Arashiyama Bamboo & Temple, with Monkeys or a Sake Brewery review
What the tour covers
Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station. Bamboo grove (25 min), Nonomiya Shrine (15 min), then ōkōchi Sansō garden with a free beverage (40 min), then Tenryū-ji. Choose at booking: Option A adds Iwatayama Monkey Park (15–20 min uphill hike). Option B adds a small sake brewery plus lunch. Walking tour throughout; no bus. Two-guest minimum. Bilingual guide, souvenir photos included.
What works
- Most-reviewed tour on the site: 939 reviews is real feedback
- ōkōchi Sansō is the surprise; guests call it the highlight
- Five-hour walking means you really know the grove, not a speed run
- Monkeys or brewery at booking: pick what suits you
- Bilingual guide and small group
- Tenryū-ji and ōkōchi Sansō included; no separate fees
Worth knowing
- Five hours is a lot of walking; many guests underestimate this
- 15–20 min steep hike to Monkey Park if you pick option A
- Rain or shine rain, so plan weather
- Two-guest minimum; you can’t book solo
- Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers
Remi, Tom, and Rafael are praised by name for knowledge and pacing. Pick monkeys if you’re fit and want a hike; pick the brewery if you prefer lunch. Break-in shoes—five hours on gravel needs support. Bring water; there are cafés but not many, and the path is quiet.
Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.
Check ticket availabilityWho it’s for
Visitors who want more than the bamboo alone and have five hours. Hiking enthusiasts and photography buffs. Anyone who wants a bilingual guide and doesn’t mind paying a bit more. If four hours is your limit, pick the $40 matcha tour instead. Not for people with mobility issues or those who hate walking.
What guests say
Noah appreciated ōkōchi Sansō as the real highlight. Ursa called it “a great surprise.” Bailee noted the five hours was “longer than I expected but worth it.” Helen and Amy praised guide quality. With 939 reviews at 4.9 stars, feedback is consistently strong on pacing and knowledge.
Other tours to consider
Best all-in valueTemple & monkey park entry includedKyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Matcha, Monkeys & Temple Tour
The rickshaw-only laneKyoto: Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick monkeys or brewery?
Monkeys if you’re fit and want a hike up to Iwatayama. Brewery if you prefer lunch and a sit-down. Both are 40 min on the tour, just different.
Is five hours really five hours?
Yes. Bailee notes it’s longer than expected. Plan accordingly; no buses or rest stops, just walking.
Can I book this solo?
No, two-guest minimum. Bring a friend or join a group.
Is it rain or shine?
Rain or shine; the path is gravel. Waterproof shoes or embrace the mud.
What makes ōkōchi Sansō special?
It’s a private garden with a tea house and a beverage included. Most guests didn’t expect it and love it. It’s the tour highlight for many.