Arashiyama walking tour Kyoto: Temples, bamboo, monkeys

Four stops in four hours: temples and monkeys without the planning

This 4-hour walking tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama district covers Tenryu-ji Temple, the Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, and Monkey Park Iwatayama, with a local English-speaking guide leading the route. Entry to the monkey park and temple admission are included, along with a cup of traditional matcha. The tour involves a steep 20-minute hike to reach the monkey park, so it suits those comfortable with sustained walking and climbing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arashiyama's nature and culture

• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple
• Walk through Bamboo Grove
• Pause at Nonomiya Shrine
• Visit Mikami Shrine
• Cross Togetsukyo Bridge
• Ascend to Arashiyama Monkey Park

The Experience

Tenryu-ji Temple opens the day with its Zen garden and refined landscape design. From there, the route moves directly into the Bamboo Grove—the atmospheric stretch where light filters through tall stalks and the path narrows enough that the rest of Kyoto feels distant. A guide walks you through and explains the history woven into the forest itself, rather than leaving you to wander and guess.

Nonomiya Shrine comes next, a quiet stop where you pause to take in its long history before the matcha arrives—a cup of traditional preparation served on-site, not a rushed photo moment. The walk then crosses Togetsu-kyo Bridge, one of Kyoto's most recognizable landmarks, where the river and surrounding mountains frame the view. The bridge's history and the charming atmosphere of the Arashiyama area itself become part of what you see, not just background.

The final leg is the climb to Monkey Park Iwatayama. The ascent takes about 20 minutes and involves many steps—it is steep and sustained, which is why the operator flags it plainly. Once you reach the mountaintop, native Japanese macaques move through their habitat nearby while panoramic views of Kyoto spread below. A guide explains the monkeys' behavior and the park's role in their conservation, so the animals are not just a photo opportunity but a moment to understand what you are watching.

What’s included

• Entry to Tenryu-ji Temple and Monkey Park Iwatayama.
• one cup of traditional matcha.
• a local English-speaking guide for the full 4 hours.
• access to all five stops (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Mikami Shrine, and Togetsu-kyo Bridge).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Travel Japan Together

Is this one for you?You'll move at your own pace through temples, bamboo groves, and shrines—perfect if you'd rather skip the group rhythm and spend extra time wherever captures you.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama?

The Bamboo Grove is an atmospheric forest of tall bamboo stalks that creates a natural corridor through the Arashiyama district. A guide walks you through and explains its history and cultural significance rather than leaving you to navigate it alone.

How steep is the hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama?

The ascent to the monkey park takes about 20 minutes and involves many steps on a steep path. It is suitable for those comfortable with sustained walking and climbing, and the operator recommends it for people who enjoy a good walk rather than a casual stroll.

Is matcha included in this tour?

Yes, one cup of traditional matcha is provided during the tour at Nonomiya Shrine. It is a prepared beverage, not a class in how to make it.

Do I need to pay separately for entry to Tenryu-ji Temple or the monkey park?

No. Admission to Tenryu-ji Temple and entry to Monkey Park Iwatayama are both included in the tour price, so you do not need to buy tickets separately at either site.

What is Togetsu-kyo Bridge and why is it part of this tour?

Togetsu-kyo Bridge is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks in the Arashiyama area, known for its scenic setting over the river with mountains in the background. The tour includes a stop there so you can see the bridge itself, learn its history, and experience the charming atmosphere of the surrounding district.

Can I bring a stroller or pram on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller for most of the tour. However, the steep 20-minute hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama involves many steps and may be difficult to navigate with a stroller, so plan accordingly for that final leg.