Overview
This private full-day tour makes it easy to explore some of Kyoto’s highlights without the risk of getting lost. In the morning, head to Arashiyama, a peaceful district in western Kyoto where you can see wild monkeys, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, and take a stroll in the bamboo forest. In the afternoon, be amazed by the golden Kinkakuji, a must-visit attraction in Kyoto.
Meeting and Pickup
JR Kyoto Station
What To Expect
Monkey Park Iwatayama
A 15 minute walk from Saga Arashiyama Station, you will reach a paradise of wild Japanese macaques after climbing a slightly steep mountain path. There are about wild but friendly 120 monkeys including cute baby monkeys living in this area. You can watch them play very closely and feed them from an enclosed resting area. In addition, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole Kyoto city from an altitude of about 190 meters. Admission: Adult 550 yen. Children (Aged 4 to 15) 250 yen.(as of Aug,2019)
Togetsukyo Bridge
Arashiyama is one of the most famous resorts in Japan and was once off-limits to all except the aristocrats. They enjoyed boating, watching the scenery and the moon reflected in the river and composed Japanese tanka poems about them. The elegantly curved bridge has been praised by the nobles including the Emperor for its beauty. Your heart will be healed by this scenery full of nature.
Kameyama Park
This park rich in nature is set on the other side of Arashiyama. From the park’s observatory you can enjoy the spectacular view of steep cliffs and the river flowing at the bottom of the valley.
Bamboo Forest Street
We will take a walk through the world-famous Bamboo Grove with its incredible beauty and serenity. The sky-high green bamboo pillars softly rustling in the wind are an awe-inspiring sight.
Tenryu-ji Temple
This venerated temple was built by the shogun in 1339 to appease the late Emperor’s spirit and is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Its garden is one of the most famous Japanese gardens featuring a magnifient landscape with Arashiyama as its background. Admission fee is 500 yen.
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple is very well known as one of Japan’s leading tourist attractions and some may notice that the admission ticket appears in one scene in the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The reflection of the Golden Pavilion in the pond with beautifully trimmed pine trees and precious rocks around it is truly something reminiscent of Buddha’s Pure land. Admission fee is 400 yen.
Additional Info
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Teresa_L, Dec 2023
Barbara provided an outstanding tour with historical and cultural highlights. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Highly recommend this tour!
We had the best guide ever! He knows who he is. :). His English was excellent, informative history and had a great personality! We were lucky and blessed to have had him show us the ropes and
