Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
⭐ 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
Arashiyama Group Tour
Starting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
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.
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Fushimi not included
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
1,694 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice but Pricey
Ken L,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Nice tour but over-priced (~$70); should be half
Bit Pricey but Nice Tour
Ken L,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00My guide, Oisin, was a great tour guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and cool. Unfortunately, it rained during our tour but it was still nice. On the other hand, tour was almost $70 per, which in my opinion, was about twice than what it should be - I guess that’s because it’s an award-winning tour. Oh well.. not for those on a budget - can do own solo/couple tour easily. Have a good visit!
Great family day out
84tessap,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a brilliant day with our guide Oisin. It makes such a difference being able to explore and learn as we went. Our 12 and 14 year olds loved it. The monkeys were the highlight, but the bamboo forest and gardens were beautiful and unique. Would highly recommend.
The Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Stacey H,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie is the best! I cannot recommend this tour enough. It is a must do if you come to Kyoto. Lots and lots of walking/hiking though, so be prepared for that. Definitely worth the trip…
Loved the Tour
chekedriaj,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel Chanel made the tour so fun and informative I would recommend her anytime. Thank you for everything
Marie was amazing!
C6002KXkirstenh,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was so knowledgeable and hilarious! Sometimes a 4 hour tour can be boring and not this one. She made it fun, friendly, and exciting! Highly recommend!
Incredible and knowledgeable, if you want to see bamboo forest use this tour.
kailD2159CY,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing tour! 100% worth the cost, great local knowledge and just a fun great day overall. They take you through some other bamboo forest that are far less crowded and the extra gardens along with their views of Kyoto are just incredible. We were a small group of 3 from the UK, and took our time taking in the views and scenery, but its well worth it. Thanks again for the tour and hopefully we'll be back in Japan again soon!
Amazing!
445meliae,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience that took us through several cultural facets of Kyoto. Our guide Janiel was incredibly knowledgeable on all things religion, architecture, history, and much more and was able to deliver the information in both english and Japanese. She had an excellent charisma when taking us from natural forests to ancient landmarks while delivering the rich history to the modern day implications. The tour moved at a pace matched to our needs and she was even able to improvise activities when some members couldn’t physically participate in certain portions. Overall, we would book this tour again if it offered additional sights and would request Janiel to take us through it!
Arashiyama Family Tour
AnnaBTraveler,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janelle is a fantastic tour guide. She has a lot of knowledge and answered all our questions taking the time to stop and explain all historic data and cultural perspectives. We actually just recently had a bad tour guide experience and what a difference a good tour guide makes. Definitely recommend her
Janiel
moniquekY3475KN,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel was amazing!! She was very informative and kept me laughing.
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