Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
Overview
Available languages
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⭐ 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
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.
Arashiyama Group Tour
Starting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
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
1,647 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
206lpowell,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time on this tour today. Maricel the guide was excellent and gave us some good tips. It was a hot day 29°C , you need sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Lots of walking
Tour
Cynthia F,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Janelle was our wonderful guide. She was so patient with us and immersed us with so much knowledge throughout our tour. Excellent experience! I completely recommend this tour.
Fushimi and Arashiyama
Z3269FYcynthiaf,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janelle was our wonderful guide. She was so patient with us and immersed us with so much knowledge throughout our tour. Excellent experience! I completely recommend this tour.
Great time
487xxxm,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic! Janel killed it, recommend to anyone and be ready for a walk around kyoto
Janelle our guide was excellent
220lexief,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janelle was our guide and she was so great and helpful. she was kind and patient and gave us lots of important information to know!
Great fun and very friendly
Q7084IRrobertt,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was an awesome guide, very friendly and great fun, and being Irish very easy to understand as an Aussie. the hike up to the monkeys was a challenge, but well worth it for the monkeys and feeding.
Best walking tour in kyoto
James h,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oison was one of the best tour guide we have had on this trip he was very helpfull and knowledgeable and funny. If your cominng to kyoto this is a must do.
Tour
P9748WEians,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun day and excellent tour. Oisin was an excellent guide.
Great walk appreciating natural beauty.
40zitap,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great combination of walking in nature and appreciating the beauty of Kyoto. The monkey park was very cute. Be prepared to talk a 20 minute walk uphill - it’s quite step. I’d also recommend letting people know to bring insect repellent prior to commencing the tour.
From Shrines to Monkeys
Kale R,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was such a wonderful guide!! Incredibly knowledgeable about Kyoto and made the city feel even more magical than it already is. Don’t want to spoil too much about the tour but it’s very in depth and made us appreciate Kyoto that much more. Well worth the time.
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Operated by Japanify Tours