Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

Outty Ranking 96 5.0 · 1,798 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $4990+ Club
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Outty Ranking

96/100

Peak Performance. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1,798 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets worth booking?

Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets is a 5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $49 per person. It scores 96 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Peak Performance”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,798 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
96 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1,798)
Duration
5 hours
From
$49 per person

Explore Arashiyama on a small-group walking tour with an English-speaking guide. Walk through the Bamboo Forest, visit Tenryu-ji’s garden, cross Togetsukyo Bridge and see the monkeys and Kyoto views at Monkey Park Iwatayama. Admission to Tenryu-ji’s garden and Monkey Park is included in your tour price. The standard Arashiyama tour lasts approximately five hours, with a maximum of 12 travelers. The Monkey Park visit involves a 20–25-minute uphill walk. Meals, Okochi Sanso Garden admission and matcha are not included. Want to visit Fushimi Inari too? Select the Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama combo option when booking. Fushimi Inari is included only in that option; check your selected option for its departure time and meeting point.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore Arashiyama on a small-group walking tour with an English-speaking guide. Walk through the Bamboo Forest, visit Tenryu-ji’s garden, cross Togetsukyo Bridge and see the monkeys and Kyoto views at Monkey Park Iwatayama. Admission to Tenryu-ji’s garden and Monkey Park is included in your tour price. The standard Arashiyama tour lasts approximately five hours, with a maximum of 12 travelers. The Monkey Park visit involves a 20–25-minute uphill walk. Meals, Okochi Sanso Garden admission and matcha are not included. Want to visit Fushimi Inari too? Select the Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama combo option when booking. Fushimi Inari is included only in that option; check your selected option for its departure time and meeting point.

    What's included

    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

    Not included

    • Tips (accepted & welcomed)
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Pick up not available

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      20 minutes here

    2. 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.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Okochi Sanso Garden

      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.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    4. The Bamboo Forest Trail

      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.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien

      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.

      35 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Arashiyama

      Quick lunch break

      35 minutes here · Admission not included

    7. Togetsukyo Bridge

      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.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Monkey Park Iwatayama

      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.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kyoto

    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.

    Meeting point

    Kyoto

    Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station 15 minutes early. Go to the rounded window at the North Gate (upstairs). We’ll send all 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

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    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.

    Options you can book

    • Fushimi & Arashiyama

      Okochi Sanso Garden excluded: Okochi Sanso is NOT included Train fees NOT included: Train fees from Fushimi Inari to the bamboo forest are not included. Please make sure to purchase them before tour start.

    • Arashiyama Group Tour

      Starting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station, 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan

    • Private (Prize per Group Size)

      Fushimi not included

    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
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Japanify Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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!

    Photos

    Kyoto Arashiyama Monkey Park, Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & SecretsKyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets, photo 3Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets, photo 4Togetsukyo Kyoto Arashiyama, Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & SecretsKimono Forest, Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & SecretsArashiyama during fall, Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,785 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    1,785 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,733
    4 star
    46
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    E7827ZOkristinas · September 2026

    Bamboo and monkey forest

    Awesome trip and very informative. Highly recommend

    via Tripadvisor

    I1489KEtonig · September 2026

    Very Informative and Wonderful Guides

    We had an excellent time. The guides were exceptional. They explained and told us stories with humour. Oisin was very personable and Jihyo was very helpful, staying by our sides up the long climb to the top of the hill.

    via Tripadvisor

    303hadark · September 2026

    Great guide

    We had a great time, the guide was truly knowledgeable and communicated throughout the trip so well and made it interesting and memorable

    via Tripadvisor

    Christa_O · September 2026

    Amazing guide and tour

    Oisin was an excellent tour guide. Super friendly guide with detailed facts about the shrines, temples ad Japanese history during the tour. He gracefully handled a kid with tons of questions and made sure he covered all of the Japanese history. Super friendly and shared his story with everyone and genuinely interested in each person. Highly recommended.

    via Viator

    davidmS2582YU · September 2026

    Wonderful time with Oisin and the Monkeys!

    Oisin was a super guide with lots of local knowledge. He provided a relaxing and informative experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $49 to $48,000
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    629
    Verdict
    Peak Performance

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Japanify Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Japanify Tours runs

    Why this scores 96

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)67
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.

    How much does Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets cost?

    +

    Prices start at $49 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 Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 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 Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 96 out of 100, which we label "Peak Performance". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,798 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    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 Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    Around 629 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets start and how do I get there?

    +

    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: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour, Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available), Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option. 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 Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    Included: Bamboo Forest; Tenryuji Temple (admission paid); Fushimi Inari (Combo Tour only); Monkey Park (20-25 min hike) admission paid; and Knowledgeable & Bilingual Tour Guide. Not included: Tips (accepted & welcomed); Lunch & Dinner; and Pick up not available. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets 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 Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets 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 Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    Across 1,798 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including Fushimi & Arashiyama, Arashiyama Group Tour, Private (Prize per Group Size). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets.

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