
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,269 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour worth booking?
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour is a 3-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from ¥8,000 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,269 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,269)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- ¥8,000 per person
Discover the timeless charm of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district on this immersive walking tour. Begin with a peaceful visit to the historic Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning Zen gardens, followed by a stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove. Step back in time at the tranquil Nonomiya Shrine before stopping for Matcha Ice-cream (Offered till October 31st). Cross the scenic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a beloved symbol of the area, and cap off your adventure with a short hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama, where playful macaques and sweeping views of Kyoto await. A perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavor—all in one unforgettable day.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the timeless charm of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district on this immersive walking tour. Begin with a peaceful visit to the historic Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning Zen gardens, followed by a stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove. Step back in time at the tranquil Nonomiya Shrine before stopping for Matcha Ice-cream (Offered till October 31st). Cross the scenic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a beloved symbol of the area, and cap off your adventure with a short hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama, where playful macaques and sweeping views of Kyoto await. A perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavor—all in one unforgettable day.
What's included
Included
- Entry fee to Tenryu-ji Temple included
- 1 Uji Matcha Drink Included
- Entrance Fee to Monkey Park Included
- Professional English Speaking Guide
Not included
- Tips (optional)
What you'll see and do
Meet with your guide at Tully's Coffee.
Pass by without stopping
Tenryu-ji Temple
Begin your journey with a visit to Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most revered Zen temples. Stroll through its stunning gardens, where seasonal colors reflect beautifully in the temple's central pond.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Next, immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the famous bamboo forest. Towering stalks sway gently overhead as you walk along the serene path, a truly otherworldly experience.
30 minutes here
Nonomiya Shrine
Step into history at Nonomiya Shrine, a charming Shinto shrine once associated with ancient purification rituals. Surrounded by mossy woods, it's a peaceful spot rich in cultural significance.
15 minutes here
Togetsukyo Bridge
This elegant wooden bridge, known as the “Moon Crossing Bridge,” offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. A beloved symbol of Arashiyama, perfect for a scenic stroll and photos.
10 minutes here
Monkey Park Iwatayama
A short hike up to Monkey Park Iwatayama. Here, you'll meet a lively troop of wild Japanese macaques and take in panoramic views of Kyoto from the mountaintop.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please meet us in front of TULLY’S COFFEE Randen Arashiyama Station Shop.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet us in front of TULLY’S COFFEE Randen Arashiyama Station Shop.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Traveling Kyoto
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,251 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
1,251 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was a great day. There...
It was a great day. There is lots of walking, but it was all so worth it. The little town is so quaint, the bamboo forest was beautiful and the monkeys, once we hiked up to see them, were so cute! Lydia our guide was very knowledgeable and we highly enjoyed our day with her. We recommend this tour!!
via Viator
Bamboo forest and monkey maintain review
We really enjoyed this tour! The views at the bamboo forest and the monkey park were absolutely beautiful and worth the trip. Our guide, Meh, gave us very nice, interesting explanations and background information throughout the day, which added a lot to the experience. The overall structure of the tour felt a bit average or "meh" at times, and we spent a while visiting commercial stores. However, the excellent sights and the guide's great knowledge made it a very good experience overall. Highly recommended for the views and the insights
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour with an Expert Local Guide!
Had a great time on our tour with Seb! Despite the heat, he kept us comfortable by guiding us through shady spots while sharing rich insights on every location. He’s super knowledgeable and gave us excellent local recommendations. Highly recommended!
via Viator
Jack was a great tour...
Jack was a great tour guide. Fun, knowledgeable and efficient. The tour itself was very enjoyable despite the crowds!
via Viator
Seb was great ! Very good...
Seb was great ! Very good way to see the main sights that are featured on this tour. Only 5 people which made it easy !
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- ¥8,000 to ¥9,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 444
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Traveling Kyoto, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 87.2 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Traveling Kyoto runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour cost?
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Prices start at ¥8,000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,269 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour?
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Around 444 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour?
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Included: Entry fee to Tenryu-ji Temple included; 1 Uji Matcha Drink Included; Entrance Fee to Monkey Park Included; and Professional English Speaking Guide. Not included: Tips (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour?
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Please meet us in front of TULLY’S COFFEE Randen Arashiyama Station Shop. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour?
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Across 1,269 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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