Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Discover Arashiyama’s famous Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park on Kyoto’s top-rated walking tour. Explore peaceful temple gardens, hidden paths, and local secrets you won’t find on other tours.

Places you will visit:

- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

- Monkey Park (20 min hike to hilltop)

- Okochi Sanso Garden

- Tenryuji Garden

- Togetsukyo Bridge

- local flavors

- and hidden paths

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tours are in English only. Want a different language like German or Italian? Please ask us before booking.

There is a 20-25 minutes hike to the monkey park hilltop and the path is a bit steep.

Solo travelers can book this tour, but please note there is a “2 guests minimum” requirement for the tour to proceed. If only one guest is booked, the tour may be canceled. In such cases, you will be notified promptly, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

For the privacy and comfort of all guests, smart glasses with recording capabilities (such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses) are not allowed during the tour.

Be able to hike up to the hilltop of the monkey park (20-25 minutes)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)

Monkey Park (20-25 hike) paid

Bamboo Forest

Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide

Okochi Sanso

Togetsukyo Bridge

Tips (accepted & welcomed)

Lunch & Dinner

Pick up not available

What To Expect

Arashiyama

Saga-Arashiyama Station: Meet at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, where you can take a few minutes to explore the surrounding area and get acquainted with your group.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Nonomiya Shrine

Nonomiya Shrine is a small but historically significant Shinto shrine in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It was traditionally used for purification rituals by unmarried imperial princesses before they served as priestesses at Ise Shrine. Surrounded by a lush bamboo grove, the shrine is known for its connections to love, marriage, and academic success. It is also mentioned in The Tale of Genji, adding to its cultural and literary significance.

10 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Group Tour

Private (Prize per Group Size)

Fushimi & Arashiyama

Okochi Sanso Garden excluded
Train fees NOT included: Train fees from Fushimi Inari to the bamboo forest are not included. Please make sure to purchase them before tour start.

Reviews

4.96

1,058 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1023

Wonderful experience in Kyoto
Linda B,
Oct 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
My husband and I were a bit worried with the length of the tour and the cost, but it was worth every penny! Teri and Arlene were great tour guides and the time flew by. Teri, having grown up in Kyoto, was as incredibly knowledgeable not only about the area where we toured (skirting around the very crowded streets by taking us on side streets and ally's) but she discussed the history of Japan, explained how Buddhism and Shintoism influenced the culture and she was patient with answering all of our questions. We didn’t feel rushed (as we have in other tours) and her English was perfect. I’d highly recommend this tour, especially if you are luckily enough to have Teri as your guide.
Teri is awesome!
Anna S,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Had a great time with our tour guide, Teri! She was fun, personable and knowledgeable about the areas we visited. She helped us take some great photos and recommended the BEST sushi for lunch after we visited the bamboo forest. Great tour and well worth the price!
Great Tour Itinerary and Group Leader!
Cheresa S,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Teri was fantastic! She arrived right on time and gave an informative, friendly, and engaging tour. The setup and timing were perfect for this itinerary, which was neither too long nor too short, making it easy to enjoy every part without feeling rushed and allowing us to arrive at our next activity on time. I highly recommend taking this tour and Teri as the group leader.
Marie was awesome!! She...
Jill A,
Oct 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Marie was awesome!! She kept great track of everyone in the group, she took lots of pictures for us group members, and she even gave us photography tips that really work! Marie was very knowledgeable of customs and history, which was very interesting to learn about. The tour was lots of great walking exercise, so the hour we got to get lunch and relax was a nice break. The monkey park was a fantastic way to round up the tour, super fun!
Great trip to various...
Bonnie H,
Oct 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great trip to various attractions in Arashiyama….the very crowded Bamboo Forest, Temples and a garden and overlook of Kyoto we wouldn’t have known to visit without a guide. The maple leaves are just starting to turn color…there will be jaw-dropping vistas in another month! A must-see area when visiting Kyoto and definitely worthwhile to visit with a guide!

From $73.97