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
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.
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
1,704 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Arashiyama Forest Tour
Happiness02449612460,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing job! Oishin was a kind host and showed us a lot of the highlights of the Arashiyama forest. Thank you!
Great tour guide
crew614,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was great! Funny and knowledgeable
Teri made this tour our absolute favorite!
Laura C,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was the best tour guide we have ever had! My daughters do not like tours and were irritated that I booked one. After spending a fun day with Teri they just announced that it was the best day of our trip and the best tour they have ever had! Teri was fun and patient and my daughters have already asked if we can have her so all of our tours this trip!
Terrific Teri
abigailcH713PJ,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Teri was absolutely lovely! Not only was she informative, but also super personable and made the experience exceptional!
Perfect!
averyc383,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was absolutely phenomenal. Best tour we have ever been on! She was so much fun and taught us so much about the history and culture. We will all miss her!!
Vacation 2026
dennisbY4519RH,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Keri was a fantastic tour guide. She went above and beyond during the tour.
Amazing tour
770summera,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was an amazing guide! Very friendly and relatable. Good pace with the tour. Lots of history and culture which is what I was hoping for. Highly recommend Teri!
Awesome Experience
833vanniac,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was amazing! Really made us feel comfortable and made the experience so fun!
Arashiyama Hike
gloriagJ3228KS,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was the best guide! Informative and fun!
Marie’s tour bamboo, monkeys, and more!
Resort08665203788,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was such a fun tour guide! This tour is definitely worth doing!
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