Experience the spiritual heart of western Kyoto on this peaceful guided walking tour through Arashiyama and Sagano. Led by a local guide who lives in the area, this experience offers a personal and heartfelt journey through historic temples, preserved streets, and sacred stories.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Rather than just sightseeing, you’ll discover the emotional depth and cultural richness of each location — making this tour an ideal choice for travelers who want something more thoughtful and immersive.
Highlights
- Explore Arashiyama’s serene natural beauty and hidden temple paths
- Learn tragic yet inspiring stories from Kyoto’s spiritual history
- Visit historically significant temples like Giou-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
- Walk along Saga Toriimoto, a preserved street with traditional townhouses
- Experience the Sagano Bamboo Grove and scenic trails
- Led by a local guide with deep roots and heartfelt knowledge of the area
- Reflect on life and spirituality through engaging, narrative-style guiding
Full Description
Arashiyama and Sagano are famous for their scenic beauty, but beyond the bamboo groves lies a more intimate Kyoto — full of history, human emotion, and peaceful temples nestled in the quiet hills. Your guide, a local resident of Arashiyama, will take you on a walking tour rich in personal insights and meaningful stories.
Giou-ji Temple
A small, moss-covered temple filled with sorrowful beauty, Giou-ji was home to Giou — a famous dancer from the 12th-century Heian period. She was once favored by the powerful shogun Taira no Kiyomori, but cast aside in favor of another woman. Giou, along with her sister, mother, and even her rival, eventually found refuge in this temple and became nuns. Their story of heartbreak and forgiveness echoes through the halls of this modest sanctuary.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Dating back to the 13th century, this temple honors the “Muen Botoke” — souls of the departed with no family to remember them. Once a desolate place where bodies were abandoned, it is now home to over 8,000 stone Buddhas, carefully unearthed and enshrined. Every August, thousands of candles are lit here to honor the forgotten. The temple radiates a sense of spiritual redemption and eternal rest.
Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
This quiet historical street is lined with machiya (traditional townhouses) and farmhouses, preserving the nostalgic landscape of suburban Kyoto. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time.
Sagano Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
You’ll also pass through the world-famous bamboo grove, then visit Tenryu-ji, a major Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden views, pond, and painted sliding doors offer a final moment of stillness and awe.
This guided tour is more than just informative — it’s reflective. Through emotional storytelling and rich context, the guide encourages you to contemplate your own life while exploring the depth of Japan’s cultural past.
Itinerary
Starting location:
JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
- Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Guided tour, sightseeing, scenic walk (45 minutes) - Saga Toriimoto Street
Pass by, photo stops, historical commentary (15 minutes) - Giou-ji Temple
Visit, guided tour, history & reflection (30 minutes) - Sagano Bamboo Grove
Scenic walk, photo stop (30 minutes) - Tenryu-ji Temple
Guided tour, gardens, Zen meditation atmosphere (1.5 hours)
End location:
JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Pricing
From ¥6,000 per person
(Includes admission to all temples and guide fee)
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Includes
- Guided walking tour with a local resident of Arashiyama
- Admission to all temples visited
- Hands-on experiences and spiritual storytelling
- Narrative-style guiding with emotional and historical depth
Meeting Point
Meet at the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (not Hankyu or Randen Arashiyama).
Look for your guide just outside the station ticket gates, holding a sign with your name.
📍 Address:
11-1 Sagatenryuji Kurumamichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
Reviews
“We had a lovely tour with Masa — we saw a lot in a short time and learned something unique about each temple.”
“Had a wonderful time with my guide Masa. Five stars!”
“Masa was a friendly guide and gave an informative tour. He even helped us arrange lunch when we were hungry. A bit rushed at times, but overall a great experience.”
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