West Kyoto & Arashiyama: Walking Tour W/Matcha & Calligraphy

Nestled in the heart of West Kyoto, the Arashiyama district captivates visitors with its serene beauty. This guided walking tour promises an immersive experience, blending ancient cultural traditions with breathtaking natural landscapes. From the Bamboo Forest‘s ethereal allure to the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, each step unveils a new layer of Kyoto’s rich heritage. But the true highlight lies ahead, as travellers embark on a journey of sensory delight through a matcha tea ceremony and a calligraphic exploration at the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple. The stage is set for an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• A one-day guided walking tour of Arashiyama and West Kyoto, featuring the Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple.
• Opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese calligraphy experience and matcha tea ceremony at Kinkaku-ji Temple.
• Guided tour of the Iwatayama Monkey Park with a chance to observe and interact with Japan’s famous snow monkeys.
• Inclusion of transportation, admission fees, and some meals in the tour package priced at $318.48 per person.
• Limited group size of 6 participants, with tours available in both English and Japanese.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This walking tour in West Kyoto and Arashiyama offers a comprehensive experience, covering several of the area’s renowned landmarks and cultural attractions.

Priced from $318.48 per person, the tour lasts one day and is limited to 6 participants. It’s available in English and Japanese, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, Togetsu-kyō Bridge, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Ryōan-ji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple, where you will engage in calligraphy and matcha experiences.

Transportation, admission fees, and some meals are included.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The tour begins at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors with its towering green stalks and serene atmosphere.

Guided by an expert, guests will:

1. Wander through the lush forest, marveling at the swaying bamboo that creates a mesmerizing visual experience.
2. Learn about the unique ecosystem and the cultural significance of the bamboo in Japanese history and tradition.
3. Enjoy ample time to capture breathtaking photographs, seeing the peaceful ambiance of this remarkable natural landscape.

After this enchanting introduction, the tour progresses to the next captivating destination.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as the premier Zen temple in the Arashiyama district. Visitors are guided through the temple’s expansive gardens, featuring magnificent views of the Arashiyama mountains. The tour includes time to explore the main temple building, where the principal image of Sakyamuni Buddha is enshrined.

Architectural Style	Founded	Head Priest
Zen Buddhist	1339	Patriarch of the Rinzai Sect

The tour also highlights the temple’s distinct landscape garden, considered one of the finest examples of Zen gardens in Japan. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the serene, contemplative atmosphere that defines Tenryuji.

Togetsu-kyō Bridge

Spanning the Katsura River, Togetsu-kyō Bridge offers visitors a scenic photo opportunity in the heart of Arashiyama. This iconic wooden bridge is renowned for its elegant curved design and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and bamboo forests.

The bridge’s key features include:

1. Iconic Curved Design: The bridge’s curved silhouette creates a picturesque frame for photographs.

2. Panoramic Mountain Views: From the bridge, visitors can capture breathtaking vistas of the Arashiyama mountains.

3. Proximity to Bamboo Groves: The bridge is situated near the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, making it a popular stop on the walking tour.

Whether capturing the bridge itself or using it as a backdrop, Togetsu-kyō is a must-visit destination on this West Kyoto and Arashiyama walking experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Iwatayama Monkey Park

After exploring the scenic Togetsu-kyō Bridge, the walking tour takes visitors to the Iwatayama Monkey Park.

This guided tour and monkey feeding experience allows travelers to observe Japan’s famous snow monkeys in their natural habitat. Visitors will hike up the mountain to the park’s entrance, where they can feed the monkeys and take photos of the primates.

The tour guide provides insights into the monkeys’ behavior and ecology. With its stunning views over Kyoto, the Iwatayama Monkey Park is a highlight of the walking tour, offering a unique cultural and natural experience.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Leaving the scenic Togetsu-kyō Bridge behind, the walking tour now heads to the historic Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

This unique temple is known for its 1,200 Rakan (Buddhist disciple) statues, each one uniquely carved and positioned throughout the grounds.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the whimsical expressions and poses of the Rakan statues, some even showcasing a humorous side.
2. Explore the peaceful temple gardens and grounds, taking in the tranquil atmosphere.
3. Discover the temple’s origins dating back to the 8th century and its significance in Japanese Buddhist history.

The group spends around 40 minutes exploring this one-of-a-kind temple before continuing on to the next stop.

Ryōan-ji Temple

From Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, the tour group heads to the renowned Ryōan-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous Zen temples.

The group will explore its expansive rock garden, composed of 15 carefully arranged rocks set in a bed of carefully raked gravel. This Zen garden is renowned for its minimalist design and serves as a meditative space.

The group will have 45 minutes to wander the grounds, taking in the serene atmosphere and attempting to identify the hidden 14th rock.

With its simple yet profound design, Ryōan-ji offers a peaceful respite on the tour.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

The tour group now arrives at the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.

This Zen temple is renowned for its striking golden pavilion, which sits atop a pond and reflects beautifully on the water’s surface.

The group participates in a calligraphy experience, where they learn the art of Japanese calligraphy.

They also enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony, sipping the frothy green tea and admiring the serene surroundings.

As the tour continues, the group leaves Kinkaku-ji with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto.

Three key highlights of Kinkaku-ji Temple:

1. The iconic golden pavilion
2. Calligraphy experience
3. Traditional matcha tea ceremony

FAQ

How Can I Pay for the Tour?

Customers can pay for the tour using the "Reserve now & pay later" option. They can also pay upfront at the time of booking. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Do if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

If you have dietary restrictions, you should contact the tour provider in advance. They may be able to accommodate your needs, such as providing a vegetarian or gluten-free lunch option, if notified ahead of time.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly offer discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s best to inquire with the tour provider about any available discounts or special pricing options that may apply.

Can I Take the Tour in a Different Language?

The tour is offered in both English and Japanese. Participants can select their preferred language when booking the tour. The multi-lingual options ensure an enjoyable experience for travelers from diverse backgrounds.

How Does the Reservation and Booking Process Work?

The booking process allows travelers to reserve their spot and pay later. Customers can select their preferred date and language, and the reservation can be made with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Sum Up

Enjoy the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of West Kyoto and Arashiyama. Stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Forest, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, and engage in authentic experiences like a matcha tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy. This captivating walking tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s timeless traditions and stunning natural landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: