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
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Fushimi not included
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.
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
1,674 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Monkey around!!
K8846KXjaimeg,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janell was awesomely informative and fun!
Ultimate Kyoto Tour
weatproperties,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel was our tour guide and she was great!! She was very knowledgeable and personable! We enjoyed this trip very much!
Great Family Activity
MAUIISLANDGIRL808,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was a great guide, very knowledgeable and friendly.
Fantastic experience
kaschav,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was by far one of our favourite days in Japan so far. Janiel was a fantastic tour guide - very knowledgeable and engaging. We really enjoyed it! There was so much packed into 6 hours, and lots of walking so comfortable shoes are a must. Definitely worth doing this tour if you're in the area.
My Kyoto tour explored the connection between Buddhism and Shinto, two traditions that have coexisted in Japan.
MarshallJennifer,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was just wonderful all the way around but truly the main thing was Teri (or Bob - her alias). She’s so knowledgeable, kind and funny. I’m so glad I got to spend the day with her and everyone on our tour. Awesome all the way around!
Amazing tour with the best guide Teri!
164phoebej,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the most amazing time on this tour Teri was the most amazing and lovely guide and was a pleasure to spend the day with her. I could not recommend this tour enough, seeing the monkeys has been one of the highlights of my trip so far. Learnt so much on this tour and it was a great vibe for the whole day. Definitely book this tour if you are coming to Kyoto
Fantastic tour!
kelliel759,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was wonderful! She was so knowledgeable and made our tour such fun. We had a ball learning about the culture, and seeing so. Many. Monkeys!!
Great experience! But be prepared to walk and sweat if coming in the summer.
S3476RFdavids,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri (Bob) was a great guide. Paced the walk / tour well, prepared us very well for the day, had a bunch of relevant and interesting information, kept the energy up, was great with every single member of the group (children included).
Arashiyama Tour
nicurn73,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had so much fun with Oisin. He was an amazing guide and very knowledgeable of the Japanese culture! Definitely would recommend.
Terry was a very friendly...
Joshua H,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Terry was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. The tour hit the highlights of the area and would highly recommend this tour. The final hike is optional and you are warned ahead of time of time but is strenuous.
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Operated by Japanify Tours