Sagano Bamboo Forest: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour

1. Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour

Discover Kyoto's must-see landmarks and World Heritages on the deluxe coach in 1day! In this tour we will take you to most famous places in ancient Kyoto such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, Arashiyama, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, Golden Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Departing from Kyoto at 8am. A comfortable air-conditioned coach will stop first at the Kiyomizudera Temple. Enjoying the wealthy nature from the significant terrace where you can admire panoramic views of the city below. Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the can't-miss points of interest in Kyoto. The old historic temple, reportedly opened in the year 778, is a designated world heritage site. Then we will visit Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, the Temple is also known as the temple of 33 spaces (Sanjusan means "33" in Japanese ), though its official name is Rengo-In. Its hall is Japan's longest wooden structure and consists of 35 columns that divide the building into 33 parts. Let's Say Konnichiwa to one thousand and one Kannon statue at Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, then the coach will take you to the Sagano Arashiyama area. After Explore east side of Kyoto, we will visit the other side, Sagano Arashiyama. Enjoy a Japanese buffet made with seasonal ingredients while gazing at Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge.The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby *Muslim-friendly meals, Allergy-friendly meals, lactose-free meals, etc. are not available. Please book the tour without lunch After lunch don’t forget to explore green tunnels, Sagano Bamboo Forest. The paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. You can find Tenryu-ji Temple after passing through the bamboo grove. Feel the beauty of the Japanese garden throughout the four seasons at Tenryu-ji Temple, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site. Then the bus head to Kinkaku-ji(The Golden Temple) Rokuon-ji Temple, known locally as the "Golden Temple" and adore the gorgeousness and return to Kyoto with satisfaction. Finally, head to the most iconic place, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Going under thousands of Torii Red gate tunnels will be a memorable experience. You will finish the tour at Kyoto Station. The tour includes commentary from both our frendly tour guide and a Multilingual audio guide from English, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Ukrainian. The coach is always antibacterial coating and regularly ventilation, a comfy airconditioned bus with free wifi.

Kyoto: Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest

2. Kyoto: Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest

Your guide and chariot await at Kyoto’s iconic Togetsu-kyo bridge in Arashiyama, a nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty on Kyoto’s western fringe. Be amazed by the district’s main attraction, a towering grove of thick bamboo stalks with a pedestrian and rickshaw path cutting through it. Seeing its beauty, you’ll understand why the Japanese have a fond appreciation for nature. Admire the scenery, which is a blend of serene nature, tended gardens, and dazzling shrines, as your rickshaw driver pulls you up the mountain. Next you’ll see the beautiful Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto site. If you’ve chosen the 45-minute tour, at this point you’ll end back at the starting point. But if you choose a longer tour, up to 3 hours and 10 minutes, you’ll continue through more of Arashiyama’s wealth of sites. Explore Rakushisya’s cottage, a rustic thatch-roof cottage that was once the home of one of Japan’s revered poets and haiku masters. Those continuing on will be pulled to spots not seen by many tourists. Explore more ancient temples, including Shinto shrines and the Buddhist Nison-in, as your guide whisks you through some amazing places before returning to Togetsu-kyo bridge. The Kyoto Arashiyama Tour is available in four different options: 45 minutes, 1 hour and 10 minutes, 2 hours and 10 minutes, and 3 hours and 10 minutes.

From Kyoto: Guided Day Trip to Kyoto and Nara with Lunch

3. From Kyoto: Guided Day Trip to Kyoto and Nara with Lunch

Start your journey with a train ride from JR Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, accompanied by your expert guide. The bamboo grove of Arashiyama has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Take a stroll through the cool Sagano Bamboo Forest and listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk. Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion. Admire picturesque views of the grand temple reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks, and then wander through the sprawling garden that has retained its original design from the 14th century. After Kinkaku-ji, board your bus again and head south to Nara. Take a short walk through Nara Park, famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. These deer are famously very friendly, and allow visitors to feed them by hand. Within Nara Park you will find the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour guide will give you your train ticket to then go back to Kyoto Station.

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Guided Walking Tour

4. Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Guided Walking Tour

Ever wanted to spontaneously book a tour on the same day you take it? This short walking tour will have you visiting the cultural Arashiyama district and marveling at the stunning and Instagrammable Sagano Bamboo Forest in just three hours! This is perfect if you only have a couple of hours to spare. You can also choose from multiple start times for a time that suits you. The Arashiyama district is a beautiful and serene area located on the outskirts of Kyoto. Known for its picturesque bamboo groves, stunning mountain views, and traditional temples and shrines, this area is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan's countryside. Go on a guided tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide who will help you explore the breathtaking Bamboo Forest, the sacred Tenryuji Temple, the iconic Togetsu Bridge, and the unique Kimono Forest. Learn about the local customs and traditions and gain an appreciation for the natural beauty as you take in the picturesque landscapes.

From Osaka: Guided Day Trip to Kyoto and Nara

5. From Osaka: Guided Day Trip to Kyoto and Nara

Leave Osaka in the morning aboard a bus, heading inland toward Kyoto. Before arriving in the city itself, stop in the beautiful district of Arashiyama, which has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Take a stroll through the cool Sagano Bamboo Forest and listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk. Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion. Admire postcard-perfect views of the illustrious temple reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks, and then wander through the sprawling garden that retains its original design from the 14th century. After Kinkaku-ji, board your bus again and head south to Nara. Take a short walk through Nara Park, famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. Within Nara Park you will find the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following your time in the historic temple, hop aboard your bus again and make the trip back to Osaka-Namba OCAT.

Kyoto: Early Bird Visit to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu Temple

6. Kyoto: Early Bird Visit to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu Temple

This experience is perfect for natural early-risers, and for those who are seeking a unique experience and don't mind getting up early for it. The tour takes you to two of the most famous sites in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shirine and the World Heritage Kiyomizu Temple. Start at the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive. Marvel at the thousands of red gates that line the path up the hillside. This is a magical time to see the amazing temple complex and get a view of the city coming to life below you. Then it's a short taxi ride to the most famous temple in Japan, Kiyomizu Temple. See the expansive view of Kyoto as the city starts to come alive Learn about buddhism and it's role in shaping the culture of Japan. As we are leaving the temple we will see the busses starting to arrive with hundreds of tourists in tow. Then we wander through the preserved district of Higashiyama. Walk through the preserved district of Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka. Here you can enjoy the charm of the cobble stone streets without the crowds. One of the highlights is a view of the beautiful Yasaka Pagoda. Finally we make a stop for a delicious coffee at a local famous cafe and give you tips on where to go next. Along the way, pick up insights into the history of Kyoto, Buddhism, Japanese garden design, and more. Your friendly guide will also answer any other questions you may have regarding the rest of your stay in Japan.

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walking Food Tour

7. Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walking Food Tour

Start the tour from the JR Saga Arashiyama station. The Arashiyama district, located west of the Kyoto city center, has long been a scenic leisure spot. Many ancient aristocrats had their villas here 1000 years ago and enjoyed writing literature and poetry. Today, the area is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kyoto.  First, explore the Bamboo Forest and Okochi-sanso in quiet Sagano District, a peaceful neighborhood known for its beautiful maple trees. Then, visit Tenryu-ji temple which was built in 1339 by the Shogun Ashikaga in memory of the Emperor Go-Daigo and was a complex of more than 100 buildings. They were mostly destroyed by fires and civil wars over the years, but the traditional garden remains in its original form, designed by the monk Muso. Enjoy walking in the landscaped garden. During this tour, taste Matcha (japanese green tea), Negiyaki savory pancake, fried fish cake, and dango(japanese sweets). Then, head over to the Togetsukyo bridge which, as the area’s landmark, dates back to the 9th-century and provides a good photo taking spot for visitors today. At the end of this half-day tour, have a nice sweets. If you like, you can enjoy shopping around after the tour because the this tour finished in a district where you can find many souvenirs.

Kyoto: 4-Hour Arashiyama Walking Tour

8. Kyoto: 4-Hour Arashiyama Walking Tour

Start the tour from the JR Saga-Arashiyama station North Exit. Skip the regular and crowded route which leads directly to the bamboo forest, and make your way to the lesser-known Saga-Toriimoto area.  Visit the local gift shops and beautiful local temples and shrines. Learn about the local stories and legends of the area from your guide. Enjoy the beauty of the bamboo forest and learn about its significance for the locals.  Next, visit Tenryu-Ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous its beautiful Sogenchi pond and garden which was once owned by local aristocrats. Walk towards Arashiyama's iconic Togetsukyo bridge. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with typical Kyoto cuisine. Enjoy the views over the Togetsukyo bridge from the restaurant while you are eating.

Add dates

Sagano Bamboo Forest

Go beyond Sagano Bamboo Forest

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Sagano Bamboo Forest

Want to discover all there is to do in Sagano Bamboo Forest? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Sagano Bamboo Forest

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 40 reviews

The trip took us to beautiful and impressive places. We were highly impressed by our first guide Satoshi - he spoke advanced English and was quite knowledgeable and kind. The second guide Kan was very friendly and caring. The activity provider was also extremely kind and thoughtful in preparing a small surprise for my boyfriend who had a birthday on the day of our trip. The trip can be booked with a starting point Kyoto or Osaka, I think Osaka is the better option, discuss it with the activity provider.

We took the 70 minute tour and it was an amazing experience. We enjoyed it thoroughly. Our rickshaw pullers are professional and friendly. They are patient to answer our questions, generous in sharing information about the different sites and help us to take beautiful photos. The whole ride was also very smooth and safe! We would highly recommend this tour for an unforgettable Arashiyama experience. If you are still considering about it, don’t think any more. Go for it. You won’t regret.

Such a fun and beautiful tour. The guides are great guys.

Excellent tour with an excellent tour guide. Loved it.