Kyoto 6 Hours West [Arashiyama district, Bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji]

Kyoto’s Natural Wonders: Arashiyama, Bamboo Grove, Temples, and Zen

Escape into the tranquility of Western Kyoto on this 6-hour journey through breathtaking landscapes and iconic temples. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks of bamboo create a magical atmosphere. Explore Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite Zen garden. Witness the shimmering beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and contemplate the enigmatic rock garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, a masterpiece of Zen philosophy.
Perfect for:

• Nature lovers seeking respite from the urban bustle.
• Those fascinated by Zen Buddhism and Japanese garden design.
• Travelers seeking a serene counterpoint to the cultural immersion of our Kyoto East Tour.
• Anyone desiring a well-rounded Kyoto experience that balances nature and tradition.

Tour Highlights

Arashiyama District: Nature’s Embrace and Zen Tranquility

Escape the urban bustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Arashiyama, a district nestled at the foot of Kyoto’s western mountains. This scenic area offers a harmonious blend of stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and serene Zen temples.

• Togetsu-kyo Bridge: Cross the Path of the Moon
  A symbol of Arashiyama, the Togetsu-kyo Bridge (“Moon Crossing Bridge”) spans the wide Katsura River. Admire the scenic views, with lush mountainsides framing the river, especially breathtaking during autumn foliage season.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: Zen Masterpiece in Stone
  Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Explore its expansive grounds, featuring a magnificent Zen garden designed by the renowned landscape architect Muso Soseki in the 14th century.
  Admission: ¥800/16 and over, ¥600/students (7 to 15)
• Bamboo Grove: Symphony of Light and Sound
  Experience the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove. Stroll along pathways winding through towering stalks of bamboo, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. Listen to the rustling leaves and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Shimmering Symbol of Kyoto

Witness the breathtaking splendor of Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This iconic Zen temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see landmark in Kyoto. Its top two floors are adorned with shimmering gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding Kyoko-chi Pond. Kinkaku-ji was originally a retirement villa for a shogun, later converted into a Zen temple. Its history and exquisite architecture represent a confluence of power, serenity, and artistic mastery.

Admission: ¥500/adult, ¥300/15 and under

Ryoan-ji Temple: The Enigma of Zen and the Art of Contemplation

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic beauty of Ryoan-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic Zen rock garden. This dry landscape garden, a masterpiece of simplicity and symbolism, features fifteen carefully placed rocks set on a bed of raked white gravel. Centuries old, the garden’s meaning remains open to interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate concepts of emptiness, nature, and the essence of Zen philosophy

Admission: ¥600/18 and over, ¥500/students (highschool), ¥300/15 and below

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Tour Details

Schedule

• Availability: Daily
• Start Time: Flexible, 9:00 – 12:00 recommended*
  *If traveling from Tokyo, 7:00 a.m. bullet train will get you at Kyoto before 9:30 a.m.
• Duration: 6 hours
• Start/End locations: Your hotel in central Kyoto*
  *If coming from other cities, we will start at Hotel Granvia Kyoto at Kyoto Station.

Transportation:

• Primarily subways and local trains

Pricing

Tour Fare:

• ¥31,000 (+ 10% consumption tax) for groups up to 6 guests
• (+¥4,000 per additional person for groups exceeding 6)

Included:

• English-speaking guide
• Guide’s transportation and admission (unless itinerary is customized)

Not included:

• Your group’s transportation
• Admission fees (Tenryu-ji temple, Kinkaku-ji temple and Ryoan-ji temple)

Estimated Additional Costs

• Transportation: Plan for approximately 1,200 JPY per person to cover most local bus and train fares during the tour.
• Potential Taxi Fare: Due to Kyoto’s popularity, buses may fill up at times, especially during peak season. To avoid lengthy wait times, we recommend taking a taxi if buses are full. Please note that taxi fares will be at the guests’ expense.
• Meals & Snacks/Beverages (optional): Allow extra depending on your preferences

Important Notes

• Walking Tour: Be prepared to walk several miles/kilometers. Wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
• Private Tours: We cater each tour to your group – no mixed groups.
• Changes to the suggested itinerary may in some cases affect the guide’s transportation and admission costs.