Viator Rating : 5 (583 reviews)
Kyoto
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales & Bamboo Forest Night
Overview
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night isn't like other ghost tours. It's a special Kyoto experience that mixes scary stories with a fun night walking around. If people want a haunted house or prison tour, this might not be for them!
The tour starts with a drink and creepy stories from Kyoto's past. Instead of old ghost stories, guests will walk through streets and bamboo forests at night. One part involves walking alone in the dark for a bit, which is safe and adds to the spooky feeling. It starts at Saga-Arashiyama Station, goes through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at night, and ends back at Saga-Arashiyama Station.
This experience includes a solo walk in the dark forest, one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and a Japanese curse (lasting only 24 hours!). People might get an unexpected surprise along the way! The tour tells urban legends, real ghost stories, and tales of serial killers. It does not include tips, souvenir ghosts, or exorcisms. 
Highlights
Solo Dark Forest Walk: Experience the thrill of walking alone in a dark bamboo forest.
Included Drink: Enjoy a complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
Creepy Tales: Hear urban legends, ghost stories, and tales of serial killers.
Unexpected Surprise: Brace yourself for a spooky surprise along the tour route!
Convenient Meeting Point: Start and end your ghost tour at Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Small Group Setting: Enjoy an intimate and immersive experience with a small group.
Sentiment Analysis
Tour guides are super friendly.
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Storytelling makes history come alive.
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Solo forest walk is thrilling and memorable.
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The overall tour is fun and keeps your attention.
Some stories may not be scary enough for everyone.
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The surprise along the way might be too much for some.
The Journey
Saga-Arashiyama Station
Saga-Arashiyama Station serves as the gateway to the enchanting Arashiyama district. More than just a transportation hub, it's your starting and ending point for exploring the area's natural beauty and cultural landmarks. As you gather here, take a moment to appreciate the station's blend of modern convenience and traditional Japanese aesthetics, setting the stage for your adventure. It is easily accessible and often serves as a familiar and easily identifiable location to meet.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Night)
Experience the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in a uniquely thrilling way – at night. As darkness descends, the towering bamboo stalks transform into an ethereal realm, their silhouettes whispering secrets under the moonlight (or, more likely, in near-total darkness). While typically a serene daytime stroll, the nighttime forest offers an entirely different atmosphere: a captivating, slightly unnerving, yet utterly memorable sensory experience. The lack of light amplifies the rustling sounds and shadows, creating an adventure unlike any other, allowing for introspection within a surreal landscape.
Saga-Arashiyama Station (Return)
As your Arashiyama adventure concludes, return to the familiar glow of Saga-Arashiyama Station. This marks not just the end of your journey, but an opportunity to reflect on the captivating nocturnal scenes you've witnessed. Under the soft station lights, take a moment to savor the memories of the towering bamboo stalks and the enchanting darkness before heading your separate ways. The station serves as a comforting beacon after your journey into the depths of the night.
Know Before You Go
This Kyoto Ghost Tour includes a solo walk in the dark forest, one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, and a 24-hour Japanese curse. Be prepared for an unexpected surprise! The tour explores urban legends, real ghost stories, and serial killer tales. Tips are welcome but not included. Souvenir ghosts and exorcisms are not provided. The tour begins and ends at Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Hot Tip
Some suggest arriving early to see the Kimono Forest before the tour starts. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Be open to the spooky atmosphere!
Review Summary
People find this Kyoto Ghost Tour to be a uniquely atmospheric and thrilling experience with highly engaging storytelling that goes beyond typical ghost tours. Positive reviews highlight the intimate small-group setting, the blend of creepy and fun tales, and the special solo walk in the bamboo forest as memorable moments. On the downside, some travelers mention that it is not suitable for those sensitive to dark or violent topics, and late arrival results in exclusion without refund. The tour’s exclusivity with a minimum guest requirement and strict adherence to safety around walking alone in darkness are also noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
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