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.
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.
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. 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
Reviews
1,615 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and Oisin is a great guide!
A8376XFdebram,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin is a great tour guide! He is very knowledgeable, kind and funny! The tour was a good balance of walking, resting, lunch, and seeing beautiful things. The monkey park and view across the bridge near the water, were both fabulous.
Bamboo forest walking tour was totally worth it!!
Cruiser12261323206,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The bamboo tour was amazing, really beautiful. Totally worth it. Our guide, Ms Teri, was super helpful and and sweet. We had a great time!!
Fun experience but tiring
110tanvib,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide - Teri was very helpful and very kind. She took great care of us. The whole experience was good
Oisian and Kyoto
simonwE3960ZE,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisian was an excellent guide, laid back yet knowledgeable of the history of Kyoto, and the significance of each site we visited. Would definitely book again with Oisian!
BRILLIANT TRIP WITH OISIN
franhH3166YG,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin is FABULOUS. We loved our trip. He is knowledgable, fun and such a good guide. We would wholeheartedly and 100 perecent recommend him. An AMAZING day out.
Great
Ian H,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was excellent and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the monkeys and the food stop was lovely. It’s a hard walk up to the top.
Great tour led by Oisin
237rosieh,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oisin was a brilliant tour guide. Very knowledgable and the vibes were great. We had a great day on the tour.
So much knowledge and fun
L5143PGhannahj,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was fantastic! The sights and views were delightful and the monkey park was a great way to end the tour. Our guide, Oisin, was fantastic, both insightful and witty. A great tour for anyone looking to experience Kyoto!
Great tour!
Ella H,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour by Oisin! He was really friendly and knowledgable, and the tour was really good! It was the perfect amount of time and you get to see a lot!
A must-do tour!
Martha A,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with very unique and memorable experiences. There are no words for the beauty of the bamboo forest! Our tour guide, Agustin, was one of the best we’ve had. He knew so much about the history of Japan and went above and beyond to accommodate us during the tour. The temples, zen gardens, and finishing with monkey park were all 5-star experiences! A must-do tour!
From ¥11,000
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Japanify Tours