Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
⭐ Award-winning Tour: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 Best of the Best — ranked in the top 1% worldwide
Escape Kyoto’s tourist crowds and experience a more thoughtful side of Arashiyama on our award-winning small-group tour through bamboo forests, hidden gardens, scenic paths, and monkey-filled mountain views.
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.
* Award-Winning 2026 Experience
* Small Groups Only
* Relaxed & Thoughtful Pacing
* Hidden Gardens & Scenic Paths
* Passionate Local Guides
* More Personal Than Large Group Tours
* Designed to Experience Kyoto, Not Rush Through It
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!
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
Arashiyama Group Tour
Starting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Fushimi not included
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,644 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour in Kyoto!
AlexA173,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with our guide, Oisin.
Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park with Janiel
Sonia F,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fabulous tour to the Bamboo Forest and Monkey park with Janiel a few days ago. Janiel had a great sense of humour that kept everyone entertained and she has a wealth of knowledge of Japan that was very infectious. As we made our way through the local neighbourhood she informed us on the lifestyle changes in the area. We initially walked through the bamboo grove before arriving at the bamboo forest while entertaining us with pop quiz facts. The bamboo forest was very beautiful and busy as expected but Janiel made sure we all got that iconic photo shot as well as stopping to give us information… she was always a step ahead. We had a lovely stop for lunch, multiple choices from your traditional burger to gyoza and noodles. We then proceeded over an ancient wooden bridge famous for couple proposals before we embarked on the huge climb to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, 126 steps and then uphill all the way. It was definitely an effort especially in 30c heat but worth it in the end. The monkeys are wild but completely harmless if you follow the rules and they are especially entertaining when that ‘can can’ music starts playing. Thank you Janiel for a wonderful and seamless day.
Fun and informative!
r0bbiu,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Oisin was a great guide. Lots of interesting information and very fun! Highly recommend!
Fun tour
kyeongminm2024,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin is a super knowledgeable and fun guide. I highly recommend the tour.
Great Time With Oisin Guiding The Ultimate Tour
samuelnC7729MB,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time with Oisin guiding us during the day! Every part was super enjoyable and unique! I recommend taking this experience and booking with Oisin because he is a great tour guide!
Family Trip
Cruiser107014,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was is the best tour guide! Very funny, knowledgeable, and kind.
Great Kyoto Experience
sarahnR5674YA,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best time seeing Kyoto with my family! I highly recommend this tour! Oisin was the best tour guide!
Monkeys and Bamboo
joshuahS4860DN,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was such a wonderful guide, and easy to get along with. Quite a few stops, and all beautiful.
Kyoto walking tour
rhaake02,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin gave a phenomenal tour! Kyoto is a beautiful city
A Rainy Good Time
584yukiw,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wasn’t completely sure what to expect from a walking tour with some very consistent rain. Janiel was an absolute fantastic guide, very knowledgeable, and patient mainly with my very curious 7 year old son. The price for my two children (16 and 7) was just right for the experiences and views that we saw. Due to the rain thankfully the crowds weren’t as bad as I’m told they can be and I’m appreciates of that as it made the experience that much better. I am grateful for the extra help as Janiel even managed to help us navigate our way back to a train station! Janiel, thank you for making the experience amazing! 🫶
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Operated by Japanify Tours