Arashiyama Monkey Park tour reviews
I’ve pulled the four most-booked monkey park tours on GetYourGuide, read through the traveller reviews, and written an honest breakdown of each: what the experience is actually like, who it suits, and where it falls short. Every tour here is run by a licensed guide and rated 4.5 or higher. Entry to the park itself is ¥800 cash at the gate — no advance tickets, no reservations. What you’re booking is a guide who knows the hike, the best time to visit, and where the monkeys are most active.
The tours we review
Arashiyama Bamboo Temple, with Monkey or Secret Sake Brewery
Best seller — 5.5 hours, the classic walk, guides Rafael & Tom.
from $59Read the full review ›
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Matcha, Monkeys & Temple Tour
4 hours, matcha tasting included, Gabri’s culture depth.
from $43Read the full review ›
Kyoto: Arashiyama Unveiled — Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys
Budget pick — 4 hours, small group, Joe’s humour.
from $31Read the full review ›
Kyoto to Arashiyama Day Trip — Private & Personalized
6-hour private day — Hidetoshi, photography, places you’d never find.
from $285Read the full review ›How I choose which tours to review
I review the most-booked, best-rated monkey park tours on GetYourGuide. Every one here I’d book myself or send a friend on. I read through the actual traveller reviews and write what people say really happens: which guides handle the hike well in the heat, which ones get you to the quietest feeding times, which routes avoid the afternoon crowds.
Entry to the park is ¥800 in cash at the gate — everyone pays the same, no pre-booking. What differs is the guide: knowledge of the district, pacing the climb, and knowing when the monkeys are fed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for the monkey park?
No. You can hike up and see the monkeys on your own for just ¥800 cash. A guide adds context about the district, paces the climb so you don’t overheat, knows the best time for feeding, and points out which monkeys are mothers and infants. First-timers often book a tour. Repeat visitors hike it solo.
Are these reviews independent?
Yes. I’m Kenji Nakamura, an Arashiyama walking guide since 2014, and I built this site independently. I earn a small affiliate commission if you book through our GetYourGuide links, at no extra cost to you, but that never changes which tours I recommend or how honestly I talk about them. See our affiliate disclosure.
Which tour should I book?
Start with the classic ($59, 5.5 hours, best seller). On a budget and want matcha? The bamboo & matcha tour ($43, 4 hours). Tightest budget? Value tour ($31, small group, 4 hours). Want it private with photography? The 6-hour day trip ($285) with Hidetoshi.