Kyoto Arashiyama Day Tour: Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Monkey Park with an English-Speaking Guide

A small-group walk through Arashiyama begins at Saga-Arashiyama Station in the morning

This morning daytime tour is led by Japanify Tours. Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line, where an English-speaking guide will lead a group of up to 12 people.

Over about 5 to 5.5 hours, you will visit the bamboo grove, the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, the Kimono Forest, the Togetsukyo Bridge area, the monkey park and more. Alongside the famous views, you will also discover local culture and quieter corners, getting to know Arashiyama on a deeper level.

The itinerary and duration may be adjusted depending on conditions on the day.

In the bamboo grove, enjoy the green overhead and the views along the path

In the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, start by looking up at the tall bamboo stalks. The green stretching along the path and the light filtering through the bamboo create the scenery Arashiyama is known for.

Walking with your guide's commentary, you may find new details in views you have only seen in photos. Take in your surroundings and learn about the local culture as you go.

In the gardens of Tenryu-ji, take in the scenery of ponds and mountains

At Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will enjoy the temple's garden views. Look beyond the pond, rocks and trees to the mountains behind them, and you will feel the full breadth of the garden.

As you listen to your guide, pay attention to how the landscape is composed. You will experience a beauty unique to a Zen temple garden, quite different from the bamboo grove.

At the Kimono Forest and around Togetsukyo Bridge, see another side of Arashiyama

At the Kimono Forest, you will see a vivid scene of pillars decorated with kimono patterns. Take a moment to enjoy these bright designs, a different kind of beauty from the green of the bamboo grove and gardens.

Around Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoy the open views of the Katsura River and the mountains. As your gaze moves from the garden to the riverbank, you will sense how nature and town sit side by side in Arashiyama.

Beyond the uphill climb, monkeys and views of Kyoto

You will walk uphill to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Unlike the strolls through the bamboo grove and gardens, this tour also includes time climbing a mountain.

At the top, the highlights are the monkeys going about their day and the view over the city of Kyoto. What you see of the animals and the view will vary depending on conditions that day.

From the path beneath your feet to the cityscape in the distance, enjoy the widening views and the nature of Arashiyama.

FAQ

■ How long is the tour, and in what language is it guided? The tour lasts about 5 to 5.5 hours and is guided in English. It is a small-group tour of up to 12 people, and the itinerary and duration may be adjusted depending on conditions on the day.

■ Where is the meeting point? The meeting point is on the north exit side of Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line, near the round window inside the station. Please check the latest information for the plan you book for the start time.

■ What is included in the price? The price includes an English-speaking guide and admission fees for the paid facilities on the planned itinerary. Food, drinks and train fares are not included.

■ I am worried about the uphill walk and the distance. This is a walking tour, and it includes an uphill climb to the monkey park. Please bring comfortable walking shoes and something to drink. If you have concerns about your fitness or mobility, please consult the operator before booking.

■ Can children join? Please check the latest information for the plan you book for age requirements and participation conditions. This is a separate product from the evening ghost tour, so be sure to check the conditions for this daytime tour.

Things to check before you book

• The start time and meeting point for your plan
• Comfortable walking shoes and drinks for the uphill climb
• Extra costs such as food, drinks and train fares
• Age requirements, participation conditions and cancellation policy

Please check the latest information for the plan you book for pricing and participation conditions.

Summary

Japanify Tours' Arashiyama daytime tour is a walking tour with an English-speaking guide, for groups of up to 12 people, lasting about 5 to 5.5 hours.

Enjoy Arashiyama's varied scenery on a single walking route, including the bamboo grove, temple gardens, the riverside and the monkey park. Spend a day learning about the local culture and the stories behind the views.

Book here: Kyoto Arashiyama Ultimate Tour: Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park, Zen Garden and Hidden Spots