Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji

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Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the best of western Kyoto on this full-day tour. Begin in Arashiyama, where you’ll stroll through the iconic bamboo grove, cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and explore Tenryu-ji Temple’s famous garden. Try your hand at a traditional Japanese craft, creating a memorable souvenir to take home. Afterward, we’ll travel by train to Ryoan-ji to admire its world-famous Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of simplicity and contemplation. Finally, visit Kinkaku-ji, the dazzling Golden Pavilion, where shimmering gold leaf and serene gardens create an unforgettable scene. This tour combines Kyoto’s natural beauty, historic temples, and hands-on cultural experiences, making it the perfect way to see the highlights of western Kyoto in one day.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guided tour with an English speaking guide
Included: Bus and train tickets required for the tour
Included: Koboshi experience fee
Included: Entrance fees for each spot during the tour

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Tenryu-ji Temple

2 hours Admission included

Meet with your guide and JR Kyoto Station and start your journey to Arashiyama Station. Explore the Arashiyama area with your guide followed by the first stop, Tenryuji Temple. Build in 1339 by Takauji Ashikaga.
Togetsukyo Bridge

3 hours

After spending some time at the temple, we will head through the bamboo grove to Togetsukyo Bridge. Togetsukyo Bridge has been a landmark in the Arashiyama area for over 400 years. A wooden bridge spanning the Katsuragawa River in front of Arashiyama offers a wonderful view.

It is your lunchtime! There are many restaurants and food stalls along the river. You can either sit in a restaurant or try different types of street food. If you finish lunch before the meeting time, you can buy souvenirs at the lively shopping street.
Arashiyama

one hour Admission included

Once you have had your fill of delicious food, our afternoon begins with a traditional Japanese art experience – koboshi. They are traditional Japanese dolls dating back to the 14th century. They are generally considered good luck charms that symbolize resilience.

You can take the Koboshi as a memento of your trip or as a souvenir for your loved one.
Ryoan-ji Temple

one hour Admission included

We will go to Ryoanji Temple and visit the famous rock garden after the experience. Traditional Japanese dry landscape gardens hide abstract Zen dialogues within the landscape, some even featuring stone recreations of famous scenes from Japanese history.
Kinkakuji Temple

one hour Admission included

The final stop of our journey is Kinkakuji. The official name is Rokuonji, and it is a Zen temple. It is one of the most popular buildings in Kyoto and is visited by many tourists every year.

It is a complex consisting of gardens and buildings centered around the central Golden Pavilion and is said to be reminiscent of an earthly paradise.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meeting Point:

Your tour starts at Starbucks Kyoto Tower Sando, located on the north side of Kyoto Station, just outside Kyoto Tower.

Look for the familiar green logo—we’ll be waiting nearby with a Snow Monkey Resorts sign.

End point

Meeting Point:

Your tour starts at Starbucks Kyoto Tower Sando, located on the north side of Kyoto Station, just outside Kyoto Tower.

Look for the familiar green logo—we’ll be waiting nearby with a Snow Monkey Resorts sign.