Kyoto Arashiyama Small-Group Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens
Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide on this small-group walking tour. Visit hidden and less-crowded gems such Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest. A combined Fushimi Inari option is also available for a fuller experience.
Highlights
- ✓Includes admission to all itinerary sites
- ✓Visit Okochi Sanso Garden with matcha tea included
- ✓Explore hidden paths and quiet spots away from crowds
- ✓Enjoy a more personal experience in a small group
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓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
What's not included
- ✓Tips (accepted & welcomed)
- ✓Lunch & Dinner
- ✓Pick up not available
Good to know
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!
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Kyoto Arashiyama Small-Group Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens
Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide on this small-group walking tour. Visit hidden and less-crowded gems such Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest. A combined Fushimi Inari option is also available for a fuller experience.
Highlights
- ✓Includes admission to all itinerary sites
- ✓Visit Okochi Sanso Garden with matcha tea included
- ✓Explore hidden paths and quiet spots away from crowds
- ✓Enjoy a more personal experience in a small group
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓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
What's not included
- ✓Tips (accepted & welcomed)
- ✓Lunch & Dinner
- ✓Pick up not available
Good to know
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!
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.