Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour - Bamboo, Monkeys, Temple & Secrets
Join our tour and uncover the essence of Arashiyama on foot, exploring hidden gems with our local guide. This walking tour perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and interactive experiences.
Wander through the serene Bamboo Grove, visit the historic Tenryuji Gardens, admire the vibrant Kimono Forest, cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and meet the monkeys at the park. This tour offers a complete Arashiyama experience in a short time—just be prepared for a brief hike to the Monkey Park!
Places you will visit:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Monkey Park (20 min hike to hilltop)
- Tenryuji Garden
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- and hidden paths
Options
Private (Price per Group Size)
What's included in Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour - Bamboo, Monkeys, Temple & 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
- Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Matcha Green Tea
- Cultural and historical Insights
- 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
- 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
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.