Kyoto: Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour

Exploring the enchanting Kyoto on a guided bike tour offers an immersive experience through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park. This 4-hour adventure, limited to just 8 guests, promises cultural insights and nature encounters led by knowledgeable guides. With stunning surroundings and a perfect blend of activities, this tour could be the highlight of any Kyoto visit. But what makes it truly unique?

Key Points

• This 4-hour guided excursion takes visitors through Arashiyama’s stunning bamboo forest and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• The tour includes a 30-minute bike ride through the bamboo forest, a guided visit to Tenryuji Temple, and a hike to the Monkey Park.
• The tour is limited to 8 guests and conducted in English, offering a personalized and immersive experience.
• With prices ranging from €93.98 to €104.43 per person, the tour provides good value for money and up to 10% savings.
• Customers have praised the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, as well as the well-organized logistics and memorable experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Kyoto: Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour is a 4-hour excursion that takes participants on a guided journey through the serene landscapes of Arashiyama.

Limited to just 8 guests, the tour is conducted in English and departs from Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Priced from €104.43 to €93.98 per person, with up to 10% savings, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes a bike, helmet, bottled water, and entry fees to the attractions visited along the way.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a guided bike ride (30 minutes) through the towering bamboo of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Next, visit the UNESCO-certified Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple for a guided tour and sightseeing (30 minutes). The highlight is the hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park (1 hour), offering a panoramic view of Kyoto. The tour concludes with a guided visit (15 minutes) to the picturesque Togetsu-kyō Bridge, surrounded by colorful trees and lush forest.

Highlights	Duration
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest	30 minutes	Bike tour
Tenryuji Temple	30 minutes	Guided tour and sightseeing
Iwatayama Monkey Park	1 hour	Guided hike and sightseeing
Togetsu-kyō Bridge	15 minutes	Guided tour and sightseeing

Experience and Activities

Explore nature by biking and hiking through the scenic Arashiyama area.

Cycle through the famous Bamboo Forest, marveling at the towering stalks as you wind your way along the paths.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, where you’ll wander its peaceful Zen gardens.

Then, embark on a hike to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to interact with the resident Japanese macaques.

Take in the panoramic views of Kyoto from the park’s overlook.

Finish your tour by strolling across the iconic Togetsu-kyō Bridge, surrounded by the area’s lush, colorful foliage.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

What makes the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest so captivating? Swaying stalks of bamboo tower overhead, creating a mesmerizing natural cathedral. The soothing rustling of leaves, the dappled sunlight, and the serene atmosphere envelope visitors in a sense of tranquility.

The guided bike tour through this enchanting forest offers:

• An otherworldly experience unlike any other
• A peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle
• Opportunities to capture breathtaking photographs
• Insights into the cultural and ecological significance of bamboo
• A chance to take in Kyoto’s natural beauty

This unforgettable 30-minute bike ride through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest sets the tone for the rest of the Kyoto adventure.

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Tenryuji Temple

After exploring the captivating Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the tour progresses to the iconic Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The group’s guide leads them through the serene Zen gardens, providing insights into the temple’s history and significance.

Tenryuji’s meticulously landscaped grounds offer a tranquil respite from the bustling city. Participants can admire the temple’s impressive architecture and the picturesque views of Mount Arashiyama.

This stop allows visitors to enjoy Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and deepen their understanding of Japanese Buddhism and its influence on the region’s landscape.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

From the Tenryuji Temple, the group then ventures to the Iwatayama Monkey Park.

After a guided hike, visitors are greeted by free-roaming Japanese macaques. The park offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, with the monkeys as the main attraction.

Highlights include:

• Watching the playful monkeys interact with each other and visitors
• Seeing the monkeys’ natural habitat and behaviors up close
• Feeding the monkeys with purchased snacks, under the guide’s instructions
• Taking in the stunning vistas of Kyoto from the hilltop park
• Exploring the serene trails and surrounding forests

The Iwatayama Monkey Park provides an unforgettable encounter with these fascinating creatures.

Togetsu-kyō Bridge

The Togetsu-kyō Bridge, a picturesque landmark in Arashiyama, captivates visitors with its serene surroundings.

During the tour, participants explore this iconic wooden bridge surrounded by the lush, colorful foliage of the nearby forest. The guide provides a 15-minute tour, highlighting the bridge’s historical significance and architectural features.

Visitors can pause to admire the tranquil scene, snap photos, and soak in the peaceful ambiance.

The Togetsu-kyō Bridge offers a delightful respite from the bustling city, allowing travelers to enjoy Kyoto’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Customer Feedback

Based on 61 reviews, the tour receives an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Participants praise the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, Yuki, who enhances the experience. The tour’s transportation and value for money are also highly rated at 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Customers particularly enjoy:

• The easy and enjoyable biking through quaint towns
• The unforgettable monkey encounter at Iwatayama
• The serene atmosphere of Tenryuji Temple’s Zen gardens
• The stunning natural beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• The well-organized and efficient tour logistics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for Private Tours?

Yes, the tour offers private options for groups. Guests can book a private tour and enjoy a personalized experience exploring the bamboo forest and monkey park at their own pace with a dedicated guide.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Bikes?

No, participants can’t bring their own bikes. The tour provides bicycles and helmets as part of the experience. Bringing your own bike is not an option for this guided bike tour.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Dietary Options for Lunch?

There are no specified vegetarian or dietary options for lunch included in this tour. However, the tour guide can likely accommodate any special dietary requests if participants inform them in advance.

How Strenuous Is the Hiking Portion of the Tour?

The hiking portion to the Iwatayama Monkey Park is moderate in difficulty, requiring about a 20-30 minute uphill trek. Though it may be strenuous for some, the guides provide ample breaks and assist participants as needed.

Can Participants Stay at the Monkey Park to Explore Further?

According to the tour details, participants can spend up to 1 hour exploring the Iwatayama Monkey Park after the guided hike. This allows time to observe the monkeys and enjoy the panoramic views over Kyoto.

The Sum Up

This immersive Kyoto bike tour offers an enriching blend of cultural exploration and nature discovery. Cyclists will wind through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the iconic Tenryuji Temple, and hike to the stunning Iwatayama Monkey Park. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, participants can expect an unforgettable experience in Kyoto’s enchanting landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: