Arashiyama Highlights With Matcha Experience

Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama with this immersive experience that blends Japan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Explore the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, stroll through the iconic Bamboo Grove, and cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge. But the real highlight? A tranquil matcha tea ceremony that invites you to savor the rich flavors and embrace the principles of harmony. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s enchanting traditions.

Key Points

• Tour highlights include visits to Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and a traditional matcha tea ceremony experience.
• Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can learn about Zen teachings and explore the temple’s gardens and architecture.
• The Bamboo Grove offers a tranquil and picturesque pathway with towering emerald bamboo stalks and a peaceful ambiance.
• The matcha tea ceremony experience allows visitors to appreciate the rich flavors of matcha tea and traditional sweets, as well as the principles of Wa-kei-sei-jaku.
• The tour provides a live guide in Setswana, a private group option, and a reserve now, pay later option, offering flexibility and convenience for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Arashiyama Highlights with Matcha Experience tour is priced from $39.35 per person and lasts for a full day.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour features a live guide available in Setswana, and a private group option is also available.

Visitors will start at the JR Saga Arashiyama Station and explore the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, the iconic Bamboo Grove, and the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge.

After sightseeing, they’ll enjoy a one-hour tea ceremony experience at a local teahouse, learning about the principles of Wa-kei-sei-jaku.

Itinerary and Locations

Visitors start their Arashiyama Highlights tour at the JR Saga Arashiyama Station.

First, they’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryuji Temple for 75 minutes, learning about Zen teachings while enjoying the stunning gardens.

Next, they’ll stroll through the iconic Bamboo Grove for 30 minutes, marveling at the verdant bamboo stalks.

Afterward, they’ll have 30 minutes to admire the scenic views from Togetsukyo Bridge.

Finally, they’ll take a 15-minute car ride to a teahouse to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where they’ll savor matcha and seasonal sweets in a tranquil setting.

Tenryuji Temple: UNESCO World Heritage Site

After being welcomed at the JR Saga Arashiyama Station, visitors embark on their Arashiyama Highlights tour by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryuji Temple.

Spend 75 minutes learning about Zen teachings and admiring the temple’s gardens. Discover the temple’s history as a place of spiritual contemplation, with its impressive architecture and serene landscaping.

Gain insights into the principles of Zen Buddhism that have shaped this significant cultural site. The tour provides a deep appreciation for the temple’s role in Arashiyama’s rich heritage.

Bamboo Grove: Iconic Pathway

Departing the serene grounds of Tenryuji Temple, the tour now ventures into the iconic Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama.

Towering emerald stalks sway overhead, casting a tranquil ambiance. The winding pathway offers an otherworldly experience, as visitors enjoy this natural wonder.

The sounds of rustling bamboo and distant bird calls create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. Guests can stroll at their own pace, soaking in the essence of this unique landscape.

The bamboo grove exemplifies the beauty and serenity of Arashiyama, a highlight not to be missed on this cultural excursion.

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Togetsukyo Bridge: Scenic Views

From the Bamboo Grove, the tour group makes its way to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, a renowned landmark in Arashiyama. Spanning the Katsura River, the bridge offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to relax and take in the scenery. Visitors can freely explore the bridge, snapping photos of the lush surrounding landscape.

Togetsukyo Bridge
Duration	30 mins
Main Attraction	Scenic	Relaxing
Recommended	Camera	Photos

After soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, the group departs for their next destination, eager to continue their immersive Arashiyama experience.

Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience

What comes next in the Arashiyama Highlights tour is the immersive Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience. This 1-hour activity allows visitors to:

1. Enjoy the rich, bittersweet flavors of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

2. Appreciate the principles of Wa-kei-sei-jaku – harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

3. Marvel at the seasonal awareness reflected in the sweets and decor, enhancing the appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature.

The balance of matcha’s bitterness and the sweets’ sweetness symbolizes the harmony between nature and humanity, providing a truly authentic cultural experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the tea ceremony fee, entrance fee for Tenryuji Temple, and transportation from Arashiyama to the teahouse.

Guests will also receive a gift of colored calligraphy by Zen monk Kobayashi Taigen. However, the tour doesn’t include meals.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for sitting on the floor during the tea ceremony. They should also prepare for weather conditions and bring an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.

Smoking isn’t allowed on the tour. The experience isn’t suitable for children under 15, people with back problems, diabetes, or wheelchair users.

Important Information and Recommendations

First, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 15 years, people with back problems, diabetes, or wheelchair users.

To prepare for the tour, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for sitting on the floor during the tea ceremony.

Plus, it’s recommended to:

1. Bring a camera to capture the stunning bamboo grove and scenic views.
2. Carry water to stay hydrated.
3. Pack an umbrella or raincoat if the weather is unpredictable.

Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

Following these tips will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Arashiyama experience.

Things To Know

Is Photography Allowed During the Tea Ceremony?

During the tea ceremony, photography is generally not allowed. The focus is on the serene and meditative experience, so guests are asked to refrain from taking photos to preserve the tranquility and respect the traditional customs.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can work with the tour operator to adjust the duration, sequence, or focus of the activities based on their interests and needs.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English or Other Languages?

The tour guide is fluent in English and other languages, giving visitors flexibility to enjoy the experience in their preferred language. Plus, private group options are available for customized experiences.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Outside Food or Drinks?

The tour has no restrictions on bringing outside food or drinks. However, participants are encouraged to focus on the tea ceremony experience and enjoy the provided matcha and traditional sweets during that portion of the tour.

Can We Extend the Duration of the Tea Ceremony Experience?

The duration of the tea ceremony experience cannot be extended beyond the 1 hour provided. This is a set part of the tour itinerary and cannot be customized. Extending the experience would require booking a private tea ceremony separately.

Sum Up

Enjoy Japan’s cultural heritage on this enchanting Arashiyama Highlights tour. Explore the serene Tenryuji Temple, stroll through the iconic Bamboo Grove, and cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge. Cap off your day with a tranquil matcha tea ceremony, savoring the rich flavors while embracing the principles of harmony and tranquility. This unforgettable experience offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and traditions of Japan.

You can check availability for your dates here: