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Private & personalized tours - just for you!

Uncover the best of Arashiyama the local Way

The best stories aren't found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Arashiyama with a private, personalized experience led by a local.

local Guialocal Ahmedlocal Tirolocal David
+12locals

Real People. Real Stories. Really Good Travel.

  • Feel like a local, not a tourist

    Always private. It's just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.

  • More you, less checklist

    Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.

  • Travel that feels good

    Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.



Top things to do to explore Arashiyama

Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do

  1. 1Experience image
    Portrait from local Tiro - The City Explorer
    Portrait from local WAJID - Your Friendly and Expert Local Guide
    Choose your favorite local

    City Escape: Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

    932 reviews
    6 hours | Day trips | Kyoto

    Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Kyoto to explore Arashiyama with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!

    €153 per person
    Explore
  2. 2Experience image
    Portrait from local WAJID - Your Friendly and Expert Local Guide
    Portrait from local Nehal - Nehal
    Choose your favorite local

    Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari: Day Trip from Kyoto by Train

    299 reviews
    10 hours | | Kyoto

    With your local host, make the most of one day: bamboo lanes and river views in Arashiyama, friendly deer and a giant Buddha in Nara, then torii-lined trails at Fushimi Inari toward sunset!

    €128 per person
    Explore
  • Feel confident in booking

    Cancel and get a refund up to 7 days before

  • Change of plans?

    Easily reschedule your booking

  • Pay your way

    Fast, secure checkout in your currency

Travelers love our locals

Reviews from guests about our tours and locals

  • 5.0

    Amazing Kyoto Tour

    "David was an excellent tour guide in Kyoto. He was friendly, genuine, and easy to talk to, which made the entire experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. He was attentive to our needs and took the time to make sure we were comfortable throughout the tour. David was also very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s history and culture, and he shared interesting insights that made the places we visited even more meaningful. We had an amazing time with him and would highly recommend David to any friends visiting Kyoto."

    local David
    guest Hilda
    HildaAbout local DavidKyoto, August 24, 2026
  • 5.0

    Magical day with David…Literally!

    "What a fun day! High recommend choosing David! Perfectly organized and everything ran smoothly and on time. He’s flexible to going with the flow and has tips and show you private and secluded experiences you would only experience with a local who is in the know. "

    local David
    guest Patrick
    PatrickAbout local DavidKyoto, July 1, 2026
  • 5.0

    Perfect guide for a perfect day

    "My wife, son and I had a fantastic day with Eiji. He was fun to be with and super accommodating making sure the pace was just right. An extra bonus was all the pictures he took of the three of us which he then sent. Much appreciated. Highly recommended!"

    local Eiji
    guest Russ
    RussAbout local EijiKyoto, April 18, 2026
  • 5.0

    Such a great experience

    "From the start Simone was friendly and very easy to talk to. He filled the day with lots of information not just about the places visited but also about the culture. His knowledge of about Arashiyama and the Bamboo Forest was excellent. Lunch was at a small out of the way, very friendly restaurant with excellent food which was also a great experience. I would highly recommend Simone to anyone looking for an informative and friendly guide."

    local Simone
    guest Alyson
    AlysonAbout local SimoneKyoto, January 22, 2026
  • 5.0

    Amazing as usual

    "This is the third time we booked with Sebastian and was a great tour guide as usual. In addition to being knowledgeable , he’s also fun to be around, kind and funny.. Tailored the trip to our liking and didn’t mind our frequent stops in tinny shops .. I would always recommend him ! "

    local Sebastian
    guest Ayda
    AydaAbout local SebastianKyoto, January 6, 2026
  • 5.0

    Great insights with david

    "David was our guide through Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. The bamboo forest was striking. We found the less crowded areas of Tenryuji Temple and the Monkey Forest. David listened to our interests and he guided us outside of the big crowds. It was a joy to spend the better part of a day with him."

    local David
    guest Jane
    JaneAbout local DavidKyoto, October 29, 2025
  • 5.0

    Great time in Kobe and Kyoto

    "We took shore excursions both in Kobe and Kyoto guided by Pere. He took us to the best spots in both cities and enjoyed it very much. Won’t hesitate to recommend Pere as your tour guide. "

    local Pere Ignasi
    guest José Iván
    José IvánAbout local Pere IgnasiKobe, October 19, 2025
  • 5.0

    Great Tour with Guia

    "What a great tour and an excellent guide! We loved her energy and her adaptability to our schedule. She was very sensitive to our needs and interests. We highly recommend her to anyone who would like to visit Kyoto."

    local Guia
    guest Lucille
    LucilleAbout local GuiaKyoto, October 13, 2025
  • 5.0

    Well-planned itinerary

    "We had elderly people in our group and Eiji managed to plan the itinerary so there are plenty of rest stops. It was nice that we were able to cover a lot of places without being too tiring. He also took a lot of really nice photographs of the group. "

    local Eiji
    guest Alvin
    AlvinAbout local EijiKyoto, September 22, 2025
  • 5.0

    Kyoto

    "Great job. We learned a lot. Great English. "

    local Guia
    guest Mark
    MarkAbout local GuiaKyoto, August 21, 2025

Explore Kyoto with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Kyoto with locals

  • Guia

    Hostest with the mostest!

    106 reviews
    English・日本語
  • Ahmed

    the expert foreign local

    23 reviews
    العربية・English
  • Tiro

    The City Explorer

    78 reviews
    English・日本語
  • David

    The Magician

    84 reviews
    English・Indonesia・日本語・Melayu
  • Yoshihiro

    The Japanese Local

    347 reviews
    English・日本語
  • Sebastien

    Professional guide and Bamboo Flute Player

    7 reviews
    English・Français
  • RYUKI

    Your Kyoto born guide RYÜKI

    106 reviews
    English・日本語
  • Ren

    The Life Coach & Artist

    15 reviews
    English・日本語
  • marielle

    Guide, Teacher & Storyteller

    2 reviews
    English
  • Erick

    The Family Foodie

    11 reviews
    English
See all locals


Things to do in Kyoto

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Kyoto has to offer

  • City Escape:  Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove
    Tiro - The City Explorer
    WAJID - Your Friendly and Expert Local Guide
    Choose your local

    City Escape: Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

    4.9
    932 reviews
    6 hours • Day trips
    from €153 per person
  • Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari: Day Trip from Kyoto by Train
    WAJID - Your Friendly and Expert Local Guide
    Nehal - Nehal
    Choose your local

    Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari: Day Trip from Kyoto by Train

    5.0
    299 reviews
    10 hours •
    from €128 per person
See all experiences


Other things to do nearby

Other travelers went to these amazing experiences near Kyoto

  • Cruise Shore Excursion: Kyoto Highlights
    Pere Ignasi - The Foodie Captain
    With Pere Ignasi

    Cruise Shore Excursion: Kyoto Highlights

    5.0
    43 reviews
    10 hours • Day trips
    from €166 per person


Find experiences by category

Discover experiences based on your interest

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  • Day trips 1
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    & 10 other locals

    The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food

    4.9
    177 reviews
    Book now
  4. Slide 3
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    & 12 other locals

    City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto

    4.9
    178 reviews
    Book now
  5. Slide 4
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    image of undefined, undefined
    & 18 other locals

    Full Coverage Kyoto City Tour

    4.9
    127 reviews
    Book now
  6. Slide 5
    image of undefined, undefined
    image of undefined, undefined
    & 8 other locals

    The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike Tour

    4.9
    134 reviews
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  7. Slide 6
    image of undefined, undefined
    image of undefined, undefined
    & 17 other locals

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Kyoto

    4.9
    389 reviews
    Book now
  8. Slide 7
    image of undefined, undefined
    image of undefined, undefined
    & 12 other locals

    Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions Tour

    5.0
    100 reviews
    Book now
  9. Slide 8
    image of undefined, undefined
    image of undefined, undefined
    & 12 other locals

    City Explorer: Nara Day Trip

    4.9
    821 reviews
    Book now
  10. Slide 9
    image of undefined, undefined
    image of undefined, undefined
    & 2 other locals

    Kanazawa Day Escape by High Speed Train: Samurai District to Geisha Quarter

    5.0
    121 reviews
    Book now
  11. Slide 10
    image of undefined, undefined
    image of undefined, undefined
    & 6 other locals

    Kyoto After Dark with a Local

    5.0
    233 reviews
    Book now
  12. Slide 11
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    & 8 other locals

    Family Friendly Kyoto City Tour

    4.9
    318 reviews
    Book now
  13. Slide 0
  14. Slide 1


Unveiling the Magic of Arashiyama

Discover the enchanting beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto, with our private tours. Explore ancient temples, wander through bamboo forests, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this captivating district. Book your unforgettable Arashiyama adventure today!

  • Arashiyama's captivating history

    Delve into Arashiyama's rich history, from its origins as a retreat for imperial families to its evolution into a bustling tourist destination. Discover the tales behind Tenryu-ji Temple and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

  • Cultural Gems of Arashiyama

    Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Arashiyama. Explore the serene beauty of its bamboo groves, stroll through traditional gardens, and witness the vibrant kimono culture that permeates the area.

  • Arashiyama Food Adventures

    Indulge in the unique culinary offerings of Arashiyama. Savor traditional Kyoto cuisine at local restaurants, sample matcha sweets in charming teahouses, and explore the bustling Nishiki Market with our expert local guides. Book now and create unforgettable Arashiyama food memories!

  • Nature's Embrace in Arashiyama

    Discover the tranquil beauty of Arashiyama's natural landscapes. Hike through lush forests, cruise down the scenic Hozugawa River, and witness the breathtaking scenery that inspired countless artists and poets.



Why is Withlocals the best place to book a tour?

  • Private & Personal

    Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.

    You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.

  • Tailored to your wishes

    From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.

    Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.

  • Chat before you book

    Message your host directly to customize your experience.

    Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.

  • Travel that supports locals

    Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.

    We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.

  • Feel good about where your money goes

    You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.

    Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.

  • Trusted by millions

    Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.

    Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.

  • Secure & flexible booking

    Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.

    Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.

  • Private & Personal

    Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.

    You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.

  • Tailored to your wishes

    From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.

    Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.

  • Chat before you book

    Message your host directly to customize your experience.

    Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.

  • Travel that supports locals

    Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.

    We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.

  • Feel good about where your money goes

    You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.

    Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.

  • Trusted by millions

    Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.

    Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.

  • Secure & flexible booking

    Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.

    Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.



Arashiyama Private Tours: Your Gateway to Kyoto's Hidden Gem

Experience the magic of Arashiyama with a personalized private tour. Discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in local culture, and create unforgettable memories with our expert guides. Book your Arashiyama adventure now and unlock exclusive insights into this captivating district. Don't miss out; limited spots available!

  1. Japan
  2. Kyoto
  3. Arashiyama in Kyoto

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