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!
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
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
Reviews
1,587 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Up pace, entertaining, and full day of history
S9603KHtk,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Jai is full of energy and personable, providing an up pace, informative, and entertaining tour experience.
Amazing Tour!
U9364EOjayp,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was lead by Marie who was excellent. The tour is nice because not only do you get to visit popular Kyoto locations but you will also learn history/culture. Marie was also always cheerful and engaged in conversation so there was never a dull moment! This tour is absolutely worth it!
Fun and easy
Navigator587882,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So nice and friendly. Really enjoyed it all and learned a bunch
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Tour
3rdesign,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Our guide Oisin is very knowledgeable about the area and the group was well matched. Even though the weather was uncooperative during the Arashiyama Monkey Tour, that was definitely the highlight of the day. We'll worth the money!
Bamboo forest in the rain
simondG9850RY,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day. Oisin made the tour really fun, lots of stories and local tips. The lunch spot was great and loved visiting the monkey park in the rain!
Rainy Day with Monkeys
checkback,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin gave us a wonderful view of Kyoto. He was funny and informative
History, facts and fun to make this an enjoyable tour
D1amondqueen,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Mari was wonderful, a true professional in her craft. She kept the tour moving, was open to all questions, she had deep knowledge of the bamboo forest, temple and gave us fair warning of the hike to get up to monkey park. She was very attentive to each of our group of 8 guests and create a friendly environment.
Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama with Teti!
155silvanaw,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama are already beautiful, but experiencing them with Teri made them magical. We learned so much, laughed a lot, and created memories we will tresure for a long time. Highly recommend Teri to anyone visiting Kyoto — she is truly exceptional
Best Tour in Japan yet
jodiemO4789KO,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel Amazing knowledge and beautiful personality. Definitely made for the job. Best tour we have had in Japan by far.
Fun, interesting and informative
N8725HEemilyb,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel was an amazing tour guide. She was a wealth of knowledge and made each site fun and interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.
-10% off
From ¥10,800Was ¥12,000
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Japanify Tours