Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Arashiyama Walking Tour
Explore Kyoto’s Arashiyama district with a local guide. Walk through the famous Bamboo Forest, visit the beautiful Tenryuji Garden and Okochi Sanso, cross Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoy local flavors, and hike to the hilltop Monkey Park for amazing views. We also include hidden paths and quiet spots most travelers miss.
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.
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)
Bamboo Forest
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
Options
Private (Prize per Group Size)
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.
Starting point:
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Reviews
1,331 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Teri: A Truly Exceptional Guide!
Y3374THjasminek,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was an absolutely fantastic guide! Her knowledge of the area was incredible, and she made the whole experience so much fun. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone in our group was comfortable and enjoying themselves. I highly recommend her!
Great host, over priced experiences
Cardiomardio,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I think this is a solid experience if you want to climb or hike in a guided way. Marie does give you plenty of time to free ball, but I have a feeling this depends on the crowd. Older Folks may benefit from her direct, caring approach. We appreciated it for sure. Marie is kind and knowledgeable. I simply don’t think the price reflects the experience for a private experience in its entirely. Monkey park Is a hit or miss. Do you like monkeys? Go. Are you Mid about monkeys? Eh explore Kyoto instead. No need to drop $170
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic Arashiyama Walking Tour – Highly Recommended!
Destination547243,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on the Arashiyama walking tour in Kyoto. Our guide, Oisin, was fantastic… knowledgeable, friendly, and very engaging. The pace of the tour was perfect, giving us plenty of time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. Oisin shared great explanations about the history and culture of the area, and the conversation throughout the tour made the experience feel very personal and relaxed. Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visiting beautiful gardens like Okochi Sanso, seeing Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park created so many memorable moments. This tour was one of the highlights of our time in Kyoto. If you’re visiting the city and want a fun, informative, and well-paced way to explore Arashiyama, I would absolutely recommend this tour.
Arashiyama and monkey fun
colleenhI7254KX,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Janiel!
Cultural knowledge and understanding of what I’m visiting
Global20055512133,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel is so warm funny and full Of knowledge. She made the day so fun. It was great to learn about the shrines, the bamboo and the customs and culture . Highly recommended this trip!
As above
Cheryl N,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janie’s was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyable day.
Perfect for families..
Julie M,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a private tour and just perfect for our family of 9 and a 20 month old. Our guide, Ushein, was the best and very knowledgeable, he made our trip even better. We even got to do a Sake tasting!
Fun, interesting tour for everyone
Matthew G,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Teri was a great guide, providing interesting insights throughout the well-paced tour. She explained things in a way that was engaging for my wife, me and our 15 year-old daughter, striking the right balance the entire time. It was a great way to spend the day, with the monkeys being a unique, fun way to close it out. We highly recommend it.
An excellent way to get a taste of Kyoto
Y4680NMkellyk,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience was phenomenal. Janiel, my tour guide, explained the culture and history of the sites we visited in depth and gave personal perspective. I learned way more than I expected. I recommend this tour and ask all the questions!
Cool walking tour
935italiae,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Janiel did an amazing job leading us around the different sites.
From ¥12,000
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Japanify Tours