Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour with Tenryu-ji, Okochi Sanso & Iwatayama Monkey Park

Explore Kyoto's Arashiyama on a guided walking tour with included entry to Okochi Sanso, Tenryuji, and Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Getting started

Meet your expert guide on the north side of JR Saga Arashiyama train station, the starting point for this group guided tour. After a brief introduction and outline of the walking route, you set off toward Arashiyama on foot. The experience involves uphill sections, including the 20-minute hike to the Monkey Park, so arrive in comfortable walking shoes.

What to expect

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nonomiya Shrine

You first make your way into the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then continue to Nonomiya Shrine, tucked within the surrounding forest.

Features

• In the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you walk along paths lined with tall bamboo, following your guide through this signature Kyoto landscape while they share context and help with photos or directions as needed.
• At Nonomiya Shrine, you see the rare black torii gate and smaller shrine buildings, with your guide on hand to translate signs or dedications and assist with any simple offerings you may wish to make.
• Shopping and translation assistance from your professional guide begins here and continues through the tour, helping you communicate, read notices, and handle basic transactions in Japanese.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Next, you visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located close to the bamboo grove.

Features

• Entry to Tenryuji is included, so you follow your guide straight inside to explore the temple grounds and garden without arranging tickets on your own.
• Your guide highlights key viewpoints in the Tenryu-ji garden and explains practical details such as walking paths and photo spots, helping you navigate the site efficiently within the group.

Okochi Sanso

From Tenryu-ji, the walking route continues to Okochi Sanso, a hillside villa known for its garden.

Features

• With entry to Okochi Sanso included, you access the garden paths and villa grounds while your guide points out walking routes and useful orientation landmarks.
• The visit gives you time to follow the garden trail and appreciate views over Kyoto from Okochi Sanso, with your guide available to help interpret posted information or answer logistical questions.

Kimono Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge

After leaving the villa area, you head back toward the station side of Arashiyama to see the Kimono Forest and cross near Togetsukyo Bridge.

Features

• At the Kimono Forest near Arashiyama Station, you walk among cylindrical pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabric designs, while your guide assists with photos, directions, and any brief shopping or snack stops in the vicinity.
• You then move to the area around Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River, where your guide points out viewpoints and helps you understand the layout of the riverfront and nearby streets.

Arashiyama Shopping Street

The route continues along Arashiyama Shopping Street, a central stop for local snacks and crafts.

Features

• As you stroll Arashiyama Shopping Street, your guide offers shopping and translation assistance, helping you read menus, select souvenirs, and handle payments while you explore shops at your own pace.
• This section focuses on browsing and short food or drink breaks, with the guide making practical suggestions based on your interests and the time available.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

You then tackle the 20-minute uphill hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park, located on the slopes above the river.

Features

• Entry to Monkey Park is included, so after the hike you head directly inside to the main viewing area where wild Japanese macaques move freely around the grounds.
• From Iwatayama Monkey Park, you can experience panoramic views of Kyoto while observing the macaques; your guide manages timing, explains any posted park rules, and helps ensure everyone is ready for the descent.

Wrapping up

The guided walk concludes back in the central Arashiyama area, near the shopping streets and transport options, leaving you free to continue exploring on your own or make your way back from JR Saga Arashiyama station.