Traversing Kyoto’s picturesque western suburbs offers a captivating journey into the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the serene Arashiyama bamboo grove to the majestic Kinkakuji Temple, this guided tour immerses visitors in the beauty and history of these iconic landmarks. With highlights like a visit to Tenryuji Temple and the opportunity to create traditional koboshi dolls, the experience promises an engaging and memorable exploration of Kyoto’s scenic west.

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Key Points

This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the scenic western Kyoto, including visits to Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Ryoanji Temple, and Kinkakuji Temple.
The tour offers a guided experience with historical insights, allowing visitors to appreciate Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies, including a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, make the tour accessible.
Inclusions such as entrance fees, transportation, and a koboshi doll-making activity provide a comprehensive and seamless experience.
Based on positive customer feedback, the tour is highly recommended for its engaging and educational nature, as well as the serene settings it encompasses.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers visitors an opportunity to experience Kyoto’s scenic west, including highlights like Arashiyama and Kinkakuji.

Priced from $138.16 per person, the tour provides excellent value. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now without paying anything today.

The tour is valid for 1 day, and customers can check availability for different starting times.

With free cancellation and a flexible booking policy, this tour makes exploring Kyoto’s western treasures convenient and accessible.

Looking for more options in Kyoto? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Locations

Starting at Kyoto Station, the tour departs at 9:00 AM.

First, visitors explore Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guided tour lasting 70 minutes.

Next, the group ventures into the iconic Arashiyama bamboo grove and across the historic Togetsukyo Bridge, with a 45-minute guided tour.

After a 1-hour lunch break, the itinerary includes:

A traditional Japanese doll-making experience (additional fee)
A visit to Ryoanji Temple and its famous rock garden (1.5-hour guided tour)
A tour of the breathtaking Kinkakuji Temple, known for its Golden Pavilion (1-hour guided tour)

The tour then returns to Kyoto Station.

Highlights and Experiences

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to Tenryuji Temple, a significant site in Arashiyama. Participants can explore the temple’s grounds and learn about its history during the guided tour.

Another unique experience is the traditional koboshi doll-making activity. These dolls symbolize resilience in Japanese culture, and travelers can create their own to take home as a souvenir.

The tour also includes a stop at the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, known for its golden pavilion that appears to float on the pond. Visitors can admire the temple’s serene and picturesque setting.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes the entrance fees for all the featured spots, as well as the bus and train tickets, the koboshi experience fee, and an English-speaking guided tour.

However, the cost of food, drinks, and transportation before and after the tour aren’t included.

Key exclusions:

Food and drinks
Transportation costs before and after the tour

The tour provides excellent value, covering all major expenses and offering a comprehensive experience of Kyoto’s scenic west.

With the guided tours and traditional art experience, this is an unmissable opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

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Customer Feedback

How do previous customers rate this tour? According to the tour information, it has an overall 5-star rating based on 1 review.

The example review praises the guide, Wing Ki, for providing excellent historical information. The reviewer, Melina from Australia, highly recommends the tour.

The positive feedback suggests this tour offers an engaging and educational experience exploring Kyoto’s scenic west, including Arashiyama and the iconic Kinkakuji Temple.

Customers seem to appreciate the guided commentary that brings the sights and history to life. The high rating indicates this tour delivers on its promise of a memorable journey through this scenic region of Kyoto.

There's plenty more to explore in Kyoto

Exploring Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove

What captivates visitors to Arashiyama’s bamboo grove? Towering green stalks sway gently in the breeze, casting a tranquil ambiance. The grove offers a serene escape from the bustling city.

Key highlights include:

Ancient, towering bamboo stalks reaching up to 60 feet high
Sunlight filtering through the canopy, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow
Peaceful walking paths winding through the lush, verdant forest
Opportunities to capture stunning panoramic photos and videos
A meditative, restorative experience amidst nature’s calming presence

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is a must-see during any Kyoto visit, providing a truly immersive and rejuvenating natural experience.

Discovering Tenryuji Temple’s Significance

As visitors explore Kyoto’s scenic west, one of the highlights is undoubtedly Tenryuji Temple.

This World Heritage Site is renowned for its spiritual significance and impressive architecture. The guided tour provides an in-depth look at the temple’s history, including its role as the principal temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.

Guests can admire the serene gardens and marvel at the views of the Arashiyama mountains.

With its 70-minute tour, Tenryuji offers a captivating glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination on this scenic western Kyoto excursion.

Marveling at the Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji

After exploring the serene gardens and historic architecture of Tenryuji Temple, visitors are captivated by the stunning sight of Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion.

Shimmering in the sunlight, the three-story pavilion is covered in pure gold leaf, reflecting the surrounding pond and garden.

Key features of Kinkakuji include:

A Zen temple originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun
Ornate architecture blending Shinto and Buddhist influences
Mirrored reflection in the serene Kyokochi pond
Designated a National Special Historic Site and World Heritage Site
A must-see on any Kyoto sightseeing itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Are the Tour Locations for People With Disabilities?

The tour locations have varying accessibility for people with disabilities. Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple have paved paths and wheelchair access, while the bamboo grove in Arashiyama may be more challenging. Kinkakuji Temple has limited accessibility.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The tour operator is flexible and can accommodate requests to modify the itinerary or add/remove activities as per your preferences. Just let them know what you’d like to focus on.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Temples and Shrines?

The temples and shrines on this tour generally require visitors to dress modestly. It’s best to wear comfortable, conservative clothing that covers the shoulders and legs. Shorts, tank tops, and revealing outfits are typically not allowed.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, children under 12 can join the tour for free. Some attractions may have reduced admission fees for certain age groups, which can be verified upon booking.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour does not provide luggage storage service. Guests are responsible for carrying their own luggage during the tour. It’s recommended to pack light and bring only essential items for the day’s activities.

The Sum Up

Traversing Kyoto’s scenic west from Arashiyama to Kinkakuji offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich cultural heritage. Highlights include guided tours of historic Tenryuji Temple and the golden pavilion of Kinkakuji, complemented by a delightful lunch and the option for traditional koboshi doll-making. This immersive experience is a must for anyone exploring Kyoto’s captivating beauty and history.