Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets

5.0
(1,012 reviews)

5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover Arashiyama’s famous Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park on Kyoto’s top-rated walking tour. Explore peaceful temple gardens, hidden paths, and local secrets you won’t find on other tours.

Places you will visit:

- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Monkey Park (20 min hike to hilltop)
- Okochi Sanso Garden
- Tenryuji Garden
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- local flavors
- and hidden paths

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station, 15 minutes early. Head to the rounded window near the North Gate (see photo). It’s upstairs and inside. WhatsApp is mandatory for receiving tour info and updates. Please install the app. Due to the terrain, strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on this tour.

End point

We will end your journey with a visit to the enchanting Monkey Park, a must-see for animal lovers. Afterward, you can indulge in some unique shopping opportunities in the area to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your trip or head back to the station.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Bamboo Grove: From the station, we will head to the famous Bamboo Grove, which is only a few minutes away. This serene path is surrounded by towering bamboo trees, and the natural beauty of this area will leave you in awe.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Tenryu-ji Garden. We will visit the Tenryuji Garden, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beautiful garden is considered one of the best garden in Japan.

    35 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Quick lunch break

    35 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 6

    Togetsukyo Bridge: After visiting the Kimono Forest, we will go to the Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama's most popular attractions. This bridge offers breathtaking views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7

    Arashiyama Monkey Park: From the bridge, we will hike to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, which is located on a mountain overlooking Arashiyama. Here, you can interact with the Japanese monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Be aware there is a 20-25 minutes hike to the hilltop and the path is a bit steep.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 8

    Okōchi Sansō Garden Tucked away at the end of the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, Okōchi Sansō is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and peaceful gardens. Once the private villa of a famous Japanese actor, it offers winding paths, seasonal flowers, and sweeping views over Kyoto. Unlike the crowded bamboo path, this garden feels calm and secluded — the perfect place to relax with a cup of matcha tea included in the visit.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

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.
Supplied by Japanify Tours

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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