Things to Do Near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Q: What is there to see near the bamboo forest?

Tenryū-ji temple (JPY 500), Nonomiya Shrine (free) , Ōkōchi Sansō garden, Iwatayama Monkey Park, two Nenbutsu-ji temples. All within walking distance.

Walking distance from the grove: Tenryū-ji temple (JPY 500 entry), Nonomiya Shrine (free, black-bark torii gate), Ōkōchi Sansō garden (paid entry, beverage included), Iwatayama Monkey Park (paid entry, 15–20 minute uphill hike), two Nenbutsu-ji temples, Togetsukyō Bridge, the Kimono Forest, shops and cafés on the Randen street.

Tenryū-ji gardenJPY 500, 60–90 min, south end

Nonomiya ShrineFree, 5 min, black-bark torii

Ōkōchi SansōPaid, 40 min, includes tea

Iwatayama Monkey ParkPaid entry, 15–20 min uphill hike

Otagi Nenbutsu-jiPaid, 1,200 rakan statues

Adashino Nenbutsu-jiPaid, 8,000 stone images

Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.

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Tenryū-ji temple: the main draw

Tenryū-ji is the biggest temple in Arashiyama. Its garden costs JPY 500 to enter and takes 60–90 minutes on a guided tour or alone. You can also see the outside from the street for free. It is south of the grove, about 10 minutes' walk. Most tours include Tenryū-ji in their itinerary.

Nonomiya Shrine: the black-bark torii

This shrine is at the south end of the bamboo path and takes five minutes to visit. It has a rare black-bark torii gate and appears in The Tale of Genji. Most visitors stop here and buy a luck charm. It is free and worth the detour.

Ōkōchi Sansō: the surprise of the day

This is a private garden on a hill north of the grove. Paid entry; the entrance fee includes a matcha tea or another beverage. Most reviewers on the tours that include it say it is the surprise of the day — they expected the bamboo and got this garden instead. It takes about 40 minutes.

Iwatayama Monkey Park: the steep hike

This is a monkey sanctuary on a hill above the grove. There is a 15–20 minute uphill hike with steps to reach it. Entry is paid. Some tours include it; others make it optional. Reviewers who attempt it usually say the monkey viewing is good and the hike was harder than expected.

Otagi and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji: beyond the grove

Two temple sites north and west have large numbers of stone rakan statues — Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (1,200 statues) and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji (8,000 stone images). They are further afield, not a 5-minute walk. One tour focuses on them and gives the bamboo only 5 minutes; others skip them.

Togetsukyō Bridge and the Kimono Forest

Togetsukyō Bridge is 5–10 minutes south of the grove. It is famous and crowded. The Kimono Forest is a pillar installation on the Randen tram platform, colorful and a photo stop.

Insider tip

Pair the 30–45 minute bamboo visit with one of these sites. Tenryū-ji + bamboo is a classic half-day loop. The Monkey Park is harder but worth it if you have time and knees.

Planning a full Arashiyama morning or day

A half-day itinerary includes the grove, Nonomiya, and one other site. A full-day Arashiyama visit can include the grove, Tenryū-ji, the Monkey Park, and a lunch or tea stop on the Randen street.

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see near the bamboo forest?

Tenryū-ji temple (JPY 500), Nonomiya Shrine (free), Ōkōchi Sansō garden, Iwatayama Monkey Park, two Nenbutsu-ji temples. All within walking distance.

Is Tenryū-ji worth visiting?

Yes. The garden is 60–90 minutes, costs JPY 500, and is a classic pairing with the bamboo forest visit.

How hard is the hike to the Monkey Park?

15–20 minutes uphill with steps. Not easy, but doable if you have time and knees. Most reviewers say the monkeys are worth it.