Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spots

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spots

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(206 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

OTHER LANGUAGES (FRENCH / GERMAN / SPANISH)
Some guides from our team can speak more than English and Japanese, but we cannot guarantee a specific language other than English on a shared tour. To confirm the availability of your preferred language on the date you wish to book our tour, don't hesitate to get in touch with us before your booking. Thank you.

This is a walking Tour.

Like other famous places, most travelers don't know the real potential of Arashiyama, unless someone shows it to them.
We are here to make your trip to Arashiyama memorable and help you the best way we can to make every second you spend in that area count.

Available options

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys & secret spots

What's included

Okochi Sanso Entrance Ticket

Shopping/Translation assistance

Monkey Park Entrance Ticket

Tenryuji Entrance Ticket

Guide Fee

Detailed itinerary

Explore the bamboo grove and reach the top of Arashiyama park

Take your time to enjoy the private Okochi Sanso garden, sit and take a deep breath, with a beverage served in a former tea house turned into a rest area.

Stop 3

Explore one of the most famous temples in the city, indoors and outdoors, and admire the Koi fish in the pond. Enjoy nature around you and learn more about the place you are visiting.

Stop 4

Stop at every single shop you want to discover that amazing shopping street in Arashiyama, and ask your guide to assist you with anything.

Stop 5

Besides the bamboo grove, this is probably the second most popular spot for a picture with the Katsura river, and the Majestic view of this iconic bridge.

After the tour ends, and leaving your guide with happy memories full of bamboos and wonderful stories, hike up the hill and explore the monkey park. That place is especially thrilling for families and kids.

What's not included

Shopping and Souvenirs

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

129 reviews

5★

121

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

77 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

⚠️PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY⚠️

While single travelers can book this tour directly, there is a "2 guests minimum" rule to give the tour a GO. in case of a single guest, the session might be cancelled and the guest will be notify as soon as possible, offering a rescheduling, or a full-refund.

This is NOT a private tour. It's a group tour that can have up to 12 people.

Please note that this is a WALKING TOUR, not a bus tour.

Please note, this tour is APPROXIMATELY 5 hours, meaning it can differ by around 30 minutes before or after the estimated time.

The access to the top of the Monkey Park consists of a short hike (15-20 minutes) through a steep path. Please get comfortable shoes and make sure you are in a reasonable physical condition to do it. Thank you.

Please get to the meeting location 15 minutes before the departure time. As we have other groups in the tour, we cannot accept any late guests. If you are late to the tour, YOU CANNOT JOIN the tour and will not be given a refund.

Our Hotline will reach out to you through what's app on departure time if you have not arrived, so please download WhatsApp prior to this tour. This will make any last minute communication easier between the guide and the guests.

Meeting point

Meet by the map down the stairs on the north side of the JR "Saga-Arashiyama" station.
Get off the train at the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, pass the gates, turn RIGHT, go downstairs, and meet your guide near the map, next to the vending machines.
The guide wears a "JTA" navy cap and/or polo shirt.

Important notes

⚠️PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY⚠️
OTHER LANGUAGES (FRENCH / GERMAN / SPANISH) Some of our team's guides can speak more than English and Japanese, but we cannot guarantee a specific language other than English on a shared tour. Please contact us prior to your booking to confirm the availability of your preferred language on the date you wish to book our tour. Thank you.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.