves, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, and see wild macaques at the hilltop Monkey Park.
Free Cancellation A half-day Arashiyama tour featuring quiet moss gardens, the bamboo forest, and a Michelin-rated Zen lunch.
Free Cancellation Explore every corner of the Arashiyama bamboo forest via private rickshaw paths and a guided walking tour.
Free Cancellation Explore Arashiyama’s bamboo forest and Zen temples before choosing between a hilltop monkey park or a local sake brewery.
Free Cancellation Ride 25km through Arashiyama and quiet temple grounds on a Panasonic E-bike tour limited to eight guests.
Free Cancellation Explore Arashiyama's quiet temples and historic streets on a 4-hour walk beyond the main tourist crowds.
Free Cancellation Explore Arashiyama's bamboo groves and Zen gardens followed by a scenic river boat ride in Kyoto.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A traditional rickshaw tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers an exclusive, serene way to experience Kyoto's famous soaring green stalks. You will glide effortlessly past the heavy crowds on reserved private paths, soaking in the unique rustling soundscape and historic surroundings while your knowledgeable local guide navigates the terrain.
Rickshaws have access to private, reserved trails away from the heavy pedestrian traffic, offering a peaceful and uncrowded view of the forest.
Marvel at thousands of Moso bamboo stalks reaching up to 25 meters high, leaning inward to create a breathtaking natural tunnel.
Relax in a comfortable, two-seater traditional carriage pulled by a local guide who shares history and helps take the perfect photos.
Pass by this historic Shinto shrine nestled within the grove, famous for its rare black wood torii gate and imperial history.
Experience the magical Japanese concept of 'Komorebi', where dappled sunlight filters beautifully through the dense bamboo leaves.
Many extended tours seamlessly connect the bamboo forest with the adjacent 14th-century Zen gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Planning your rickshaw ride or walking tour through Arashiyama requires a bit of preparation to ensure a smooth experience. Here is the essential practical information you need to know before securing your spot.
You can choose from dedicated 30-to-60-minute private rickshaw rides focusing purely on the grove, or opt for comprehensive 4-to-5-hour walking and e-bike tours that explore the wider Arashiyama district.
A standard rickshaw seat is 74cm (29.1 inches) wide and comfortably accommodates up to two adults side-by-side. Children aged 5 and under can ride for free provided they sit on an adult's lap.
The bamboo grove itself is completely free to enter. However, if you book an extended walking or e-bike tour, entrance fees to nearby sites like Tenryu-ji Temple, Okochi Sanso Villa, or the Monkey Park are typically included in the price.
Book well in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak seasons of late March to early April (cherry blossoms) or mid-November (autumn foliage). Rickshaw time slots and small-group tours sell out very quickly during these months.
Rickshaw tours are an excellent choice for those with limited mobility, as the guide handles all the physical effort. For walking tours, be aware that the path toward Okochi Sanso features a steep uphill slope that can be challenging for manual wheelchairs.
Rickshaw tours operate rain or shine. The carriages are equipped with waterproof covers and blankets to keep you dry. In fact, rain makes the green bamboo colors pop and clears out the pedestrian crowds.
Time changes on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated. For rickshaw rides, any delay of 10 minutes or more will be deducted from your total ride time or result in an automatic cancellation without a refund.
Most tour operators offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
| Private Rickshaw Tour | Half-Day Walking Tour | E-Biking Tour | Hidden Gardens Private Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 - 60 mins | 4 - 5.5 hours | 4.25 hours | 4 - 5 hours |
| Best For | Couples and photography enthusiasts | First-time visitors wanting a deep dive | Active travelers wanting to escape crowds | Those seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path spots |
| Key Inclusions | Private forest paths, guide, rickshaw carriage | Tenryu-ji entry, Monkey Park, Local Guide | Panasonic E-bike rental, helmet, temple fees | Lunch, snacks, certified private guide |
| Starting Price | $84 | $51 | $120 | $125 |
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a public pathway and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no gates or closing times for the main pedestrian path.
However, if you are planning to visit the adjacent attractions, keep in mind that places like Tenryu-ji Temple and the Okochi Sanso Villa typically operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Rickshaw tours generally operate during standard daylight hours, starting around 9:30 AM and taking their last passengers just before sunset, as the forest is not illuminated at night.
The bamboo grove is located in the Ukyo Ward, approximately 10km from central Kyoto. There are several convenient ways to reach the area:
Best Months: May and June are fantastic for seeing the most vibrant green bamboo stalks. Late March to early April is incredibly popular for cherry blossoms, while mid-to-late November brings stunning autumn foliage to the surrounding Arashiyama district.
Time of Day: The grove experiences extreme tourist congestion between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. To avoid the crowds, it is highly recommended to arrive before 8:00 AM or visit after 6:00 PM.
Keep in mind that the forest is very dark after sunset and is not artificially lit, except during special seasonal events like the Hanatoro festival.
The main 400-meter pedestrian path through the bamboo grove is paved and relatively smooth, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, as the path moves westward toward the Okochi Sanso Villa, it becomes a steep slope that may require physical assistance for manual wheelchair users.
Booking a rickshaw tour is a highly suitable option for elderly visitors or those with limited mobility. The rickshaw guides handle all the navigation and physical effort, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the scenery. Note that infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller to the meeting point, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during the rickshaw ride.
There are no public restrooms or vending machines located directly inside the bamboo grove itself.
The nearest restroom facilities can be found at the local train stations (Saga-Arashiyama or Randen Arashiyama) or inside the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple, which requires paying an entrance fee.
If you need snacks, drinks, or souvenirs, you will find plenty of shops selling traditional bamboo crafts and street food on the main commercial street just before you enter the grove.
To help preserve this historic natural landscape, visitors must adhere to several strict local rules:
Yes, rickshaw tours have access to a reserved, private path within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This allows you to experience the forest peacefully, away from the heavy crowds on the main public pedestrian trail.
A standard rickshaw seat is 74cm (29.1 inches) wide and can comfortably accommodate up to two adults side-by-side. Children aged 5 and under can ride for free provided they sit on an adult's lap.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove itself is completely free to enter 24/7. However, if your tour includes stops at nearby attractions like Tenryu-ji Temple or the Iwatayama Monkey Park, those specific entrance fees are typically covered in the tour price.
Rickshaw tours operate rain or shine. The carriages are equipped with waterproof covers and blankets to keep you completely dry. Many visitors actually prefer rainy days as it clears out the crowds and makes the green bamboo look incredibly vibrant.
Rickshaw tours are generally not recommended for pregnant travelers in their first 16 weeks, or for individuals with severe spinal injuries due to the slight bumping and movement of the carriage.
Dedicated rickshaw rides through the bamboo grove usually last between 30 to 60 minutes. If you book a wider half-day walking or e-bike tour of the Arashiyama district, expect the experience to last anywhere from 4 to 5.5 hours.
Generally, no. The forest is very dark after sunset and is only lit up during special seasonal events like the Arashiyama Hanatoro festival in December or March. It is best to book your tour during daylight hours.
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This walking tour covers the essential landmarks of the Arashiyama district, starting with the 14th-century Zen gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple. You will walk through the adjacent Bamboo Grove to reach Nonomiya Shrine, a quiet site where imperial princesses once prepared for service at the Grand Shrine of Ise. The route includes a break for a bowl of freshly whisked matcha tea. After visiting the shrine, the walk leads across the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which spans the Katsura River. The final portion of the tour involves a hike up the trails of Mt. Iwata to reach the Monkey Park. At the summit, you can observe over a hundred wild Japanese macaques roaming freely and look out over the entire Kyoto valley from the observation deck.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This half-day tour of Arashiyama balances Kyoto’s famous landmarks with its quieter, more secluded sites. After visiting the central Bamboo Forest, we move away from the crowds to a hillside villa and a temple known for its expansive moss gardens. This portion of the walk provides a clear view across the city and a chance to see traditional landscape design in a peaceful setting. For lunch, you will dine at a Michelin-rated restaurant located inside the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The meal consists of authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine, a core part of local temple culture. Throughout the day, your guide will explain the specific philosophy behind Japanese gardens, teaching you how to identify the differences between Western symmetry and the 'natural asymmetry' used in Zen aesthetics.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Begin your journey through the bustling main street before entering a section of the bamboo forest reserved exclusively for rickshaws. This private path offers a quiet view of the groves away from the main walking trails. Your guide will navigate the path, allowing you to focus on the scenery and take photos from the vehicle. The tour continues past Nonomiya Shrine into a second, park-like section of the forest that provides an open backdrop for group photos. As you move toward the final area, you will pass a preserved landscape designed to look like a scene from the Edo period. The last part of the forest is only accessible on foot. Your guide will park the rickshaw nearby and lead you through this final, most famous section of the grove. To avoid the largest crowds, we recommend scheduling your tour for a time before noon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Japanese, English
The tour starts with a walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and a visit to Nonomiya Shrine. We then head to the Okochi Sanso Garden to see the traditional landscape architecture. A seasonal drink—either hot matcha or a cold beverage—is included and served in the estate's former tea house. The first part of the trip ends at Tenryu-ji, a major Rinzai Zen temple known for its historic gardens. In the afternoon, you can pick one of two paths. Option A focuses on central landmarks, including the Kimono Forest, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, which offers views over Kyoto. Option B takes you away from the crowds via a short train ride for lunch in a local neighborhood. This route concludes with a visit and sake tasting at the Tanzan Brewery.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, French, Spanish
This 25km tour uses Panasonic E-bikes to navigate both the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and quiet temples located off the standard tourist paths. The route covers a mix of urban neighborhoods and countryside scenery, providing a look at local life and Kyoto's history. Groups are limited to eight participants to maintain a steady pace. The ride takes about four hours, and guests must be at least 15 years old. We ask that you arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to get comfortable with your E-bike before we set off.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
While the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge are Arashiyama’s most famous landmarks, the surrounding hills hold quiet temples and historic streets that many visitors miss. This four-hour walking tour starts at JR Saga Arashiyama Station, a 20-minute train ride from central Kyoto, and moves away from the main crowds into the northern part of the district to see the area's older architecture. The route follows the traditional preserved streets of Saga Toriimoto toward Otagi-nenbutsuji, a temple known for its 1,200 unique stone figures. You will also visit Seiryoji and the Tenryuji temple grounds before finishing at the bamboo grove and the Togetsukyo Bridge. Your guide provides historical context for each site as you walk through these less-frequented spots. The tour runs from 9:00 to 13:00 and does not include lunch. The price is 13,000 yen per person. Please note that separate entrance fees are required for Otagi-nenbutsuji (300 yen) and Tenryuji (500 yen).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Japanese, English
Start the morning in Arashiyama to visit the Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple’s Zen gardens before the area becomes crowded. The route includes a walk across Togetsukyo Bridge and a visit to either the moss gardens of Jojakko-ji Temple or the hilltop views at Okochi Sanso Villa, depending on the season and current schedule. This guided experience now includes a trip on a traditional yakatabune boat along the Hozu River. A licensed English-speaking guide leads the group, sharing the history of the temples and the local landscape. The tour is timed to take advantage of the cooler morning air and quieter paths.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English