Meet your guide in the morning at the New Miyako Hotel and head to Kyoto station to board the JR train (non-reserved seating) for Saga-Arashiyama station. You’ll disembark for a short walk to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered the premier among Kyoto’s five prominent Zen Buddhist temples.
During 30 minutes here, stroll around the beautiful Japanese garden, which survived centuries of warfare. Listen as your guide points out traditional design features such as a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees and the forested mountain landscape of Arashiyama ─ a scenic area that is especially vibrant with cherry blossoms in spring or fall colors in autumn.
Continue on foot to the nearby Sagano Bamboo Grove and see why it’s one of Kyoto’s most photographed sights. Take the walkway through the grove, where you can stand under towering stalks and watch the bamboo sway gently in the breeze.
Upon arrival at Jojakko-ji Temple, enjoy views over Kyoto from the temple grounds, where paths and stairs lead across a garden flanked by exquisite maple trees.
After some quiet contemplation in this tranquil atmosphere, you’ll have free time to spend around the Togetsukyo Bridge (aka Moon Crossing Bridge), which dates back to 9th century. Take advantage of great photo ops of Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark, with the forested mountainside and dozens of adjacent cherry trees as your backdrop.
If there’s time, you can stroll across the bridge before embarking on a Yakatabune boat ride through Arashiyama with your guide. Your Yakatabune boat features traditional Japanese low tables with mats to sit on along the floor that you would expect to see in an upper-class Japanese home. Take in the stunning landscape from the water while a Japanese-style lunch is served in a bento box (see sample menu below). During your 1-hour scenic river cruise, marvel at the fall foliage or cherry blossoms in full bloom, depending on the season.
Your tour concludes upon arrival at the Yakatabune boat dock.
Bento Box Sample Menu (subject to change depending on seasonality and availability):
" Japanese-style omelet
" Bamboo shoots
" Fried white fish
" Chicken yawata roll
" Green ume or slightly sweetened boiled chestnut
" Boiled tofu and vegetables　
" Tofu-skin sashimi