Kyoto Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park & Matcha Walk

Summary

Arashiyama’s bamboo paths temples matcha and wild monkeys in Kyoto

You’ll wander Kyoto’s Arashiyama with a local guide, from tranquil Tenryu-ji Temple through the famous bamboo grove and hidden shrines, pausing for traditional matcha before climbing up to Monkey Park for city views and wild macaques—all entry fees included. Expect quiet moments, gentle laughter, and memories that linger long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arashiyama's temples and nature

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

Top questions

How long does it take to walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?

It usually takes about 20-30 minutes at a relaxed pace as part of this walking tour.

Is entry to Tenryu-ji Temple included in this tour?

Yes, admission to Tenryu-ji Temple is covered in your booking.

How hard is the hike up to Monkey Park Iwatayama?

The hike takes about 20 minutes with many steps and is fairly steep; suitable for those comfortable with walking uphill.

Will I see monkeys at Monkey Park in Arashiyama?

Yes, you’ll observe wild Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat at Monkey Park Iwatayama.

Is there matcha tea included on this Kyoto day trip?

Yes, one traditional matcha beverage is provided during your tour.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller except for the steep hike up to Monkey Park.

What language does the guide speak?

Your local guide speaks English throughout the day trip.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day covers entry fees for both Tenryu-ji Temple and Monkey Park Iwatayama, plus a traditional matcha drink along the way—all led by an English-speaking local guide who keeps things relaxed but knows every shortcut through Arashiyama’s winding paths.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush under those bamboo stalks in Arashiyama. It’s like the world gets quieter as soon as you step off the main street—just shoes on gravel and the faintest wind. Our guide, Emi, said something about how samurai used to come here to clear their heads. I get it now. The air even smelled different—kind of green and damp, but not heavy. We’d started at Tenryu-ji Temple, where I tried to follow Emi’s story about Zen gardens but got distracted by a carp splashing near my feet. There was this moment when a local gardener nodded at us; he looked so calm I almost felt embarrassed for being so restless.

After wandering through the bamboo grove (and yes, everyone tries to take that one photo), we paused at Nonomiya Shrine. It’s small, tucked away behind some old camphor trees, and Emi explained how people still come here to pray for good matches or safe childbirth. She showed us how to do a little bow—my timing was off and she laughed quietly but didn’t make me feel silly. The matcha stop after that was honestly needed; my legs were already tired. The tea was grassy and just a little bitter—I probably made a face because Emi grinned and told me it takes practice.

I didn’t expect Mikami Shrine to be about hair (seriously), but apparently people really do come here hoping for thick hair or just better luck with their next haircut. The sun started peeking through by then and we crossed Togetsukyo Bridge with school kids running ahead of us—the river below looked almost silver in the light. That bridge is older than it looks; Emi pointed out some details but I mostly remember the sound of bikes rattling past and someone selling sweet potatoes nearby.

The last bit up to Monkey Park Iwatayama is no joke—it’s steep and there are steps that seem to go on forever. But reaching the top, seeing Kyoto spread out below while macaques wandered around (one tried to steal someone’s snack), made me forget my aching calves for a minute. You can watch them up close if you’re patient—one baby clung to its mom right near the fence while everyone whispered so they wouldn’t scare them off. Walking down again felt lighter somehow, maybe just relief or maybe something else.