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)
Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Bamboo Forest
Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)
Fushimi Inari (Combo Tour only)
Monkey Park (20-25 min hike) admission paid
Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
Okochi Sanso (Arashiyama Tour only)
Togetsukyo Bridge
Tips (accepted & welcomed)
Lunch & Dinner
Pick up not available
Options
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Fushimi not included
Arashiyama Group Tour
Starting point:
Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
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
Reviews
1,486 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth the walking!
Kelly C,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The sites were definitely worth the tour and there is a lot of walking. I know I wouldn't have had as much fun or been as informed if I had tried to visit the sites on my own. Janelle (sp?) was upbeat and knowledgeable-it was a lot of fun!
She knows the areas for great photos, and she is great photographer as well.
508colleend,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Marie, she was knowledgeable, engaging and knew all the inside tips for the area. I would definitely recommend the tour!
Kyoto Tour
traceywY7898RU,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janelle was very nice and informative and knowledgeable about the Kyoto area. She interacted well with my children even gave the pokemon cards. No question was too silly and had a laugh very frendly making conversation at rest breaks.
Marie spoke good English...
Peter M,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marie spoke good English and kept us together well in very crowded visits. She organised a good place for lunch
Awesome time
kevinnM9371SD,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was the best and down to earth. The whole experience was super smooth.
It was great!
betkenstristans,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was excellent guide. She was very helpful throughout the day and very informative.
Wonderful walking tour!
Pamela O,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time on this tour thanks to our guide Janiel. She was great about taking us to the best spots to see the bamboo, monkeys, and taught us a lot about Japanese culture and the sights along the way. Janiel was also the best photographer and we walked away with memorable photos from our tour. We highly recommend the experience!
A great experience overall
W5833HOtomasg,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was a perfect guide, knowledgable, friendly and energetic. The tour was well paced and interesting.
Oisin was Awesome
Stay19150516979,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I really enjoyed our tour. The gardens, bamboo forest, and shrines were beautiful. The monkeys were worth the hike and getting to feed them was a lot of fun.
Fun tour!!!
Z631CUmichaelc,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour!! We saw monkeys, bamboo, shrines and temples. Our tour guide, Janielle. was an excellent tour guide!! She was very knowledgeable about the local history and culture.
From ¥12,500
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Japanify Tours