Top-Rated Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Zen Garden & Secrets
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Tours are in English. For other languages (e.g., German or Italian), please check with us before booking.
Our tour combines Arashiyama’s must-see sights with hidden paths, cultural insights, and personalized touches you won’t find elsewhere. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, we go beyond the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park to uncover secret spots, beautiful viewpoints, and stories that bring Kyoto to life. With 800+ five-star reviews, we’re proud to offer a tour that’s immersive, authentic, and consistently top-rated.
Places you will visit:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Monkey Park (20 min hike to hilltop)
- Tenryuji Garden
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- 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
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Reviews
933 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Linda O,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tour, fantastic host who gave us loads of interesting facts and even acted as photographer for the group. Would highly recommend.
Private tour enabled us...
Art K,
Sep 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00Private tour enabled us to take our own pace. Guide was very knowledgeable and the itinerary was great.
Amazing day with Teri!
Clinton H,
Aug 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful and relaxing time with Teri. She took our small group on a beautiful tour of the bamboo forest, through gardens, to temples and shrines, to a tea house, and to the monkey park. At each stop, we learned about history and culture. We were so lucky to get to spend the day with Teri! Highly recommend.
This tour takes you...
Jessica D,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of Kyoto. Teri was a gem of a guide- warm, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. She expertly guided us through the areas biggest (snd most crowded) sights, but also took us to lovely spots away from the thrum. The day was extremely hot and I was concerned about my tween/tern kids’ stamina, but there were well-placed resting breaks and Teri made it a joy for everyone. Highly recommend.
Wonderful experience!
asintas,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour was great! We saw pretty much everything there is to see in Arayashima and Teri was an incredibly kind and knowledgeable guide! Would definitely recommend!
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Operated by Japanify Tours