Arashiyama Hiking: Explore Kyoto's Hidden Trails

Explore hidden trails in Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest, enjoy serene views, and uncover Kyoto’s natural beauty on an exclusive hiking adventure.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Arashiyama - The journey begins with a stroll along the main path of the Bamboo Forest, followed by a mountain hike offering stunning views of Kyoto. The adventure concludes with a visit to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a renowned temple featuring 8,000 Buddhist statues.
What's Included
  • Hiking Trail Tour
  • English-Speaking Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Admission Fee for Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple (500 yen)
Additional Information

Operated by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Join the hiking adventure in Arashiyama! Experience incredible trails that are often unseen by most. Starting early in the morning, enjoy the tranquility of the Bamboo Forest all to yourselves. Along the journey, uncover breathtaking views, secret paths, and the wonders of nature. With a bit of luck, you might…

Location
Saga-Arashiyama Station
We will meet guests at Saga-Arashiyama Station. Our guide will be holding a board that says "GuideMe Japan" in front of the train ticket exit. There is only 1 exit for Saga-Arashiyama Station so it should be easy to meet up.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(36 Ratings)
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Paytonl613
May 25, 2026
Would recommend 10/10 - Great experience! Great Guide! Thank you so much for a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katayun_s
May 18, 2026
Adventure tourism! - High intensity but well worth the climb! Genki was a great guide and offered interesting insights into Japan as we explored the forest. It was nice to get away from the crowds and experience the beautiful foliage and natural environment.
Review provided by Viator
Diane
May 18, 2026
Great hike and wonderful scenery! - It was so nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of the crowds and hike through the bamboo forest and then through bush. Lots of amazing views from up high. Our tour guide Genki was knowledgeable and caring! He made sure we had breaks and kept us safe - some of the terrain was very tight was big drops! He took great photos too. Recommend this as something different and to get away from the crowds
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawnkr8376za
Apr 27, 2026
Loved our Guide! - Our guide Rin, made this worth it! He was kind, informative, and make it a very special day for us. We got so much out of the experience and I highly recommend the tour and Rin as a guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cmecu
Apr 12, 2026
Bamboo forest with a local flavour. - Wow! What a memorable day! Rin is an amazing guide. He has a wonderful spirit and has a special way of sharing the culture and nature of Japan with his guests. The bamboo forest was something in Kyoto that we wanted to see and we weren’t disappointed. However the highlight of the day was getting off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and enjoying the day on a scenic hike at a perfect pace. Thank you again Rin. Your warm, genuine hospitality exemplifies everything that we have loved about our time in Japan. (And thank you for the recommendation for where to stop for lunch. Oishii!)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scenic45394048440
Mar 21, 2026
We had the Kyoto early tour. Our tour guide Arisa was extremely patient and kind. She was also extremely knowledgeable. - Our tour guide Arisa was extremely manageable and patient
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christina_l
Mar 13, 2026
Fresh Air and Nature Experience in Kyoto - Genki led us on a beautiful and refreshing hike through the mountains near the bamboo forest, beginning in the bamboo forest and with a stop at the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. Genki was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure to help us navigate the terrain safely. The hike is definitely not for the inexperienced; it was tough but doable, about 5k with climbing and descending. I recommend wearing shoes with traction and bringing plenty of water. This was a unique way to see the mountains and nature surrounding Kyoto!
Review provided by Viator
Fluidsguru
Jan 20, 2026
A great forest walk, escaping the crowds - Tang is an excellent guide - an anthropology student with exceptional English and good knowledge of the hiking trails and the history of the area. This tour is a great way to see glimpses of 'old Japan' and escape the crowds. The Bamboo Forest section itself is quite small. The best value of this tour is the hike beyond the Bamboo forest section into the surrounding hills, forest, valleys, villages and temples. Some of the trail can be tricky in sections. Tang will help you through these as best you can, but proper hiking shoes are a must. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape59447568196
Jan 6, 2026
Great hiking day! - We love our hiking through the Arashiyama forest and Genki was a great guide. He contact us a day before to make sure we are prepare for the hike. To emphasize this is a hiking tour so you will walk through the forest with some up and down hills also rocky terrain. Genki provided us with gloves to hold on to ropes when we went through the steep, rocky terrain. The tour ended with Genki brewed some honey tea for us which was perfect for a cold December day. As a bonus, he took great pictures of our family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joannalk2977fg
Dec 7, 2025
Bamboo forest hiking - Rin is such helpful guide! He helped me to go slow in descending the cliff edge. I made it! Thank you for your support and patience towards me. The route he took me is only locals aware, hence it was so tranquil mountain peak view is magnificent. Highly recommended for such hiking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $50
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).