Kyoto Arashiyama: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Matcha Walk

Summary

Wander bamboo paths, temples, matcha breaks & mountain monkeys in Kyoto’s Arashiyama

You’ll wander Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with a local guide, pause in peaceful temple gardens, cross historic bridges and hike up to meet wild macaques—all with entry fees and real matcha included. Expect moments of quiet beauty (and maybe some monkey antics) that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

"You hear that?" our guide Jun asked, pausing just before we entered the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. It was this soft rustling—like rain but drier—coming from hundreds of green stalks swaying overhead. The light slipped in sideways, all green and silver stripes on the path. I kept expecting crowds, but somehow it felt hushed. Jun pointed out the way the air smelled different here—cooler, almost sweet? Maybe it was the moss or just my imagination running wild because honestly, I hadn’t slept much after arriving in Kyoto from Osaka the night before.

We’d started at Tenryu-ji Temple, which is apparently a UNESCO site (Jun said it so casually I almost missed it). The gardens there were something else—koi flickering under maple leaves and these old stones that looked like they’d been there forever. There was this moment by the pond where everything went quiet except for one crow yelling at us from a pine tree. After wandering through Nonomiya Shrine (Jun taught us to bow twice—I think I got it backwards), we crossed Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Locals were out with umbrellas even though it wasn’t raining; maybe just habit? Or sun-shy. The river moved slow and milky-green below.

I’m not usually big on hikes but the walk up to Monkey Park Iwatayama was worth every step—even if my knees complained a bit halfway up. At the top, macaques lounged around like they owned the place (which, let’s be honest, they probably do). One tried to steal my water bottle; Jun laughed and told me to keep my bag zipped unless I wanted to share lunch. The view over Kyoto stretched out hazy and endless—I still think about that moment when the city felt both close and far away at once.

Somewhere between all this walking we stopped for matcha—real Uji matcha, thick and grassy with a tiny sweet on the side. Honestly? I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Maybe it was just sitting down after so much moving or maybe Kyoto air does something to your taste buds. Either way, if you’re looking for a day trip from Kyoto that mixes temples, bamboo forest walks, monkey mischief and actual local flavors (plus entry fees sorted), this is pretty much it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arashiyama's nature and culture

• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens
• Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Visit Nonomiya Shrine
• Enjoy matcha tea
• Stroll across Togetsu-kyo Bridge
• Hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama

Top questions

How long does the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest tour take?

The tour is designed as a full-day experience covering several sites in Arashiyama.

Is entry to Tenryu-ji Temple included?

Yes, entry fee to Tenryu-ji Temple is included in your tour.

Are tickets for Monkey Park Iwatayama covered?

Yes, entrance fee for Monkey Park is included with your booking.

Do you get to try authentic matcha tea?

Yes, an Uji matcha drink is included during the tour.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No traditional lunch is included; only a matcha drink and sweet are part of the experience.

How difficult is the hike to Monkey Park?

The hike is short but uphill; suitable for most fitness levels but may not suit those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Arashiyama district attractions.

Can infants join this walking tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during any seated portions of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees for both Tenryu-ji Temple and Monkey Park Iwatayama plus an Uji matcha drink along the way—all led by an English-speaking local guide so you can focus on soaking up Kyoto’s Arashiyama without worrying about logistics or tickets.