Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join the Arashiyama walking tour ranked in the top 1% worldwide by TripAdvisor for 2026. 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
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
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.
Starting point:
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Private (Prize per Group Size)
Fushimi not included
Reviews
1,532 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We love you Janiel!
729abbyk,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We LOVED Janiel! So many unique facts about the city, stops that hit it all (history, nature, wildlife, sake…) and infectious energy. Will definitely recommend her to friends who come to Kyoto. 💖💖💖✨
Coolest trip (and guide)
687enriquel,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though weather was not the best, Janel was a true star and took us to the best spots, she was funny and explained us every detail. Totally recommend. 5*
Awesome Tour of Kyoto!
G7951XCjacobm,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Kyoto. She made the experience both informative and truly beautiful. The tour was seamless and memorable from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Kioto’s cool experience !
marceg727,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janel was a super nice guide, she explained all very clear and a lot of tips giver, love her and all the places she took us :)
A Walking Tour Worth Your Time
Sean S,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Janiel, was an absolute delight. She was so informative, VERY kind and helpful, and had a great sense of humor. You’ll get a great amount of history, as well as a well-guided tour of some of Kyoto’s popular spots.
Excellent
Jessica B,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour was great! Our guide Janiel was amazing, flexible, knowledgeable, and personable. Each stop was great. Fair warning: the hike up to the monkey peak was strenuous. Views at the top were great and feeding the monkeys was fun.
Excellent
K3196GQjessicab,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Janiel was an amazing tour guide. She was so knowledgeable and friendly. Super accommodating for anything we wanted to do. 100% would recommend
Kyoto
matthewbD1213LB,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was a great tour guide. Very informative. Kept everything on time with flexibility.
Fantastic Tour
bjamlee,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a memorable day! Janiel was by far one of the BEST tour guides we have experienced. She was very knowledgeable about all of the places on our tour. She also shared so many interesting nuances about the culture, customs and traditions. Janiel went out of her way to provide extra guidance so we could return by subway to our hotel. Her warm personality and great sense of humor made the tour so fun. Thanks again so much, Janiel!
Super fun adventure group!
192raegant,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic trip!! Everything was very fun and our tour guide Jay was very informative, so I learned a lot and got some great photos along the way 😊 Thank you for a great first Kyoto trip!!
From ¥12,500
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Operated by Japanify Tours