Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Arashiyama Walking Tour
Explore Kyoto’s Arashiyama district with a local guide. Walk through the famous Bamboo Forest, visit the beautiful Tenryuji Garden and Okochi Sanso, cross Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoy local flavors, and hike to the hilltop Monkey Park for amazing views. We also include hidden paths and quiet spots most travelers miss.
Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo
We also offer a combined option that includes Fushimi Inari Taisha before exploring Arashiyama’s highlights. Perfect for travelers who want both the torii gates and the Bamboo Forest in one experience.
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)
Bamboo Forest
Fushimi Inari (Combo Tour only)
Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
Okochi Sanso (Arashiyama Tour only)
Togetsukyo Bridge
Monkey Park (20-25 hike) admission paid
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.
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.
Options
Fushimi & Arashiyama
Okochi Sanso Garden excluded: Okochi Sanso is NOT included
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.
Starting point:
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Group Tour
Starting point:
Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
Reviews
1,128 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Action packed tour
crystalgE6076DK,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was informative and fun. Our guide, Oisin, was friendly, knowledgeable and even helped with making sure we got enough family photos. The tour took us to places that we may have never found. A perfect way to spend half a day in the Kyoto area!
Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides
Freedom146646,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and engaging conversation. Helpful with vegetarian options and directions after tour. Great job sharing history of sites as well as current events.
Great tour, amazing guide!
216bernarde,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Marie is an excellent guide—very kind, knowledgeable, and patient with our 2-year-old. The tour was clear, well-organized, and everything was planned in advance, which made it super smooth. Great stops, great tips, and a really nice group atmosphere. Highly recommend!
Arashiyama top spots with the family
OferV,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Terri as our tour guide in Arashiyama! Her communication was fantastic from the start, she was great with the kids, very friendly, kind and she was incredibly flexible throughout the day. She shared so much interesting knowledge about the history and traditions. Very Highly recommend!
Do this tour!
928micahs,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fun filled day of Japanese zen gardens, temples, and monkeys! I love walking and was also up for all the hiking! The bamboo forest was breathtaking. Mari was an amazing tour guide. She was so knowledgeable and funny! I also appreciated that she looked out for our comfort by informing us of all the bathroom opportunities and drinking spots. And she’s also a top notch insta worthy photographer ! Thank you for capturing those memories for us Mari and also saving us from a 30 min walk with your train advice!!!
Amazing visit with a great guide
V9643ROpaulg,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was a great tour guide and made our visit very enjoyable. She provided great insights at each key location. Recommend!
Amazing tour! A must do!
Shytasia W,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour and amazing guide. So informative and easy going guy. Highly recommend you do this tour . Be prepared for the walk & challenge yourself up for the hike up the mountain to see the monkeys
Arashiyama trip
frances w,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very entertaining and informative. We loved it! Our guide was wonderful--very sweet and knowledgeable. Every stop we went to was incredible.Monkeys were adorable!
Must visit walking tour in Kyoto
adrianbH5747VF,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was a fantastic tour guide and very funny. She made the trip even more memorable. Very informative and very scenic. Must do tour while in Kyoto.
Best guide
Julie L,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Teri was best tour guide and very informative, great history lesson would highly recommend to all. Loved monkey interaction and bamboo forest. Julie & Lorisa xx PS: thanks for ensuring we got home safely.
From US$69.97
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