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

Kyoto’s iconic landmarks and playful monkeys come alive on this full-day walking tour. Visitors will explore the city’s most renowned sites, from the striking Fushimi Inari Taisha to the serene Kinkaku-ji. But the real highlight? Encountering wild monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you’ll observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. With guided insights and plenty of photo opportunities, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. What awaits beyond the iconic landmarks?

Key Points

• Explore Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), on this full-day walking tour.
• Visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk through the iconic vermilion torii gates, with opportunities for guided tours, sightseeing, and optional short climbs.
• Discover the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, stop at the UNESCO-recognized Tenryuji Temple, and observe wild monkeys at the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the Tenryuji Temple, highlighting its main hall, gardens, and panoramic viewpoint overlooking Arashiyama and the Katsura River.
• Explore the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), with its gleaming gold-leaf-covered top floors, during a guided tour and free time to wander the scenic temple grounds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The full-day Kyoto Walking Tour: Most Iconic Landmarks & Monkeys is an 8-hour sightseeing experience that takes participants to some of Kyoto’s most famous attractions.

Priced from $97.71 per person, the tour has a group size limited to 10 and is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish.

With a flexible cancellation policy, the tour provides a comprehensive itinerary that includes visits to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).

Utilizing public transit, the tour includes entrance tickets and a downloadable set of souvenir photos.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha, the iconic Shinto shrine, greets visitors with its mesmerizing display of thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Visitors can explore the shrine’s rich history and symbolism during a guided tour. The itinerary includes:

Activity	Duration
Photo stop	10 minutes
Guided tour	30 minutes
Sightseeing	20 minutes
Optional short climb	30 minutes

Trekking up the mountain provides stunning views and a chance to take in the shrine’s serene atmosphere. This stop sets the tone for the day’s journey through Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.

Arashiyama Area

After exploring the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, the tour continues to the serene Arashiyama area.

First, the group stops at the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where they’ll have time to wander amidst the towering bamboo stalks and capture iconic photos.

Next, they’ll visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, for a guided tour and free time.

During the lunch break, participants can explore the charming shops and eateries that line Arashiyama’s streets.

The final stop in this area is the Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to a troop of wild monkeys that visitors can observe and photograph.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arriving in the serene Arashiyama area, the group first stops at the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This natural wonder offers a captivating experience:

1. Towering bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

2. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, taking in the verdant scenery and snapping photos of the iconic bamboo groves.

3. The diffused sunlight filtering through the bamboo creates a mesmerizing, otherworldly ambiance, transporting guests to a realm of calm and contemplation.

After enjoying the forest, the group continues on to the next stop on the itinerary.

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Tenryuji Temple

From Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the group makes its way to Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most significant Zen temples. The guide leads the group on a 30-minute tour, highlighting the temple’s key features:

Feature	Description
Main Hall	Largest building, houses statues of Buddha
Gardens	Carefully manicured with ponds, bridges, pagodas
Viewpoint	Offers panoramic views of Arashiyama and the Katsura River
History	Founded in 1339, UNESCO World Heritage site
Zen Atmosphere	Tranquil setting for meditation and reflection

After the tour, the group has free time to explore the temple grounds and take in the serene Zen ambiance.

Lunch Break

The group now breaks for lunch in the Arashiyama area, allowing them free time to explore the local dining options and shops.

This 40-minute break provides an opportunity to sample Kyoto’s renowned cuisine, from traditional bento boxes to freshly-made udon noodles.

Participants can:

1. Peruse the charming shops and boutiques lining the Arashiyama streets.
2. Enjoy a leisurely riverside meal at one of the area’s many restaurants.
3. Recharge before continuing the tour’s active itinerary.

The guide ensures the group reconvenes on time to continue the journey through Kyoto’s iconic landmarks.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

After exploring the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and tranquil Tenryuji Temple, the tour group heads to the renowned Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, the park is famous for its free-roaming Japanese macaques. Guests have the opportunity to observe the playful monkeys from a designated feeding area, with the iconic Arashiyama mountains as a backdrop.

The guide provides insights into the monkeys’ behavior and ecology. Visitors can also take scenic photos of the park’s natural beauty.

The stop at Iwatayama Monkey Park offers a unique and memorable experience during the comprehensive Kyoto walking tour.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Next, the tour group visits the iconic Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This famous Zen temple is renowned for its top two floors covered in gleaming gold leaf.

The tour guide leads the group on a photo stop and guided tour, allowing 45 minutes of free time to explore the temple grounds.

Key highlights include:

1. Admiring the temple’s unique architecture, which blends Shinto and Buddhist styles.
2. Strolling along the scenic pond and gardens surrounding the Golden Pavilion.
3. Capturing breathtaking photos of the iconic structure reflected in the tranquil waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Temples and Shrines?

Photography is generally allowed inside the temples and shrines, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disturbing rituals or events. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions.

Can We Bring Our Own Food to the Monkey Park?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food to the Iwatayama Monkey Park. However, feeding the monkeys directly is not allowed as it can disturb them, so visitors should keep their food for themselves.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it recommends wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking. Casual attire is acceptable as long as it’s appropriate for public spaces.

What Happens if the Weather Is Poor on the Tour Day?

If the weather is poor, the tour will likely continue as scheduled. The guide may adjust the itinerary to accommodate indoor activities or postpone outdoor segments. Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Are Children Welcome on This Tour, and Is There a Discount?

Children are welcome on the tour, but there’s no specific child discount. Participants under 12 may receive reduced admission fees at some attractions. The tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the long duration and hiking.

The Sum Up

This full-day Kyoto walking tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks and the delightful encounter with wild monkeys. From the vibrant Fushimi Inari Taisha to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Kyoto’s cultural and natural wonders, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories and stunning photography opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here: