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(1,760)
Beautiful experience- time and space to explore with an exceptional guide “Teri” who was incredibly knowledgeable. Will remember the day for a very long time.
We really enjoyed the gardens and monkeys. The hike to the monkeys was a bit strenuous, but doable even though it was very hot. The time at each place was the right amount and the day was the correct length. Oisin was a wonderful guide-relaxed and informative and very helpful.
Oisin is a great tour guide!! He is very pleasant, approachable, knowledgeable, patient & sensitive to his guests. He made our tour amazing & one to remember forever!!
Oisin was very welcoming, accommodating, and very knowledgeable and informative throughout every part of the tour. We had chances to get to know each other as a group, and had the opportunity to try many food spots for lunch. The choices were abundant and everything looked very delicious! I would definitely recommend Oisin and would love to have him show us around some more in the future!
We had a wonderful experience with Marie. She was very informative and welcoming. She was able to provide us with places to eat, drink and shop. Would recommend this tour to others especially with Marie.
We had a great time! Marie was full of energy and enthusiasm. Always made sure we were taken care of. Be ready to hike up stairs and ramps to reach the top of monkey mountain.
The tour was very good and allowed us to see what we wanted without spending too much time among the large crowds.
Teri was amazing. Our 9 year old son also had a great time learning throughout the tour.
Our guide Teri was fantastic. She was fun, informative, helpful, and a joy to spend the day with. Can't recommend her highly enough. Teri made our time in Kyoto memorable in the best ways. We love her
Teri was amazing!! Very knowledgeable and funny!
