Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens

Japanese monkeys watch from the hilltop while you stand above the whole city.

This small-group tour through Kyoto's Arashiyama district visits the Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Togetsukyo Bridge, and Arashiyama Monkey Park on a 20–25 minute uphill hike. A bilingual guide leads groups small enough to move at a thoughtful pace, and the itinerary includes entry to the temple garden and monkey park. Solo travelers can book, though the tour requires a 2-guest minimum to proceed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arashiyama's natural and cultural sites

• Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station
• Visit Nonomiya Shrine
• Walk through Bamboo Grove
• Explore Tenryu-ji Garden
• Take a quick lunch break
• Visit Kimono Forest
• See Togetsukyo Bridge
• Hike to Arashiyama Monkey Park

The experience

Five to six hours on the ground, starting at Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, the route moves quickly to the Bamboo Grove, a few minutes away, where towering stalks narrow the path and the light filters green. The walk through feels different from the crowded entry most visitors know. The guide's timing and group size matter for that. After the grove, you reach Nonomiya Shrine, a small Shinto shrine set inside the bamboo itself, historically used for purification rituals and mentioned in The Tale of Genji.

Tenryuji Garden comes next, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with winding paths, seasonal flowers, and views that open across Kyoto. The garden's design is considered one of Japan's finest. A quick lunch break happens in Arashiyama Park before the route continues to Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the Hozu River with mountain views on both sides. From there, the day's final push is the hike to Arashiyama Monkey Park: 20 to 25 minutes uphill on a steep path. The hilltop overlooks the whole district, and you can watch the Japanese macaques move through their territory. The hike is the physical anchor of the day. The guide confirms fitness is suitable for all levels, though the climb itself is real.

The Arashiyama tour includes entry to Tenryuji Garden and the Monkey Park, plus a bilingual guide who speaks English. A combo option adds Fushimi Inari Taisha, the famous torii gate shrine, before Arashiyama, if you want both landmarks in one day. The tour runs in English only. Other languages are available by request before booking. Recording and live streaming are not permitted during the tour, and smart glasses with recording capabilities are banned for the privacy of all guests.

What’s included

• The tour includes entry to Tenryuji Garden and Arashiyama Monkey Park.
• a bilingual English-speaking guide.
• passage through the Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, and Okōchi Sansō Garden (Arashiyama tour only).
• views from Togetsukyo Bridge.
• and the 20–25 minute hike to the monkey park hilltop.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour for a groupGuide in English · 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Meeting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan

Fushimi and ArashiyamaGuide in English · 09:00Train fares are NOT included: fares from Fushimi Inari to the bamboo forest must be bought before the tour begins. Starting point: Inari Station, Fukakusa Inarionmaecho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0881, Japan

Private (price varies by group size)Guide in English · 10:00Fushimi excluded. Meeting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Japanify Tours

Is this one for you?Book the Arashiyama tour if you want the Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park without the crowds that come with larger groups: the small-group size and relaxed pace are what make both stops feel less like checkboxes. Choose the combo option if you also want Fushimi Inari's torii gates in the same day and don't mind a longer itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What's the hike to Monkey Park actually like?

The hike to Arashiyama Monkey Park takes 20 to 25 minutes uphill on a steep path to reach the hilltop. The climb is real, but the guide confirms the tour suits all fitness levels, and the panoramic views and close encounter with the Japanese macaques make the effort the centerpiece of the day.

Is Tenryuji Garden included in the price?

Tenryuji Garden admission is included in the Arashiyama tour, as is entry to Arashiyama Monkey Park. Both are paid for as part of the booking.

Can I book this tour alone?

Solo travelers can book the tour, but the tour requires a 2-guest minimum to proceed. If only one guest is booked, the operator will notify you promptly with options to reschedule or receive a full refund.

What's included in the Fushimi & Arashiyama combo option?

The combo tour adds Fushimi Inari Taisha (the shrine famous for its thousands of torii gates) before moving on to Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Garden, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park. It combines both major landmarks in a single experience.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. There is a quick lunch break in Arashiyama Park where you can eat on your own.

Can I record the tour or wear smart glasses?

Recording and live streaming are not allowed during the entire tour. Smart glasses with recording capabilities, such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses, are also banned for the privacy and comfort of all guests.