Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
Description
⭐ Award-winning Tour: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 Best of the Best — ranked in the top 1% worldwide Escape Kyoto’s tourist crowds and experience a more thoughtful side of Arashiyama on our award-winning small-group tour through bamboo forests, hidden gardens, scenic paths, and monkey-filled mountain views. Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo We also offer a combined option that includes Fushimi Inari Taisha before exploring Arashiyama’s highlights. Perfect for travelers who want both the torii gates and the Bamboo Forest in one experience. * Award-Winning 2026 Experience * Small Groups Only * Relaxed & Thoughtful Pacing * Hidden Gardens & Scenic Paths * Passionate Local Guides * More Personal Than Large Group Tours * Designed to Experience Kyoto, Not Rush Through It
Tour Options
Itinerary
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 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.
Okōchi Sansō Garden (not included in the combo tour) Tucked away at the end of the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, Okōchi Sansō is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and peaceful gardens. Once the private villa of a famous Japanese actor, it offers winding paths, seasonal flowers, and sweeping views over Kyoto. Unlike the crowded bamboo path, this garden feels calm and secluded — the perfect place to relax with a cup of matcha tea included in the visit.
Bamboo Grove: From the station, we will head to the famous Bamboo Grove, which is only a few minutes away. This serene path is surrounded by towering bamboo trees, and the natural beauty of this area will leave you in awe.
Tenryu-ji Garden. We will visit the Tenryuji Garden, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beautiful garden is considered one of the best garden in Japan.
Quick lunch break
Togetsukyo Bridge: After visiting the Kimono Forest, we will go to the Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama's most popular attractions. This bridge offers breathtaking views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains.
Arashiyama Monkey Park: From the bridge, we will hike to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, which is located on a mountain overlooking Arashiyama. Here, you can interact with the Japanese monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Be aware there is a 20-25 minutes hike to the hilltop and the path is a bit steep.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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)
- Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
Reviews(1,713)
Janiel was amazing! Very lively, great humor and a very thorough and knowledgeable host! The tour was also extensive and thorough, a great way to get a lay of the land! And I even asked Janiel to help me book a reservation to a restaurant I want to try (you can only book by phone and *language barrier*). Amazing experience!
This tour was the perfect way to experience the bamboo forest away from the crowds. Our guide, Marie, took us to a beautifully quiet part of the forest, and all of the explanations along the way were incredibly clear and engaging. She takes really good photos too! The stop at the tea house was another major highlight—the scenic views and the surrounding area were absolutely stunning. Highly recommended if you want a serene, well-paced, and informative experience!
Oisin was personable and gave a great tour! He made an extra effort to get to know everyone in the group. It was a perfect mix between history, humor, and experience. We highly recommend Oisin and had a great tour!
Oisim very knowledgeable tour
Our tour guide Marie was simply amazing. She was very knowledgeable and pleasant.
Janiel was a wonderful guide and was very knowledgeable about the area. It was nice to learn about Japanese customs and the background about the shrines and temples.
Janelle was an awesome guide. Informative and easy going. All of the stops were great. Loved the beautiful gardens and monkeys!
Jay was great! She was knowledge and personable. We had an enjoyable time on the tour.
Teri was our tour guide and she is just fabulous. So personable and fun, great knowledge, clearly loves what she does. Temples, gardens and bamboo forest are stunners, kids reported back that the monkey were a “10/10 vibe” and “would totally do again” (we departed early due to other commitments). If you’re not sure to choose what tour to do, I’m not sure you could go wrong with this one. Break at the tea house was perfect timing- lunch atop a super cute area with lots of choices but right off the Main Street so there’s more if you like. Bamboo forests are busy, nothing to do about it. Doesn’t ruin the trip but you will be around crowds. We went in late June- it’s hot, possibly rainy and very humid. Don’t let this deter you. Wear shorts, bring a backpack with water and whatever else you like to have a nice day trip outside. We’re from Florida so used to warmer temps and humid weather so it wasn’t a deal-breaker for us.
Fabulous day out with the family. Our three teenage boys were engaged and had a great day. The monkey forest was the highlight. Our tour guide Janiel was wonderful.
