Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour

Outty Ranking 79 4.9 · 1,269 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom ¥8,000
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Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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

    1. Meet with your guide at Tully's Coffee.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour, photo 2Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour, photo 3Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour, photo 4Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour, photo 5Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour, photo 6Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Temple Tour, photo 7

    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 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect 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.

    5 star
    1,204
    4 star
    33
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    10
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Catherine_T · October 2026

    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

    NatanelO · October 2026

    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

    Ankita_S · October 2026

    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

    Luis_M · October 2026

    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

    Philip_B · October 2026

    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 runs

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)96
    Booking momentum (14% weight)96
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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