Private Tour to Monkey Park and Arashiyama Highlights

Discover the enchanting sights of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district on a private tour that’s sure to delight. For just $39.35 per person, you’ll learn about the natural beauty of the Monkey Park, stroll through the serene Tenryū-ji Temple gardens, and wander the iconic Bamboo Grove. With an English-speaking guide by your side, you’ll uncover the rich cultural traditions that make this region so captivating. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture unforgettable memories in one of Japan’s most picturesque destinations.

Key Points

• A private 4-hour tour that showcases the top attractions in Arashiyama, including the Monkey Park, Tenryū-ji Temple, and the iconic Bamboo Grove.
• Led by an English-fluent local guide who provides in-depth insights and ensures a memorable experience.
• Offers the opportunity to observe Japanese macaques in their natural habitat and learn about their social behaviors.
• Explores the UNESCO-recognized Tenryū-ji Temple, featuring expansive gardens and Zen philosophies.
• Includes a scenic stroll through the tranquil Bamboo Grove, a popular photography spot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private tour to Monkey Park and Arashiyama Highlights costs $39.35 per person and lasts 4 hours.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, without any upfront payment.

The tour covers the highlights of Arashiyama, including the Monkey Park, Tenryū-ji Temple, and the iconic Bamboo Grove.

With a local, English-fluent guide, the experience promises knowledgeable and personalized service, as highlighted by positive traveler reviews.

Guide and Experience

With a focus on providing a personalized and insightful experience, this private tour is led by a live guide fluent in English and deeply familiar with the Arashiyama area. The guide’s local expertise and friendly demeanor have earned them positive reviews from past travelers, who highlight the knowledgeable, attentive, and engaging service.

Guide Attributes	Positive Traveler Feedback
Fluent in English	Knowledgeable
Local expertise	Friendly
Familiar with Arashiyama	Attentive
	Engaging

The guide’s commitment to ensuring a memorable and informative experience is central to this private tour.

Visiting the Monkey Park

As visitors approach the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, they’ll embark on a 20-minute uphill trek to reach the serene hilltop where the park is situated.

Once there, they’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. Guests can observe the resident Japanese macaques, known locally as "snow monkeys," as they roam freely in their natural habitat.

Visitors have the opportunity to feed the friendly monkeys from a designated area, providing a unique and interactive experience.

Guests learn about the macaques’ social behaviors and the ecosystem they inhabit, gaining insight into these captivating creatures.

Exploring Tenryu-ji Temple

After visiting the Monkey Park, the tour continues to Tenryū-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its expansive gardens and Zen philosophies.

Guests explore the temple’s grounds, admiring the serene landscapes and learning about the property’s rich history.

The guided tour delves into the temple’s architecture, emphasizing its Zen influences and connections to the natural world.

Travelers can wander the peaceful gardens, taking in the sights and sounds that inspire mindfulness and reflection.

This stop on the Arashiyama itinerary offers a chance to take in Japanese cultural traditions and philosophical ideals.

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Strolling Through the Bamboo Grove

Where else does the tour take visitors after the Monkey Park? The next stop is the iconic Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama.

Visitors stroll along the serene, winding path, surrounded by towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze. The lush, verdant setting creates a tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty.

The Bamboo Grove is a popular photography spot, offering a picturesque backdrop for memorable shots.

After exploring the grove, the tour continues to the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, another highlight of the Arashiyama area.

Crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge

Next, the tour guide leads visitors across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. This historic wooden bridge spans the Hozu River, offering stunning vistas.

Tourists can pause to admire the picturesque scenery, with the Arashiyama mountains in the background. The bridge’s graceful design and charming atmosphere make it a popular spot for photography.

Visitors can relax and take in the serene atmosphere, watching the water flow beneath the bridge. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a highlight of the Arashiyama area, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling streets and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Included and Excluded Services

The tour includes admission to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Iwatayama Monkey Park, and Tenryuji Temple.

Plus, the tour covers the feeding fee for the monkeys and transportation to and from the attractions.

However, the tour excludes:

• Personal expenses
• High-heeled shoes, baby strollers, electric wheelchairs, and food in the rest area, as they aren’t allowed
• Visitors who are pregnant, have mobility impairments, use wheelchairs, weigh over 287 lbs (130 kg), are over 75 years old, or have animal allergies, as the tour isn’t suitable for them.

Important Considerations

Visitors should keep in mind several important considerations when embarking on this private tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, individuals over 287 lbs, seniors over 75, or people with animal allergies.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as visitors will need to tackle a 20-minute uphill trek to reach the Monkey Park.

Certain items, like high heels, baby strollers, and electric wheelchairs, are prohibited.

Guests should also plan their visit during the Bamboo Forest’s operating hours, which run from 9:00 to 17:00.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet Monkey on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets, including monkeys, are not allowed on this tour. The tour is designed for observing Japanese macaques in their natural habitat at the Monkey Park, not for bringing personal pets.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended, but additional fees may apply. Guests should contact the tour provider to inquire about customizing the tour length to meet their needs. The standard 4-hour tour may not be extended without incurring extra charges.

Do I Need a Special Permit to Enter the Bamboo Grove?

No, you don’t need a special permit to enter the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. The Bamboo Forest Path is open to the public from 9:00 to 17:00, and admission is included in the tour package.

Is the Monkey Park Wheelchair Accessible?

The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is not wheelchair accessible. It requires a 20-minute uphill walk that may be difficult for those with mobility impairments. Visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility are advised to avoid this attraction.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?

Participants can’t leave the tour group at any time. The guided tour has a set itinerary and schedule that must be followed. Leaving the group would mean missing key sights and activities. Guests are expected to stay with the group for the duration of the tour.

Sum Up

On this private tour, you’ll learn about Kyoto’s natural beauty and cultural wonders. From the playful Japanese macaques at Monkey Park to the serene gardens of Tenryū-ji Temple and the iconic Bamboo Grove, this 4-hour adventure showcases the best of Arashiyama with an expert guide. At just $39.35 per person, it’s a captivating and affordable way to experience Kyoto’s enchanting highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: