Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Mountain Walking Tour

Kyoto is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Mountain offer a captivating glimpse into this renowned city’s tranquil wonders. Visitors can enjoy the serene solitude of the towering bamboo stalks, then venture up to Monkey Mountain to observe the playful antics of the resident primates. This guided walking tour promises to be a memorable experience, inviting travelers to connect with Kyoto’s natural splendor in a way that truly sets the stage for…

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Kyoto.

Key Points

• This 4-hour guided walking tour in Kyoto takes visitors through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and up to Monkey Mountain for a personalized exploration of the city’s natural wonders.
• The tour is limited to 8 participants and includes entry tickets, a knowledgeable guide, and a digital guide to Kyoto’s top restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• Highlights include a stroll through the mesmerizing Bamboo Forest, a visit to the Okochi Sanso Villa with a traditional matcha tea ceremony, and observing wild monkeys at Monkey Mountain.
• The tour is suitable for most adults but requires a certain level of fitness for the Monkey Mountain hike, making it unsuitable for children under 10 or people over 80.
• Food, drinks, and tips for the guide are not included in the tour price.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This guided walking tour through Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Mountain offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of Japanese nature. The 4-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate exploration of the area.

Highlights include strolling through the mesmerizing Bamboo Forest, visiting the Okochi Sanso Villa to enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony, and hiking to the top of Monkey Mountain to observe the wild monkeys. The tour includes all entry tickets, a knowledgeable guide, and a digital guide to Kyoto’s top restaurants, cafes, and bars. While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour is suitable for most adults and promises an unforgettable adventure in one of Kyoto’s most picturesque destinations.

Highlights

The walking tour offers visitors several captivating highlights. First, guests will stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Forest, marveling at the towering green stalks that sway gently in the breeze.

Next, they’ll visit the Okochi Sanso Villa, where they can enjoy a serene cup of traditional matcha tea. The tour culminates with a hike to the top of Monkey Mountain, where participants can observe wild monkeys in their natural habitat. This unique experience allows visitors to enjoy Kyoto’s rich natural wonders and cultural heritage, creating a truly memorable adventure.

Inclusions

The walking tour includes all necessary entry tickets, as well as a knowledgeable guide who’ll lead participants through the scenic areas.

Guests will stroll through the mesmerizing Bamboo Forest, taking in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder. The tour also includes a visit to the Okochi Sanso Villa, where visitors can enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony.

Plus, the tour features a hike up Monkey Mountain, where hikers can observe wild monkeys in their natural habitat. To enhance the experience, the tour provides a digital guide to Kyoto, featuring recommendations for local restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Exclusions

Not included in the tour cost are food and drinks. Participants will need to bring or purchase their own meals and refreshments during the 4-hour excursion. The tour guide won’t provide these items.

Plus, tips for the guide are excluded from the tour price. While the guide’s services are covered, it’s customary in Japan to offer a small gratuity to acknowledge exceptional service. These optional expenses are the responsibility of each individual traveler.

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Important Information

Suitability for adult participants is a key consideration for this walking tour, which is appropriate for those aged 99 and younger. A certain level of fitness is required for the hike to Monkey Mountain, so the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 or people over 80 years old.

The meeting point is outside the Saga Arashiyama subway station, providing a convenient starting location. With a small group size limited to 8 participants, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience as you explore the stunning Bamboo Forest and witness the wild monkeys on Monkey Mountain.

Meeting Point

As the meeting point for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Mountain walking tour, the Saga Arashiyama subway station provides a convenient and easily accessible starting location. Located just a short distance from the bamboo forest and Monkey Mountain, the subway station offers several advantages for participants:

1. Proximity to the tour’s key destinations, minimizing travel time and maximizing exploration time.
2. Familiarity for local and international visitors, as it’s a well-known public transportation hub in the Arashiyama area.
3. Availability of amenities, such as restrooms and refreshment options, before embarking on the guided tour.

This centralized meeting point ensures a seamless start to the Kyoto walking adventure.

Stroll Through Bamboo Forest

The tour begins with a leisurely stroll through the captivating Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you wander along the winding paths, you’ll be surrounded by towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

The sunlight filters through the lush greenery, casting a warm, dappled glow on the ground below. The only sounds you’ll hear are the rustling of the bamboo and the occasional chirping of birds, transporting you to a realm of tranquility and natural beauty.

This enchanting forest is a true highlight of the tour, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Kyoto.

Hike to Monkey Mountain

After the serene stroll through the bamboo forest, the tour takes an invigorating turn as participants embark on a hike up Monkey Mountain. The steep ascent offers stunning panoramic views of the Arashiyama landscape, culminating in the chance to witness the antics of the wild Japanese macaques that inhabit the area.

The hike provides:

1. A chance to stretch the legs and elevate the heart rate after the more leisurely bamboo grove experience.
2. Opportunities to spot the mischievous monkeys in their natural habitat, observing their social dynamics and playful behaviors.
3. A sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking vistas stretching out before the group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

No, the tour duration cannot be extended. The activity overview clearly states the tour lasts 4 hours and this is not flexible. Extending the tour would require booking a new reservation.

Is Photography Allowed in the Bamboo Grove?

Photography is typically allowed in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, though visitors should be mindful not to disturb the natural environment or disrupt others’ experiences. Guides may provide additional guidance on photography during the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Casual and layered attire is suggested to ensure a comfortable experience during the outdoor hikes.

Can We Request a Specific Language for the Guide?

Yes, guests can request a specific language for the guided tour. The tour operator provides guides who are fluent in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and others, to accommodate the needs and preferences of tour participants.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tea Service?

The tour does not specify any dietary restrictions for the matcha tea service. Participants can likely request accommodations for any dietary needs, though this should be communicated to the tour operator in advance.

Recap

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Mountain walking tour offers a serene and unique experience in Kyoto. Enjoy the tranquil bamboo forest, enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony, and witness the playful antics of wild monkeys at the mountain summit. This small-group adventure provides a personalized and memorable way to discover Kyoto’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: