Viator Rating : 5 (743 reviews)
Kyoto
Kyoto: Arashiyama's Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Matcha
Overview
Discover the magic of Kyoto with the 'Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour'! This walking tour takes visitors through the beautiful Arashiyama district, showing off the best of Japanese culture and nature.
Visitors will start at the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, where they can wander through peaceful Zen gardens. Next, they'll stroll through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a truly enchanting experience. The tour continues to Nonomiya Shrine, a spot filled with history and calm. Participants will then enjoy a refreshing cup of authentic Uji matcha tea. After that, a walk across the Togetsu-kyo Bridge offers stunning views. The adventure ends with a short hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama, home to playful monkeys and amazing views of Kyoto.
This tour includes entrance fees to Monkey Park Iwatayama and Tenryu-ji Temple, plus one delicious Uji matcha drink. An English-speaking guide will lead the way. Tips are not included. This unforgettable half-day tour blends culture, nature, and local flavors into one amazing experience. It is perfect for those who want to see monkeys, temples, and the beautiful bamboo forest. 
Highlights
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Wander through the stunning bamboo forest.
Meet playful monkeys: Hike to Monkey Park Iwatayama for amazing views and monkey encounters.
Enjoy Matcha: Savor a cup of authentic Uji matcha tea.
Visit historic sites: Discover temples and shrines.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing the monkeys up close.
-
The bamboo forest was a highlight for many visitors.
-
The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
-
Many enjoyed the matcha tea and the temple visit.
Some thought the hike up to the monkey park was a bit challenging.
-
A few visitors wished they had more time at each stop.
The Journey
Tenryu-ji Temple
Step into the tranquil world of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, this temple boasts exquisite gardens designed by Muso Soseki, a renowned Zen master. Wander through meticulously landscaped grounds, where vibrant seasonal colors reflect in the central pond, creating a picturesque scene. Experience the serenity of Zen Buddhism and admire the temple's stunning architecture, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Lose yourself in the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a natural wonder that evokes a sense of awe and tranquility. Towering stalks of bamboo sway gently in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing symphony of light and sound. As sunlight filters through the dense canopy, the path leads you on a serene journey into another world. This iconic grove is a must-see destination, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Arashiyama.
Nonomiya Shrine
Discover the serene beauty of Nonomiya Shrine, a charming Shinto shrine steeped in history and tradition. Once a place of purification for imperial princesses before they served at the Ise Grand Shrine, Nonomiya Shrine exudes an aura of peace and spirituality. Surrounded by mossy woods, it's a tranquil sanctuary rich in cultural significance. Visit to experience a slice of ancient Japanese culture and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this hidden gem.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Admire the elegant Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama's iconic landmark, whose name translates to "Moon Crossing Bridge." Spanning the Katsura River, this wooden bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the flowing water below. Its picturesque setting makes it a beloved symbol of Arashiyama and a perfect spot for a scenic stroll and memorable photos. Whether bathed in sunlight or illuminated at night, the Togetsukyo Bridge provides a stunning backdrop for your Arashiyama adventure.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Embark on a short, invigorating hike up to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you'll be rewarded with playful encounters and breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. Home to a lively troop of wild Japanese macaques, the park offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Enjoy interacting with the monkeys (you can even feed them!) while soaking in the stunning vistas of Kyoto sprawling below. This mountain adventure promises unforgettable moments and a fresh perspective on the city.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entrance fees to Monkey Park Iwatayama and Tenryu-ji Temple. A cup of Uji matcha tea is also included. An English-speaking guide will lead the tour. Tips are optional and not included. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking. This tour does not include pickup and drop-off.
Hot Tip
Many visitors recommend arriving early to avoid crowds, especially at the Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park. Also, be prepared for a bit of a hike up to the Monkey Park—it's worth it for the views and the monkeys!
Review Summary
People finds this tour to be a well-paced and peaceful introduction to Arashiyama, praising the knowledgeable guides, the mix of cultural and natural highlights, and the refreshing matcha experience. Many highlight the bamboo forest and Monkey Park as standout moments, while some note that the walking and hiking may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Kyoto
¥19488
Kyoto's Best: 1-Day Bus Tour to Top Landmarks
4.9
(13461 reviews)
PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour whisks travelers away on an unforgettable journey through Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This expertly planned bus tour offers a convenient and comfortable way to experience the essence of this ancient city in a single day.
What to Expect: The adventure begins at the serene Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where guests can soak in the stunning natural surroundings from its famous wooden terrace. Next, the tour visits Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, home to an awe-inspiring collection of 1,001 Kannon statues. The journey continues to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where visitors can wander through thousands of vibrant red torii gates. A visit to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a peaceful escape into nature, followed by a stop at the dazzling Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This tour includes a delicious buffet lunch to refuel for the day's adventures. It also includes admission to Tenryuji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Travelers can look forward to a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide, and multilingual audio guidance available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, and UK English. This tour excludes gratuities, food and drinks unless specified, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Kyoto
¥9520
Fushimi Inari Hike: Secret Trails & Bamboo Forest
5.0
(1747 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour takes guests on an adventure through the less-traveled paths of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Instead of the crowded main entrance, this tour starts near Tofukuji Station, leading into a secret back route.
The journey includes a peaceful walk through a hidden bamboo forest and a visit to a small, lesser-known Inari shrine. Away from the usual tourist bustle, discover Fushimi Inari from a fresh perspective, exploring the mountain trails with ease. The hike offers breathtaking views from atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari before circling back to the main shrine area.
This tour provides tour photos. Food and drinks are not included. Explore hidden trails, enjoy nature, and discover cultural gems with Magical Trip, a local tour operator known for excellent small-group experiences in Japan.
Kyoto
¥16000
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Bike Tour: Early Access
5.0
(608 reviews)
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) invites everyone to see the real Arashiyama. This isn't just a regular tour; it's a special bike ride that starts early, showing you places most people never get to see. Explore Kyoto's beautiful nature, with green rice fields, pretty views, and quiet back roads away from the busy city. Ride on the most amazing roads in Kyoto and find secret spots in Arashiyama, like the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the peaceful Tenryuji Temple Zen Garden, the scenic Arashiyama Backstreets, and the Togetsukyo Bridge. This bike tour is all about seeing the beauty of this area in a unique way.
Get ready to discover hidden gems! This tour takes you on a bike through Arashiyama's best spots. See the tall bamboo trees, relax in a calm Zen garden, and ride through peaceful back roads. The guide will show you secret places and share stories about the area. You'll also see the Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous landmark. It’s more than just sightseeing; it's an adventure into the heart of Arashiyama.
This tour includes a friendly, English-speaking guide, a bike and helmet for safe riding, and bottled water to keep you hydrated. It doesn't include tips for the guide, hotel pickup, or e-bikes (regular city bikes are used). People who join this tour will experience something special and unforgettable.
Nara
¥19488
Kyoto & Nara: Matcha, Temples & Deer Day Trip
4.9
(1585 reviews)
Duration: 510
minutes
Discover the magic of ancient Japan on the World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience. This full-day bus tour takes travelers to must-see cultural landmarks in Nara and Kyoto. See Nara's famous friendly deer, explore ancient temples, and learn to make authentic matcha in Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of matcha.
What to Expect: The tour begins with a scenic drive passing Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo Palace on the way to Nara. Visitors will be greeted by the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Nara Park is home to approximately 1,400 deer, where visitors can interact with and feed them. Kasuga Taisha Shrine features 3,000 stone lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The adventure continues in Uji, Kyoto, where participants will learn the art of making Uji matcha tea and admire Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, featured on the back of the 10-yen coin. This tour includes admission to Byodoin and Todaiji Temples, a professional English-speaking guide, multilingual audio guidance, and onboard Wi-Fi.
This experience excludes gratuities, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and additional food and drinks beyond what is specified. Last-minute bookings receive a regular meal, and vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
Kyoto
¥13100
Kyoto Rickshaw Tour: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Adventure
5.0
(354 reviews)
Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour with Bamboo Forest offers a unique way to see one of Kyoto's most beautiful spots! This tour takes people through the amazing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See the towering bamboo from a comfy rickshaw and on foot.
What to Expect: The adventure starts by riding down a lively street toward the bamboo forest. The rickshaw goes on a path just for these carts. You'll want to get your camera ready to snap some pictures. The tour will pass by Nonomiya Shrine before it gets to a pretty park inside the bamboo forest, this spot is great for group photos.
Important Stops: The tour also visits the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Most Famous Part), Shinto Shrine (in Bamboo Forest), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Photo Spot), Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour, and Cottage of a Haiku Poet. Included is the use of a rickshaw, gratuities, and all fees and taxes. Not included are admission fees for temples and shrines, and transportation to and from the meeting place.
Osaka
¥5000
Osaka Castle: Guided Walk & Tower Ticket
5.0
(496 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Osaka Castle Walking Tour and Castle Tower Admission lets visitors step back in time and discover the secrets of Osaka Castle. This guided walking tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone wanting to learn more about this iconic landmark. Explore the castle grounds and learn about its military design and historical significance.
Visitors will explore the impressive Osaka Castle, including a visit to Toyokuni Shrine. The tour also features the largest stone in the castle, a testament to the incredible engineering of the time. The tour includes the Osaka Castle admission fee.
This tour allows one to discover Osaka Castle's story with an expert guide, skip the lines with included tickets, and explore at a relaxed pace. This walking tour offers a deep dive into one of Japan's most famous landmarks.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Osaka
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Osaka From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, , New Product & in Osaka. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Osaka Activities