Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
Our tour combines Arashiyama’s must-see sights with hidden paths, cultural insights, and personalized touches you won’t find elsewhere. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, we go beyond the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park to uncover secret spots, beautiful viewpoints, and stories that bring Kyoto to life. With 800+ five-star reviews, we’re proud to offer a tour that’s immersive, authentic, and consistently top-rated.
Places you will visit:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Monkey Park (20 min hike to hilltop)
- Tenryuji Garden
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- and hidden paths
Options
3.5-Hour Tour (no Monkey Park)
Duration: 3 hours: Approximately 3½ hours, covering the Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji and Zen Garden. No Monkey Park
End Point on the Main Street: This tour ends on Arashiyama’s main street so you can explore local shops and cafés
What's included in Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Arashiyama
Saga-Arashiyama Station: Meet at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, where you can take a few minutes to explore the surrounding area and get acquainted with your group.
Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine is a small but historically significant Shinto shrine in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It was traditionally used for purification rituals by unmarried imperial princesses before they served as priestesses at Ise Shrine. Surrounded by a lush bamboo grove, the shrine is known for its connections to love, marriage, and academic success. It is also mentioned in The Tale of Genji, adding to its cultural and literary significance.
Okochi Sanso Garden
Okochi Sanso is a stunning traditional Japanese villa and garden in Arashiyama, Kyoto, built by the famous actor Denjirō Ōkōchi. The estate features beautifully landscaped gardens, teahouses, and panoramic views of Kyoto. Visitors can enjoy a serene walk through the moss-covered paths, admire the seasonal beauty, and experience a traditional matcha tea service included with admission.
Inclusions
- Okochi Sanso (admission paid)
- Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)
- Bamboo Forest
- Matcha Green Tea (paid)
- Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Monkey Park (20-25 hike)
- Tips (accepted & welcomed)
- Lunch & Dinner
- Pick up not available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tours are in English only. Want a different language like German or Italian? Please ask us before booking.
- There is a 20-25 minutes hike to the monkey park hilltop and the path is a bit steep.
- Solo travelers can book this tour, but please note there is a “2 guests minimum” requirement for the tour to proceed. If only one guest is booked, the tour may be canceled. In such cases, you will be notified promptly, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.
- For the privacy and comfort of all guests, smart glasses with recording capabilities (such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses) are not allowed during the tour.
- Be able to hike up to the hilltop of the monkey park (20-25 minutes)
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station, 15 minutes early. Head to the rounded window near the North Gate (see photo). It’s upstairs and inside. WhatsApp is mandatory for receiving tour info and updates. Please install the app. Due to the terrain, strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on this tour.
End Points
- 3½ h tour visiting Ōkōchi Sanso, Tenryū-ji & the Bamboo Forest — ends on Arashiyama’s main street so you can explore local shops and cafés while the rest of the group continues on to Monkey Park.
- We will end your journey with a visit to the enchanting Monkey Park, a must-see for animal lovers. Afterward, you can indulge in some unique shopping opportunities in the area to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your trip or head back to the station.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
MEETING POINT: Saga-Arashiyama Station (Please arrive 15 minutes earlier). Head to the rounded window near the North Gate (see photo). It’s upstairs (inside the station) and on the opposite side of the 7/11. WhatsApp is mandatory for receiving tour info and updates. Please install the app. During the tour, entry tickets are required for both the temple and Monkey Park. Your guide will purchase these tickets at each location and provide them for you. NOTE: It is not possible to purchase these tickets in advance, therefore there will be a brief wait till the guide secures your tickets. We appreciate your patience. Looking forward seeing you soon.
