Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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
1,573 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kyoto tour
I584QYblaked,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was amazing with our guide who had incredible knowledge of the surroundings area and history. They were very easy to chat with and get along with which definitely made the tour so much better as well.
Oisin review
Safari57472421932,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was an amazing tour guide he knew so much information and was really friendly. Every question we asked he knew the answers too. Definitely recommend ✨️✨️
Amazing
bellah668,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was a great tour guide definitely go with him if you can!!!
Could do this on your own
Deborah S,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We met the guide at the station right beside Arashiyama and walked through the bamboo forest. Then walked through the garden and small town, had and hour of free time for lunch and then walked to the mountain to see the monkeys where our guide bid us fairwell. Not a lot of information about the area because it's pretty self explanatory. I don't think you need a guide for this and the price was quite high even taking into account the admission tickets.
We love Janiel! Great Tour
G RGrayson,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiele was a fantastic tour guide who made the tour eventful and fun! We loved learning about the history and especially visiting the Arashiyama Monkey Park. I highly recommend going, you won’t regret it.
Great experience
konstantinav881,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Janel, was very knowledgeable and fun! I highly recommend the tour!
Janelle was the highlight
rubenaW7040FP,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a wonderful time with Janelle. She was very knowledgeable going at our pace, knowing that there was a pregnant woman in the group. She showed us everything. I would highly recommend a tour to anyone that is looking to learn more about Kyoto and the wonderful bamboo forest.
Great guide and great group!
Traveler18609316462,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was friendly and informative. Kept us moving with lots of walking. The spots were so so beautiful. This was an English language tour, and the language was clear. We were also able to make adjustments as needed based on individual preferences.
Worth it
cacrespos,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was on time. Our guide had great energy n shows she loves what she does
Beautiful, informative tour with a wonderful, smart, and funny tour guide!
797ema,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My fiancé and I went on this tour and highly recommend it! The bamboo forest, garden exhibits and short walks, and Monkey Park were all so beautiful and engaging. Our tour guide, Marie, was especially incredible. She was very informative, hilarious, and balanced punctuality and freedom to explore very well. We are so glad that we went on this tour, and truly glad that Marie was our guide. 10/10!
-10% off
From ¥10,800Was ¥12,000
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