Get your discount tickets for the Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens, save up to 9% !
Overview
⭐ 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
Meeting and Pickup
FOR FUSHIMI COMBO TOUR: Meeting on the opposite side of the Inari station. See pictures We’ll send full tour details the day before by email and WhatsApp. If you haven’t received the details by then, please contact us. Due to the terrain, strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on this tour.
End Point
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.
Redemption Instructions
We will send important information the day before the tour, including the meeting time and meeting location. Please check the tour details carefully to confirm the correct meeting point. We'll be in touch via WhatsApp with any tour-related updates, so please make sure the app is installed and that you're reachable on the day. 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.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Quick lunch break
7. 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.
8. 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.
Inclusion
Bamboo Forest
Tenryuji Temple (admission paid)
Fushimi Inari (Combo Tour only)
Monkey Park (20-25 min hike) admission paid
Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
Okochi Sanso (Arashiyama Tour only)
Togetsukyo Bridge
Exclusion
Tips (accepted & welcomed)
Lunch & Dinner
Pick up not available
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
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
5.0
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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