Kyoto: Arashiyama Unveiled – Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys





Description
Explore the enduring appeal of Kyoto’s Arashiyama area on a thoughtfully paced walking tour. Start with a calm visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, taking in its refined Zen landscape, then continue into the atmospheric Bamboo Grove. Pause at the quiet Nonomiya Shrine to appreciate its long history before savoring a cup of traditional matcha. Make your way across the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, known for its scenic setting, and finish with a brief ascent to Monkey Park Iwatayama, where native macaques and expansive city views await. A balanced journey through culture, natural beauty, and local experiences in a single day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start with a calm visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, taking in its refined Zen landscape, then continue into the atmospheric Bamboo Grove.
Walking throuh the bamboo forest and learn about the history and culture
Pause at the quiet Nonomiya Shrine to appreciate its long history before savoring a cup of traditional matcha.
Mikami Shrine, a unique Shinto shrine dedicated to hair and beauty. Guests can learn about its cultural significance and offer prayers for healthy hair while experiencing a quiet and traditional atmosphere.
visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where they can observe wild Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto from the mountaintop while learning about the monkeys and their behavior.
Visit Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains, learn about the bridge’s history, and explore the charming atmosphere of the Arashiyama area.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
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
- For Arashiyama Monkey park, please note that reaching the park involves many steps and a 20-minute steep hike, so we recommend it for those who are comfortable with a good walk.
Reviews(28)
Tough walk in the rain, but worth it when you get to the top with the monkeys. Temple and bamboo forest very beautiful.
How easy was it to communicate with the staff during your visit?
Very good and caring guide, he was kind and experienced!
Very nice and including guide, we had a very fun time
Yasuko was, without a doubt, the best tour guide I have ever had. Our tour was scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but unfortunately, I developed a painful blister on my foot and wasn’t able to complete the full walking tour. Yasuko immediately adapted our plans and went above and beyond to make sure we still had an incredible experience. She guided us on the train, took us through the food market, and made the day just as enjoyable despite the unexpected change. From start to finish, she was knowledgeable, kind, patient, and genuinely invested in making our visit memorable. She also gave us fantastic restaurant recommendations and helped us discover places we never would have found on our own. Her warmth, professionalism, and flexibility turned what could have been a disappointing situation into one of the highlights of our trip. I cannot recommend Yasuko highly enough. If you’re looking for an exceptional tour guide, she is the one to choose. When I return, I will absolutely be requesting Yasuko again!
Yasuko was, without a doubt, the best tour guide I have ever had. Our tour was scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but unfortunately, I developed a painful blister on my foot and wasn’t able to complete the full walking tour. Yasuko immediately adapted our plans and went above and beyond to make sure we still had an incredible experience. She guided us on the train, took us through the food market, and made the day just as enjoyable despite the unexpected change. From start to finish, she was knowledgeable, kind, patient, and genuinely invested in making our visit memorable. She also gave us fantastic restaurant recommendations and helped us discover places we never would have found on our own. Her warmth, professionalism, and flexibility turned what could have been a disappointing situation into one of the highlights of our trip. I cannot recommend Yasuko highly enough. If you’re looking for an exceptional tour guide, she is the one to choose. When I return, I will absolutely be requesting Yasuko again!
The tour was different than expected but went super well even with the bad weather. The guide was very friendly throughout the visit. It was the only one to make p tour so it became quite sympathetic.
Kazu was a great tour guide, she gave wonderful information, and we learned so much, tour was excellent, highly recommend!!!
Our tour guide kosuke was amazing!!!! He made it very a personal experience. He was very knowledgeable about everything and courteous.
Joe was very informative and patient with us! He was very kind!!



