Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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)
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)
Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
Okochi Sanso (Arashiyama Tour only)
Togetsukyo Bridge
Monkey Park (20-25 hike) admission paid
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
Private (Prize per Group Size)
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
Reviews
1,163 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great cultural experience!
caitlinsB7223LQ,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an amazing time with our guide, Mari! Mari was extremely knowledgeable and very kind, and also took amazing photos! I learned so much about the bamboo forest and Kyoto - I definitely recommend doing this tour to anyone traveling to Kyoto!
A MUST-DO TOUR
JaneR1636,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite the rain and overcrowded conditions due to the multitude of opened umbrellas, our tour guide, Teri, made this tour highly enjoyable. Her knowledge of the culture, Japanese history, and various sites was impressive. She insured our group felt comfortable with one another by taking pictures of us, asking questions about each of us, and personally assisting whenever needed. Her English was perfect, her ability to answer all of questions and keep us interested made for a delightful exploration of the various sites. As an example of her kindness and patience she waited well beyond the tour's time line to hail a taxi and wait for it to arrive for us. We would highly recommend this tour as it was a highlight of our time in Japan.
Amazing experience
Daigo O,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience!My first time in Kyoto! Staff are so nice. I had an amazing time exploring Arashiyama today. The scenery was absolutely stunning.
Great host
Pacliboi04,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mari was a great host and provided a lot of context which helped me appreciate the landmarks and activities. 10/10 experience.
Another scenic place in Japan
528muhammadh,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Another beautiful scenic by nature. Well kept place. Clean and beautiful. The rickshaw guys were polite and friendly with all of them having high level of patience and tolerance towards some unruly tourists who blocks their way sometimes.
Must-Do Experience
noes968,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience visiting the Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest. Mari was our guide and she was amazing. Very efficient and organized, funny, personable and super kind! Highly recommend this tour if you are in Kyoto!
Wonderful day Exploring Kyoto
280xaviern,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing day touring the Kyoto sites. The tour was very well organized and touched on some of the most iconic sites. Would 100% recommend!
Best tour ever
803suziel,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mari was so funny and knowledgeable, she made even my skeptical teenager love every minute of the tour. It was perfectly balanced with information and time to explore sites on our own, and the spots we visited exceeded my expectations. Stunning and incredible, all of it. Thank you Mari for one of the best tours ever!!
Had so much fun.
B9439TDjorgep,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently had the pleasure of touring Japan with our guide, Marie, and the experience was truly outstanding. If you are looking for a guide who combines profound knowledge and humor (she’s so funny) with genuine hospitality, look no further.
Wonderful walking tour
Q656YEjacquelinem,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic walking tour with Mari and Francis. The guides were lively, cheerful and informative and we were happy with every moment. We highly recommend this tour.
From US$69.97
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