Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Overview
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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
Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)
Bamboo Forest
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
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
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Reviews
1,369 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour!
zeror2026,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was great, knew her stuff. Fun and entertaining, and made sure to include everyone on the tour. Took great photos as well.
Tour added a lot to our visit, I highly recommend!
gordh624,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janielle was a friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating guide and beyond the tour itself, shared insight into Japanese culture and social nuances that I found very interesting during our time in Arashiyama. Visiting the bamboo forest and seeing the monkeys was fun but getting Janielle’s insights made the trip much more worthwhile! Arigato gozaimasu!
Great guide, steep hill
M8161CImichellep,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Aaron was hilarious. He had lots of interesting stories and took the time to get us away from the crowds. One thing to note is the monkey park is up hill.. like 20 minutes average up hill. Some stairs, some incline so be warned. The monkeys are absolutely worth it though.
Positive Experience
elenadG3085CM,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janyiel was a phenomenal guide! She brought energy and positivity to our tour in addition to answering all of our questions. I valued her perspective and insight greatly on this tour. She also took amazing pictures of us despite some of the crowds. Would highly recommend!
Bamboo, Monkeys, Shrines - A Very Fine Time!
andrewhO4689QF,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay brings the energy! Our tour was filled with fun, cultural learning, and lots of steps. Well worth it!
Great tour with Jay
anzhongwong,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was a very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. We had a lovely experience.
Lovely day trip with Jay
canxiuz2026,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely day trip with Jay! She provided rich knowledge of the historical sites with a cheerful, light vibe and a well-organized schedule!
Wonderful
jackiejX7305VI,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fun experience did not know what to expect but the tour guide Teri was very nice and informative but each temple and area we visited. She’s also very friendly and good conversation starter.
Great tour
IanS4790,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks so much Teri for an excellent tour. Just the right length and level of information for us. Great to have this group size as well (there were 7 of us on the tour).
Amazing guide and great tour
Morgan M,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Teri was amazing, very informational and entertaining. She was easy going, very patient with my group and also funny. The entire tour was a good five hours and worth every penny. 10/10 experience and if I came back o would definitely do this again
From ¥12,000
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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