Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples）

Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest gets all the fame, but this tour adds the part most people miss: a real hike uphill for Kyoto views, plus a temple stop called Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. I like that it’s built as a guided shortcut to the highlights, so you spend less time guessing and more time moving.

Two things I especially like are the small group size (up to 5) and the English-speaking guide who helps you stay on track at a comfortable pace. Names like Taira and Daizen show up as examples of guides who handle the route well and keep the conversation going in clear English.

One consideration: this is not a flat wander. The mountain climb is the biggest chunk of the experience, so you’ll want moderate physical fitness and you should bring water.

Quick take: what stands out on this Arashiyama hike

• Bamboo forest walk plus an uphill climb that gets you views many casual photo stops do not
• Small group of max 5 for navigation that feels personal, not chaotic
• Wild monkey spotting is possible while you’re out on the trails
• Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple visit with its 8,000 Buddhist statues (500 yen admission)
• English guide + trail guidance so you do not lose the route

Where the shortcut starts: Saga-Arashiyama Station and a focused 3-hour plan

The meeting point is Saga-Arashiyama Station, right at 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. You’ll start there, walk into Arashiyama, and return back to the same place when you’re done. It keeps your Kyoto planning simple, because you’re not signing up for a half day that eats up transit time.

This runs about 3 hours. That length matters, because it gives you enough time to experience both the bamboo forest and a hiking climb without dragging on into a full itinerary headache.

You also get a mobile ticket. That’s useful in Japan, where quick check-ins beat paper hunts.

Entering the Arashiyama bamboo: main path first, then the “why didn’t I know this” views

You begin with a walk along the main bamboo forest path. It’s the classic entry that puts you right into the mood fast, with the bamboo scenery front and center. Then the tour shifts from photo-taking to exploration, as the route continues into trails and viewpoints that many people do not reach on their own.

What I like about this structure is that it respects how Arashiyama works. The bamboo forest is the headline, but your time feels more rewarding when the guide helps you move beyond the obvious spots.

A practical upside: because you’re following a guide, you’re not spending the hike time staring at maps. Your phone can help, but on a trail, guidance beats screen-watching. Plus, the tour is designed to be a “no losing the guide” experience, which is exactly what you want in a crowded area.

One more detail to keep in mind: wild monkeys are part of the mix, and you might spot them while you’re outside. That’s not something you can schedule, but it’s a fun reason to look up and stay observant.

The uphill climb for panoramic Kyoto views (and how to handle it)

After the bamboo walk, you hike up the mountain for outstanding views of Kyoto that many tourists miss. This is where the “hiking tour” label is real. Reviews back up that the climb is a meaningful portion of the experience, not just a gentle incline for photos.

If you want to enjoy this part, come ready for effort. Shoes with grip are a smart move, and you should plan to pace yourself rather than power through. The guide keeps the group moving at a comfortable tempo, which is one reason small group size matters here.

Also bring water. Even when the weather is pleasant, uphill hiking in Japan can get you breathing harder than you expected, especially if you’re combining it with bamboo forest walking beforehand. A quick water stop strategy will help you keep energy for the best viewpoints.

What you’ll get from hiking instead of just sightseeing

A guided climb changes the experience. It turns the day from “see the bamboo” into “get the views.” From a planning standpoint, that means you’re leaving with more than photos of a famous walkway. You’re leaving with a sense of where Kyoto opens up when you step onto a higher trail.

And because you’re with an English-speaking guide, you can ask questions on the move, instead of building your day around guesswork.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji: 8,000 Buddhist statues and a temple stop that isn’t just a detour

The final stop is Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. It’s famous for its 8,000 Buddhist statues, and you’ll visit after the hike. That order is clever. You get your physical effort done first, then shift into something calmer and more reflective.

The drawback is also simple: the temple admission fee is not included. You’ll need to pay 500 yen for entry. In practice, this is a small extra cost, but it’s worth knowing so you do not get surprised at the door.

What makes this stop feel valuable is that it rounds out the day. You’re not only doing bamboo and views. You’re also getting a cultural checkpoint with a specific claim to fame: those many Buddhist statues.

If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re looking at, having the guide with you can make the temple visit feel more than just another photo stop. If you’re not, you can still appreciate it simply as a place with a strong visual identity.

Small group touring (max 5): why it feels easier than DIY in Arashiyama

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 5 travelers. That’s not a marketing line, it affects how your experience feels.

With a big group, someone ends up waiting and someone else gets rushed. With a group of 5, the guide can adjust pace, keep track of everyone, and you get less of that constant stopping and restarting. One of the best parts of the format is that you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about your position in the group.

It also helps that the guide is English-speaking. That matters for a trail walk, because directions and timing cues are often easier to understand when they are spoken clearly and quickly. You will spend less time worrying about whether you took the right turn.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes a little conversation, reviews highlight guides being friendly and engaging. Even if you keep it quiet, you still benefit from a guide who can navigate confidently and explain what you’re seeing.

Price and value: is $52.71 fair for a guided bamboo-and-hike combo?

The price is $52.71 per person. Included in that price are an English-speaking tour guide and a hiking trail tour.

You do have one add-on to plan for: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji admission at 500 yen. The tour description also notes that the temple admission ticket is not included, so treat that as part of your overall spend rather than a bonus surprise.

Is it worth it? For me, the value comes from two places:

1) You’re paying for someone to lead you through the bamboo area and up to viewpoints, so you don’t waste energy on navigation.

2) You’re getting an itinerary that strings together bamboo, a mountain climb, and a temple stop within about 3 hours.

That combination can be hard to assemble on your own without either rushing or losing time. With a guide, you can keep the rhythm, and you can focus on the parts that make the day special.

One more practical note: the tour is typically booked about 43 days in advance on average. That suggests it’s not something you should ignore if your Kyoto dates are fixed. If you know you want this, booking earlier keeps your options open.

What to wear, bring, and expect on the trail

This tour is listed for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but it does mean you should expect a real hike component rather than a gentle stroll.

Bring:

• Good walking shoes, ideally with grip for uneven ground
• Water for the uphill climb, since hydration helps you enjoy the views
• A light layer if mornings feel cool, especially if you’re active right away

Expect:

• Bamboo forest walking on the main path before the hike
• A mountain climb where the views are the payoff
• A temple visit afterward at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, with a 500 yen admission fee
• The possibility of seeing wild monkeys, if you’re lucky and you stay attentive

A small practical mindset shift: treat the day like you’re hiking first, photographing second. You’ll get more from it.

Who should book this Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour

This tour makes the most sense if you:

• Want an Arashiyama experience beyond the bamboo photos
• Prefer a guided route where you do not lose your way
• Like small groups and paced walking, not a crowded scrum
• Enjoy mixing nature, viewpoints, and a temple stop in one morning-style outing

It may not be your best pick if you:

• Want an easy, mostly flat walk
• Have limited mobility or struggle with uphill effort
• Do not want to pay the additional 500 yen temple admission

If you’re visiting Kyoto and you want a focused, high-effort highlight in Arashiyama, this fits the bill.

Should you book this tour or make your own way?

Book it if your ideal day includes bamboo scenery plus a climb that earns you Kyoto views, and you’d rather follow a guide than plan turns yourself. I also think it’s a good choice if you like the idea of a small group with a friendly English-speaking guide, where you can keep moving at a comfortable pace.

Skip it if you want a totally low-effort Arashiyama day, or if you dislike paying a separate temple entry fee. And if you’re the type who hates hills, you’ll likely find the mountain portion too much.

If you do book, do it with water, solid shoes, and the right expectations. This tour rewards you for showing up ready to hike, then pays you back with views and a temple stop that feels like more than a detour.

FAQ

How long is the Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $52.71 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

An English-speaking tour guide and a hiking trail tour are included.

Is the admission fee for Adashino Nenbutsu-ji included?

No. The Adashino Nenbutsu-ji admission fee is 500 yen and is not included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 5 travelers.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.