Full-Day Kyoto Walking Tour: Most Iconic Landmarks & Monkeys

Explore the captivating sights of Kyoto on this comprehensive full-day walking tour. From the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, you’ll witness the city’s most renowned landmarks. But the highlight? Encountering wild Japanese macaques at the Iwatayama Monkey Park, offering a unique glimpse into their natural habitat. With guided visits to Tenryuji Temple and the stunning Kinkaku-ji, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable day in the cultural heart of Japan.

Key Points

• This full-day Kyoto walking tour covers the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Tenryuji Temple.
• Visitors will have the chance to encounter and hand-feed wild Japanese macaques at the Iwatayama Monkey Park, offering a unique wildlife experience.
• The tour includes a visit to the stunning Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its golden architecture and serene gardens.
• With a maximum group size of 10, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience for exploring Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
• The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time to fully immerse in the city’s natural and historical wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day Kyoto walking tour provides an immersive exploration of the city’s most iconic landmarks and natural wonders.

Lasting approximately 8 hours, it takes guests on a journey through Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, from the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine to the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama.

The tour includes visits to UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple and the stunning Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.

Participants can also encounter wild Japanese macaques at the Iwatayama Monkey Park.

With a maximum group size of 10, this tour offers an intimate and flexible experience in multiple languages, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha rise majestically, creating a striking visual spectacle that draws visitors from around the world.

This iconic Shinto shrine is dedicated to the goddess Inari, representing prosperity, fertility, and industry. Guests can explore a network of trails that wind through over 1,000 vibrant orange gates, each inscribed with the name of a private business or individual.

The gradual climb offers opportunities for breathtaking photography and a chance to take in the serene atmosphere. Visitors should allocate at least an hour to fully experience this remarkable spiritual site.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

After departing the grand Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, the tour now arrives at the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Surrounded by towering bamboo stalks swaying gently in the breeze, visitors can stroll along the tranquil pathway flanked by the verdant forest. The dappled sunlight filtering through the bamboo creates a calming, almost meditative atmosphere.

With its peaceful ambiance and opportunities for contemplative photography, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest offers a welcome respite from the bustle of Kyoto. Guests can spend roughly 45 minutes exploring this iconic natural wonder before continuing on to the next stop.

Tenryuji Temple

After departing the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the tour group arrives at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tenryuji Temple.

This 14th-century Zen temple is renowned for its traditional gardens and tranquil ponds.

The highlights include:

1. Traversing the manicured gardens, where pagodas and bridges reflect upon the calm waters.
2. Admiring the temple’s architectural elegance, with its graceful rooflines and ornate details.
3. Taking in panoramic views of the Arashiyama mountains from the temple’s vantage point.

The group spends 30 minutes exploring the temple’s serene grounds before continuing on to the next destination.

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Iwatayama Monkey Park

Next, the tour group makes their way to the Iwatayama Monkey Park.

After a short hike, they arrive at the park and encounter the wild Japanese macaques. Visitors can observe the monkeys roaming freely and even purchase food to hand-feed them.

The park offers panoramic views of Kyoto, providing an opportunity to take in the city’s stunning landscapes. The guide provides information about the monkeys’ behavior and habitat, enhancing the overall experience.

While the hike may not be suitable for those with leg or knee injuries, the chance to interact with the playful monkeys makes the visit a highlight of the tour.

Kinkaku-ji

The tour group then makes their way to the stunning Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This Zen temple is famous for its golden-leaf-covered pavilion set amidst a picturesque pond and gardens. Visitors can admire the temple’s reflection in the tranquil waters.

Key features of Kinkaku-ji include:

1. The building’s three floors, each designed in a different architectural style – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.
2. The temple’s history, dating back to the 14th century as a shogun’s retirement villa before becoming a Zen temple.
3. The serene gardens surrounding the pavilion, with carefully curated landscaping and seasonal displays.

Inclusions

The tour includes a bilingual local guide, entrance tickets for Tenryuji Temple, Monkey Park, and Kinkaku-ji, as well as downloadable souvenir pictures.

Transportation is also provided via Suica or Icoca card. While the tour price doesn’t include lunch, participants can enjoy a break in Arashiyama to dine at their own expense.

The tour utilizes a combination of public transportation, including trains and buses, as well as walking to navigate the key sights.

Participants are advised to bring their passport, comfortable clothing and shoes, and cash for any additional expenses.

Important Information

The meeting point for the tour is in front of KITSUNEZO, near the JR Inari Train Station.

Participants should come prepared with their passport, comfortable shoes and clothes, and cash.

This is a group tour, not a private experience, with a maximum of 10 people.

The tour utilizes public transportation, so it isn’t a bus tour.

Participants must ensure they arrive on time to avoid missing the tour.

The hike to the Iwatayama Monkey Park may not be suitable for those with leg or knee injuries, as the terrain can be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at All the Visited Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the visited sites, except for some areas inside the Tenryuji Temple. Visitors can take photos of the iconic landmarks, bamboo forest, and the Japanese macaques at the Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Can Vegetarian or Vegan Lunch Options Be Provided?

The tour doesn’t include lunch, but the guide can recommend vegetarian or vegan dining options in Arashiyama. Participants are responsible for arranging their own lunch during the break.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum age requirement. Children are welcome to participate, but parents should consider their child’s abilities, as the hike to the Monkey Park may be challenging for young kids.

Can the Tour Pace Be Adjusted for Participants With Disabilities?

The tour pace can be adjusted to accommodate participants with disabilities. The bilingual guide works closely with guests to ensure the experience is accessible and comfortable for everyone, modifying the itinerary or breaks as needed.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the company may be willing to accommodate special needs or requests on a case-by-case basis. It’s best to contact them directly to discuss any accessibility requirements.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable full-day Kyoto walking tour, exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the stunning Tenryuji Temple to the shimmering Kinkaku-ji. Stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the famed Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, and encounter wild Japanese macaques at the Iwatayama Monkey Park, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

You can check if your dates are available here: