Arashiyama Backroads Tour
This half day walk introduces a number of quiet locations set amidst tranquil scenery and is perfect for travellers looking to escape the city for a few hours of walking through nature.
Area
Kyoto & Around
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Duration
Half Day
Meet the guide at the hotel and travel to Otagi Nenbutsuji, a remote Buddhist temple that holds one of the city’s most impressive sights: 1200 moss-covered stone statues arranged throughout the temple grounds. This unique mix of religion and art tells a fascinating story at this hidden temple.
From here, walk through the backroads – almost all downhill – of the Arashiyama district. Along the way, visit a number of memorable sites. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at a temple’s tranquil collection of small stone effigies; learn the story of an impossible romance that inspired a lush moss garden; marvel at the rustic simplicity of a preserved 17th century thatched roof house once home to a great haiku poet. Along the way, browse shops selling local folkcrafts and charming traditional goods.
Before the final approach to central Arashiyama, stop for a matcha tea break in the garden at the traditional home of Japan’s first silent film moviestar, and then walk through the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest. Too crowded for a selfie? Worry not, as the guide will have already pointed out a secret bamboo grove earlier during the tour.
Finish on the main street of central Arashiyama, where the guide can point towards a number of other enjoyable spots in the area. From here, it’s easy to return back into the city by train or taxi.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A luxurious addition to Kyoto, the Four Seasons Kyoto offers spacious, contemporary accommodation with a Japanese flare in the historical heart of Kyoto. Enjoy the sites of this former Imperial city during the day before returning to this Japanese haven.
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View AccommodationAman Kyoto
Inspired by the traditional ryokan and onsen it has been thoughtfully designed making it one of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.
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View AccommodationThe Celestine Kyoto Gion
The Celestine Kyoto offers guests a truly authentic experience showcasing the best of Japanese hospitality and unique experiences within the ancient city of Kyoto. The Celestine has a fantastic location facing Yasaka Doori avenue in the heart of Gion.
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View AccommodationShuisui Hotel
Nara's finest luxury hotel occupies a meticulously restored 1920s Governor's residence at the edge of sacred Nara Park. Where Kengo Kuma's contemporary vision meets Taisho-era heritage, private onsen baths and World Heritage temples await at your doorstep
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View AccommodationThe Thousand Kyoto
Experience the epitome of Kyoto hospitality with a warm welcome and personalised stay at The Thousand Kyoto, a bold new luxury hotel located in the heart of central Kyoto.
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View AccommodationHOTEL THE MITSUI
Combining Kyoto’s cultural heritage with contemporary design, this serene hotel stands on the site of the former Mitsui family residence. With a strolling garden, tranquil ceremonial room and thermal spa, this is where old Japan meets modern elegance.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
The property has an excellent location on the Kamogawa River, close to Kyoto’s downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori and is one of the city's most desired abodes. Guest rooms offer stunning views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.
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View AccommodationHyatt Regency Kyoto
Located close to the centre of Kyoto, a pleasant walk from the famous Geisha Gion district and opposite the Kyoto National Museum, the luxury Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a great base from which to explore the cultural heart of Japan.
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View AccommodationHoshinoya Kyoto
Stay at a romantic riverside hotel, with Japanese architecture, a meditative green setting, and a ryokan lifestyle, accessed by a peaceful private boat journey. Offering the ultimate in seclusion and tranquillity, Kyoto is just 15-minutes away.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View Experience
Nishiki Market and Sushi Making
Shop like a local at Nishiki Market, then craft delicious sushi in a historic machiya townhouse. Hands-on, delicious, authentically Kyoto.
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View ExperienceTea with a Maiko
Discover the essence of Kyoto’s main geisha district, the neighbourhood of Gion, where the captivating sight of a geisha adorned in vibrant kimonos can still be witnessed gracefully darting through the narrow streets on their errands.
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View ExperienceKyoto Family Adventure
This tour is perfect for families, as kids will enjoy spotting the holy fox statues, learning about Shinto fortune telling, and leaving their wishes on a traditional wooden prayer board in a creative manner.
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View ExperiencePrivate Tea Ceremony & Kimono in a Machiya
Immerse yourself in Japan's heritage with a private tea ceremony in a historic Kyoto townhouse. Adorned in a beautiful kimono, learn the art of sado from a master. Experience the preparation of matcha and enjoy wagashi sweets in a tranquil atmosphere.
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View ExperienceNara City Tour
Be charmed by the ancient capital on this Nara day trip. Explore famous landmarks such as the 8th-century Todai-ji Temple and quiet back roads brimming with atmosphere, for a glimpse of Japan’s incredible heritage.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning