Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1,763 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens worth booking?
Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens is a 5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $62 per person. It scores 96 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Peak Performance”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,763 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 (1,763)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $62 per person
⭐ Award-winning Tour: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 Best of the Best — ranked in the top 1% worldwide Escape Kyoto’s tourist crowds and experience a more thoughtful side of Arashiyama on our award-winning small-gro
What you get
About this experience
⭐ Award-winning Tour: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 Best of the Best — ranked in the top 1% worldwide Escape Kyoto’s tourist crowds and experience a more thoughtful side of Arashiyama on our award-winning small-group tour through bamboo forests, hidden gardens, scenic paths, and monkey-filled mountain views. Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo We also offer a combined option that includes Fushimi Inari Taisha before exploring Arashiyama’s highlights. Perfect for travelers who want both the torii gates and the Bamboo Forest in one experience. * Award-Winning 2026 Experience * Small Groups Only * Relaxed & Thoughtful Pacing * Hidden Gardens & Scenic Paths * Passionate Local Guides * More Personal Than Large Group Tours * Designed to Experience Kyoto, Not Rush Through It
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
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
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
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
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
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
Arashiyama
Quick lunch break
35 minutes here · Admission not included
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
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,763 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
1,763 verified traveler reviews for Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Teri was an excellent...
Teri was an excellent guide. Hot day but everything was nicely paced. Enjoyed all our stops but the monkeys were the highlight
via Viator
Great tour and our guide...
Great tour and our guide Teri was amazing! The bamboo gardens were very pretty and the baby monkeys were very cute. Although would not recommend doing it in summer as it was so hot and humid and the climb up to the Monkey Park at the end was intense!
via Viator
A must do day out in Kyoti
It’s magical! There is a lot of walking but it doesn’t feel stressful. The monkeys are amazing and whilst the walk is steep there are plenty of rest stops and it really isn’t that far. The guide is incredibly knowledgable and has a good sense of fact and humour.
via Viator
The richness of of what Kyoto offers
Beautiful experience- time and space to explore with an exceptional guide “Teri” who was incredibly knowledgeable. Will remember the day for a very long time.
via Tripadvisor
An enjoyable day.
We really enjoyed the gardens and monkeys. The hike to the monkeys was a bit strenuous, but doable even though it was very hot. The time at each place was the right amount and the day was the correct length. Oisin was a wonderful guide-relaxed and informative and very helpful.
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
- $62 to $54000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 617
- Verdict
- Peak Performance
Why this scores 96
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens cost?
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Prices start at $62 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 Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens take?
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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 Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 96 out of 100, which we label "Peak Performance". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,763 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 Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens?
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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 Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens suitable for kids and families?
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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 Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens?
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Around 617 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens 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 : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking 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.
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