JAM JAR EXPERIENCES
SECRET ARASHIYAMA PICNIC TOUR
Duration
08:00am - 1:00pm
Tour type
1/2 Day Tour
Group size
Minimum x 2 / Maximum x 6 guests. (Larger groups available upon request)
Transport
Public Transport
Location
Kyoto (Arashiyama)
¥9,500 per/person
Price is inclusive of all taxes & service charges. No more to pay!
Experience the less touristic side of historic ARASHIYAMA, including a secret buddhist temple, a spectacular Japanese garden, the world famous bamboo forest including a delicious picnic lunch.
Recently I’m hearing the same question from many of our guests: “Is it really worth a visit to Arashiyama? I really want to experience the Bamboo Forest but I hear the crowds are overwhelming”. I'd be lying if I said this wasn't true, but the simple answer is yes. Yes, it is worth a visit to Arashiyama, but only if you do it the right way.
DANNY MATHESON & KAZUO IKEDA
(Owner/Operators – Jam Jar Lounge & Inn)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Early morning visit to the Bamboo Forest (World Heritage Site)
- Photo opportunity at Tenryu-ji Temple Garden (World Heritage Site)
- Wander through the private Japanese Gardens of Denjiro Okochi
- Enjoy freshly brewed Match Tea with traditional sweet
- Take in the view of Kyoto from a secret mountainside Buddhist Temple
- Relax with a riverside picnic lunch
SUITABLE FOR
Walkers, photographers and garden lovers who prefer sights off the tourist trail
WHAT WE WILL DO
Arashiyama is so much more than the sea of selfie-sticks making their way through the famous bamboo forest.
Although we will be paying homage to this particular UNESCO World Heritage sight, it will not be the star of our show, but rather it’s lesser known neighbour.
Join me as we wander through the exquisite private garden & tea houses of the Okochi Sanso Villa. Created by national icon & silent movie star Denichi Okochi in the 1930’s, his completed vision was only opened to the public upon his death in 1962, and is often overlooked by visitors on the usual tourist trail.
After a freshly brewed cup of local “matcha” tea, we’ll cross the Katsura River, before ascending to a hidden Buddhist temple perched precariously on the side of a mountain. From here we can enjoy unequaled views of the river and Kyoto city. Ringing the temple bell three times for luck is not only allowed, but encouraged!
Time for lunch. Should we make our way back to the river, or ask our monk nicely if we can take in his peaceful surrounds while we rest and enjoy our delicious bento box.
After lunch we will head east, strolling along the Katsura river before stopping to take photos on the famous Togetsu-kyo Bridge.
After a short rest-stop and a wander through the Kimono Forest, we will board our train back to Kitano-Hakabaicho, where your guide will be happy to offer advice regarding your onward journey.
"Arashiyama cannot be rushed! Yes, the tour starts earlier than most at 8:00am. But that’s a small price to pay for having a World Heritage site to yourself. With this tour we feel we have achieved the right balance, without compromising the expectations of our guests. I hope we have the opportunity of experiencing our secret Arashiyama together”. Thank you.
INCLUSIONS
- English speaking guide
- Small Group (Max 6)
- Return train tickets to Arashiyama
- Entry fee - Okochi Sanso Villa
- “Matcha” Morning Tea
- Entry fee - Senkoji Temple
- Entry fee - Tenryu-ji Temple (Garden only)
- Picnic or Restaurant Lunch (weather dependant)
NOT INCLUDED
- Souvenirs and items of a personal nature
- Additional food & beverages not outlined above
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
- Tips/gratuities for your guide
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
A moderate amount of walking will be involved (approximately 10,000 steps). Although we will be walking at a leisurely pace, there are quite a few steps leading up the mountain to the Senkoji Temple, I would suggest moderate fitness would be required (6/10). Please ensure you have sturdy comfortable walking shoes & water.
Vegetarian options are available for lunch but should be advised upon booking.
Any existing dietary requirements and/or food allergies must also be advised when making your booking. In the event of rain a restaurant lunch will be provided.
TOUR STARTING POINT
Kitano Hakubaicho Station
Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8386
Jam Jar Lounges “in-house” guests will have the option of accommpanying our guide from your accommodation
TOUR ENDING POINT
Kitano Hakubaicho Station
Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8386
Your guide will be only too happy to recommend further sites or help you with your onward journey.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
- This tour is particularly popular form mid-October to Mid-November when the Autumn (Fall) colours are at their best.
- Minimum x 2 / Maximum x 6 guests
- PLEASE NOTE - Solo travellers are welcome to contact us directly via our website to check availability and make a booking.
CANCELLATIONS
- Cancellations recieved up to 7 x days in advance of the scheduled departure date, will incurr no cancellation fee - (Fully refundable).
- Cancellations recieved between 3 and 6 days of the scheduled departure date, will incurr a 50% cancellation fee.
- Cancellations recieved within 2 days of the scheduled departure date, will incurr a 100% cancellation fee - (Non-refundable)
- In some rare cases, the tour may be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled by us, you may choose between a rescheduling of the tour, a full refund of all monies paid OR a credit towards an alternative tour. If you choose to accept a credit, the difference in the cost of the alternative tour will be refunded or paid by you as applicable.
SECRET ARASHIYAMA PICNIC TOUR
Duration
08:00am - 1:00pm
Tour type
1/2 Day Tour
Group size
Minimum x 2 / Maximum x 6 guests. (Larger groups available upon request)
Transport
Public Transport
Location
Kyoto (Arashiyama)
¥9,500 per/person
Price is inclusive of all taxes & service charges. No more to pay!
- You can only buy one item at a time.
Ingrid Kuebler –
Beautiful area
Explore this pretty area with Danny!
Sure you could wander around by yourself but Danny makes this special area really come alive with his lovely friendly personality and passion for history and culture. The itinerary was perfect, saw things you would possibly miss by yourself and even better we beat the crowds. Had a delicious quality bento lunch he has made especially for us, sitting by the side of the river… Enjoying more tales .. he is a treasure trove of information, fascinating…loved every minute. Booked some other tours with Danny also. All brilliant. Just book it!
Louise Capp –
This is a must!
Danny will take you on a beautiful journey along the less frequented paths around the spectacular Arishyma Bamboo grove, and visit one of the most spectacular gardens in Japan. The history and stories that make these places so special can’t be experienced without such a great guide.
Walk along the river and sit to enjoy your bento box lunch over great conversation and views.
Michael –
Spectacular scenes shot in seclusion…
…is how I’d describe JamJar’s Arashiyama half day tour.
Looking back on our 3 week, 6 city Japan trip, the morning we spent with Danny from JamJar scores a perfect ten. It’s become one of our fondest memories, which carries weight, as the whole trip was one unforgettable day after another!
We decided to ‘go it alone’ for the most part, but thankfully, we took the advice from one of our well-travelled friends and booked ourselves on the Arashiyama half day tour with Danny as our guide.
I’m so grateful we did, as I feel like we got so much more out of the experience than some of the equally beautiful sights we visited on our own.
Danny’s local knowledge was invaluable. Arriving early, going to the more popular spots before the crowds, heading off to the lesser known places, we seemed to always be one step ahead of the game.
Danny’s attention to detail is the reason why our treasured photos from Arishiyama will be the first to be framed. A testament to the tour as we had 30GB to get through before we made that call!
Denise Gooding –
Our Arashiyama Picnic Tour in Kyoto was absolutely sensational!
Danny was an extremely knowledgeable host who took us to the Bamboo Forest, Golden Temple, Shrine of Knowledge and many other places. Not only did he give us in depth information about the places we visited, but we got many insights into Japanese life as a whole. Lunch in our Bento box was suited to our dietary needs and the variety was fantastic.
Staying at the Jam Jar Inn was fantastic, we had a traditional room with our own garden! It was obvious from his regular coffee and crepe customers that they all enjoyed Danny’s personable company. Laundromat & bus stops were only a minute away too!
This tour was the highlight of our Kyoto trip – it is a must do! Thanks again Danny!
Jaime Gooding –
The Secret Arashiyama Picnic Tour was absolutely amazing!
My mum and I were staying at Jam Jar Inn (beautiful accommodation too!) and decided to do the tour. The day was filled with gorgeous gardens and temples which Danny was so knowledgeable about! It was topped off with a delicious picnic by a quiet lake! Could not have asked for a better tour, thank you so much Danny!!