Kyoto Arashiyama: Bamboo Walk, Tenryu-ji Temple & Monkey Park

Summary

Walk Kyoto’s bamboo forest temples & riverside with a guide

You’ll wander Kyoto’s Arashiyama alongside a local guide—walking through whispering bamboo groves, sipping matcha in Okochi Sanso’s garden, watching koi drift at Tenryu-ji Temple, tasting snacks along lively shopping streets, and meeting monkeys above the river valley. It’s five hours of small discoveries—some gentle surprises, some laughs—and memories that linger quietly long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our guide, Yuki, handing me a tiny paper cup of matcha outside a teahouse in Okochi Sanso. She grinned and said something about “slowing down” — honestly, I was still catching my breath from the walk through Arashiyama’s bamboo grove. The air there is weirdly cool and green-smelling, almost muffled except for the creak of stalks and someone’s distant laughter (probably ours). I’d seen photos but it feels different when you’re actually there — taller, maybe? Or just quieter.

We wandered off the main path at one point — Yuki showed us a shortcut she liked that led to Tenryu-ji Temple. There were koi swirling in the pond and some old men sketching under the maples. One of them nodded at us; I tried to say hello in Japanese and he smiled politely (I’m sure my accent was rough). Inside the temple, it smelled faintly of incense and tatami mats. There’s this moment where you step onto the wooden veranda and everything outside looks extra bright — like your eyes need a second to adjust. That stuck with me for some reason.

The shopping street was busy but not overwhelming. We stopped for little rice crackers (senbei?) — warm from the grill — and Yuki helped me ask about a strange pickled plum snack I’d never seen before. She laughed when I hesitated over trying it (“It’s…an acquired taste!”) and honestly, she was right. After that we crossed Togetsukyo Bridge together; there was a breeze coming off the Katsura River that made all our hair go wild. You get this wide view back toward the hills and suddenly it hits you how far you’ve walked already.

I almost skipped the monkey park because of the hill (it’s steeper than you think), but I’m glad I didn’t. There were kids squealing as macaques darted around — one sat right next to me on a bench like we were old friends. My legs were tired by then but it felt good, somehow earned. When we said goodbye to Yuki at the end, she bowed low and told us her favorite season here is autumn because “the mountains look like they’re on fire.” I still think about that view from up top — even if my calves complained for days after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arashiyama bamboo and temples

• Explore bamboo grove and Arashiyama park
• Visit Okochi Sanso garden and rest
• Explore Tenryu-ji Temple indoors and outdoors
• Discover shops on Arashiyama shopping street
• Take photos at Togetsukyo Bridge
• Hike to monkey park for family fun

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto Arashiyama walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, though timing can vary by about 30 minutes either way.

Is entry to Tenryu-ji Temple included?

Yes, your entrance ticket to Tenryu-ji Temple is included in the tour price.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

The tour involves walking and a short but steep hike up to Monkey Park; reasonable fitness is recommended.

Are snacks or meals provided during the tour?

No full meals are included but you’ll have time to buy snacks along Arashiyama's shopping street.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests meet at a designated location in Arashiyama.

Can children join this walking tour?

Yes, children are welcome and infants can ride in prams or strollers during most of the route.

Is this Kyoto day trip private or group-based?

This is a group walking tour with up to 12 participants; it’s not private unless arranged separately.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

Some guides speak French, German or Spanish but only English is guaranteed on shared tours—ask ahead for language availability.

What’s included

Your day covers entry tickets for Okochi Sanso garden, Monkey Park, and Tenryu-ji Temple plus help from your guide with shopping or translation along Arashiyama's main street—just bring comfy shoes and curiosity for what unfolds between bamboo shadows and hillside views.