Gardens and nature in Kyoto
The moss gardens, the Philosopher's Path, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, Maruyama Park and Kyoto's sakura and koyo (autumn colour) spots.
Top experiences to book
Bookable activities with verified prices and instant confirmation on GetYourGuide.
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Mountain Walking Tour
Kyoto: Serene Morning Walk in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo Grove, Monkey & Secrets
Kyoto: Arashiyama Hidden Temples & Bamboo Grove Guided Tour
Kyoto: Guided Walking Tour around Philosopher’s Path
Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path and Hidden Temple Walking Tour
More tours on Viator
Top-rated experiences with verified reviews, bookable on Viator (a Tripadvisor company).
ViatorHiroshima/Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park/PEACE PARK TOUR VR
FromUSD 38Check availability →
ViatorKyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)
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ViatorAll must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!
FromUSD 41Check availability →
ViatorKyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune
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ViatorPerfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide
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ViatorBamboo Grove Temple and Garden Views Tour
FromUSD 60Check availability →Read our in-depth guides
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — when to go, what it costs, and what's next door
Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove is free, open 24/7 — the exact early-morning window to beat crowds, plus Tenryu-ji, Okochi Sanso, and quieter alternatives.
The best gardens in Kyoto — strolling ponds and dry stone, ranked honestly
Kyoto's best gardens compared honestly — Saiho-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Tenryu-ji, Katsura and Shosei-en, garden types explained, and which need reservations.
Saiho-ji (Kokedera) — the moss temple you can't just walk into
How to visit Saiho-ji, Kyoto's moss temple — the mandatory reservation process, real ¥4,000 cost, and what the sutra-copying session involves.