Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover Arashiyama’s famous Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park on Kyoto’s top-rated walking tour. Explore peaceful temple gardens, hidden paths, and local secrets you won’t find on other tours.
Places you will visit:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Monkey Park (20 min hike to hilltop)
- Okochi Sanso Garden
- Tenryuji Garden
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- local flavors
- and hidden paths
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‘s Included
Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)
Monkey Park (20-25 hike) paid
Bamboo Forest
Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
Okochi Sanso
Togetsukyo Bridge
Tips (accepted & welcomed)
Lunch & Dinner
Pick up not available
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
Group Tour
Starting point:
Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
Fushimi & Arashiyama
Okochi Sanso Garden excluded
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
1,117 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend 🤩
F9084TIandreaf,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Highly recommend 🤩 we saw everything we needed to see and the tour guide was always clear and looking out for the crew members
Great Kyoto Guide
Safari27307765186,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had such a great time on this walking tour with Aron. He knows a lot about Japanese history and culture, and he explained everything in a fun, easy to understand way, which made the whole tour even more enjoyable. We got to see so many amazing spots, including the bamboo forest, shrines, temples, and some really pretty views. He pointed out the best places for photos and even took some great pictures of each of us along the way. Honestly, this tour was way better than trying to figure everything out on my own. I learned a ton and had such a enjoyable day! Highly recommend!
Fantastic
Kylie S,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Marie our guide was amazing. Such a great experience and the best way to see Kyoto very informative!
Excellent!
bakulkampani,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terry was awesome, highly recommend this tour. It covers quite a few spots, some hidden gems and terry is great at explaining and sharing about Kyoto history!
A fantastic experience and forever memories!
459tracyam,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I had an amazing time. Full of history, delicious food and enthusiasm by our tour guide Teri. We have nothing but good to say about our experience with our small group of 5.
A Magical Day in Arashiyama Thanks to Mari!
Malrbx35,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My mom and I did the Kyoto Arashiyama walking tour (bamboo forest, gardens, monkeys, cultural stops, and lunch). It was genuinely one of the highlights of my trip. Our guide, Mari, was incredible. She’s so knowledgeable, warm, and easy to talk to that it felt like spending the day exploring with a friend who just happens to know everything about Kyoto. Even though the fall day was cold and windy, the autumn colors were stunning, and Mari made every moment feel fun, wholesome, and memorable. She never rushed us and always paused at the perfect spots for photos (honestly, some of my favorite trip pictures came from her recommendations!). She also shared tons of tips and insights that made the whole experience feel richer and more meaningful. Lunch was a delicious ramen spot, exactly what we needed mid-tour, and we learned so much throughout the day, from nature and history to local culture. If you’re looking to spend a few hours exploring Arashiyama the right way, I can’t recommend this tour enough. And truly, there’s nobody better than Mari!
Teri was a lovely and...
Jeanine G,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Teri was a lovely and talented guide and she provided us with all the history along the way while we explored the bamboo forest, shrine and monkey forest. She also took us on a saki tasting and provided us with a cute polaroid picture as a souvenir.
Amazing tour
Extraordinary178098,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie and Oisin were the best guide we’ve encountered in Japan. Very knowledgeable and Marie took great pictures for us!
Teri took us on a great...
Roddy M,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Teri took us on a great tour around Arashiyama. She had lots of great information about the area and the sites and kept us out of the crowds on a busy Saturday. Beautiful scenery and gardens and the monkeys were out highlights. Thanks.
Touring with Terri- Bamboo, Gardens and Monkeys.
katherinemK9573XT,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We toured Arashiyama with Terri and had the most wonderful experience. She was incredibly knowledgeable, fun, and expertly guided us through the district’s rich history, temples, and culture. Terri knew all the hidden back roads, helping us avoid the crowds while still seeing highlights like the Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest. Her insights and warm personality made the tour truly special. Highly recommended
From $69.97
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