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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park: Where to Start and How to Visit Both In One Day
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The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is easily one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, but there is so much more to Arashiyama than just the Bamboo Forest! From lush temples nestled in the mountains, to a beautiful winding river, and even a wildlife park where you can visit wild Japanese macaques, Arashiyama offers an immersive outdoor retreat just outside of the city.
We packed our Arashiyama day full of sightseeing; visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day, with famous temples, preserved historic streets, and viral street food in between. This was one of our busiest days in Kyoto, and honestly, we made it harder on ourselves than we needed to with the way we planned our route!
You can absolutely visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day, with some sightseeing in between, but choosing the right starting point can make the difference between an enjoyable day and an exhausting one. In this post we’ll share how to plan the perfect day in Arashiyama based on your preferences, to help you avoid making the same mistakes we did.
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Visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable sights. Tall bamboo lines both sides of the pathway, creating the iconic green tunnel seen in countless travel photographs. The setting is visually distinctive, but your experience can depend heavily on crowd levels and what you expect before arriving.
What the Bamboo Grove Is Actually Like
The Bamboo Grove is a public walking route rather than a large wilderness reserve. You follow a defined path with other visitors instead of wandering through miles of secluded forest. That distinction matters because tightly framed photographs can make the area appear much larger and quieter than it feels in person. We enjoyed seeing the height and
density of the bamboo, but the experience was quicker and less isolated than we expected.
How Long to Spend at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Most visitors will probably need about 20 to 45 minutes in the grove. You may spend longer when photography is a priority, if the pathway is crowded, or you continue into the surrounding paths and nearby attractions. Pairing the grove with Tenryu-ji or another nearby temple will also extend your visit. The Bamboo Grove itself does not usually require several hours, but works better as one stop within a larger Arashiyama itinerary.
When the Bamboo Forest Gets Crowded
The Bamboo Grove can become busy even early in the morning, particularly during popular travel seasons. Arriving early improves your chance of experiencing it with fewer people, although there is no guaranteed time when the path will be empty. We visited around 7:45AM, and it was slow, but as it got later, more and more people started arriving! If photography is your main priority, visiting the grove first may be worthwhile. The trade off is that starting there can create additional walking/transit later when you also plan to visit temples and the Monkey Park. When route efficiency matters more than crowd avoidance, consider starting farther from central Arashiyama and treating the Bamboo Grove as one stop on the way back.
Why It May Feel Smaller Than Expected
Social media photographs often edit out large crowds of people, show photos from early in the morning, and use unique angles to make the forest appear larger than it is! This can create the impression of a vast forest attraction. The pathway with bamboo along both sides is not very large, and people cram into the space for photos, this makes the space feel even smaller than it is. Crowds also made the setting feel less immersive, it’s hard to enjoy the peace of nature when it's packed with people. We still believe it is worth seeing if you are already spending time in Arashiyama, but we would avoid planning an entire day around it!
What We Liked About the Bamboo Grove
The tall bamboo created scenery unlike anything else we saw during our time in Kyoto. We also liked how easily the grove could be combined with nearby temples, preserved streets and central Arashiyama. Its location makes it a convenient stop, and the way the bamboo towers above the path is beautiful when you have enough space to pause and appreciate it.
What We Disliked About the Bamboo Grove
The crowds made it difficult to experience the peaceful atmosphere. It was also challenging to take pictures without other visitors in the frame, and the main experience was over more quickly than we expected. The Bamboo Grove was enjoyable, but it was not our favorite part of Arashiyama. Gio-ji and the walk through Saga-Toriimoto left a stronger impression on us.
Visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is located near the Iwatayama Summit overlooking Kyoto. At the Summit you will find dozens of Japanese Macaque, at this free range wildlife park. The Macaque are free to roam as they please, and it was so amazing to watch them climb, play, and eat in the wild. There is an entrance fee to the park, and it is cash only. The price is 800 Yen for adults 16 and up, and 400 Yen for children 4-15, children 4 and under can enter the park for free.
What the Monkey Park Experience Is Like
The monkeys are not waiting beside the park entrance. Instead, after purchasing tickets at the base of the hill, you must hike uphill before reaching the main viewing area. At the top, we found Japanese Macaque moving freely around an open space overlooking Kyoto. The park’s official guidance tells visitors not to touch the monkeys, stare directly into their eyes or feed them anywhere outside the designated feeding area. There were staff stationed around the park, monitoring visitors, and enforcing the rules to ensure the safety of the animals. There was also an enclosed building where visitors could purchase food and pass it through fencing to the monkeys outside. The setup felt like a reversal of a traditional zoo. The humans stood inside the fenced building while the monkeys remained outside. During our visit, small portions of apples or peanuts were available for ¥100.
How Difficult Is the Arashiyama Monkey Park Hike?
The hike is not technical, but it should not be described as an effortless walk. The trail began with a large staircase before transitioning into a steady incline with several switchbacks. There were a few flatter sections with benches where visitors could stop and rest, although handrails were limited. It took us approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top. Your time will depend on your fitness, the weather, trail conditions and how often you stop.
We saw people of all ages completing the hike, but that does not mean it will be comfortable for everyone. Travelers with knee or mobility concerns may find the stairs and incline difficult. The climb may also feel harder for families carrying small children or anyone visiting during high heat, heavy rain or after a long day of walking. We saved the Monkey Park for the end of our Arashiyama day, which made the trail feel more tiring than we expected. Visiting the monkey park earlier would have been the better choice for us since we were already so tired from walking all day!
How Long Does Arashiyama Monkey Park Take?
Allow approximately one to two hours for the full Monkey Park experience. That should give you enough time to enter the park, hike to the top, spend time observing the monkeys, enjoy the city view, and walk back down without rushing. Travelers moving slowly or visiting with children may need longer. We would not plan the Monkey Park immediately before a firm restaurant reservation or train departure. Give yourself enough time to complete both the climb and descent safely.
What to Expect at the Top
The upper area offers views across Kyoto along with the opportunity to observe free-roaming Japanese macaques. There was a designated feeding area, staff providing instructions and a children’s play area nearby. Restroom facilities were also available in the upper section during our visit. We did not see vending machines or visitor food available at the top, so we recommend purchasing water before beginning the hike. There were vending machines near the entrance at the bottom. Bug spray may also be helpful during warmer months!
Monkey Park Safety Rules
Visitors were instructed to remain roughly two meters from the monkeys and avoid touching, staring at or crouching beside them. Food needed to remain stored away unless it was being used inside the designated feeding area. We were also advised not to point a phone or camera directly toward a monkey from extremely close range. Follow the posted instructions even when a monkey appears calm. These are wild animals, and their space should be respected!
What We Liked About the Monkey Park
The Monkey Park felt like a more substantial standalone attraction than the Bamboo Grove. We enjoyed seeing Japanese Macaques in the wild, moving freely, instead of inside an enclosure. The animals have the freedom to come and go as they please, and are not forced to interact with park visitors. All of the animals seemed to be in good health, and staff were adamant about keeping visitors an appropriate distance from the monkeys. This was a unique experience in Kyoto where we got to see local wildlife up close, and it broke up our day of historic landmarks with something a little different!
What We Disliked About the Monkey Park
The biggest downside was the climb. We visited at the end of an already long day, which made the hill feel more difficult than it likely would have otherwise. The limited handrails, and stairs may also be a concern for visitors with mobility concerns. The Monkey Park may not be worthwhile for someone who cannot handle or does not like steep walking, or is only mildly interested in seeing monkeys.
Can You Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in One Day?
Yes, you can easily visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day. You may even fit both into half a day when you are only visiting those two attractions and moving at a steady pace. The day becomes much longer when you add temples, shopping, food stops and the historic preserved streets.
How Long We Needed for Both
The Bamboo Grove itself did not take us very long. Most of our time was spent walking between attractions and exploring the rest of Arashiyama. At the Monkey Park, the uphill hike took us approximately 30 minutes. We then spent about an hour watching the monkeys, and enjoying the view before hiking back down. If you plan on only visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day, you’ll need at least half the day. This will give you time to walk through the bamboo grove, cross central Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo
Bridge, hike the 30 minutes to the monkey park, and spend time at the top without feeling rushed. Outside the monkey park there are even food stalls serving up the viral 10 yen coins, and tasty chocolate dipped bananas, making the perfect stop to grab a quick bite before heading back to the train. If you plan on adding Gio-ji Temple, Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, plan for most or all of the day.
When You May Need to Choose Only One
Most people will be able to fit both the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day, but you may not have time for both if; you arrive late to Arashiyama, there is unprecedented weather (strong rain, extreme heat/humidity, flooding), you spend too much time at temples,shopping, or eating, or you don’t budget your time right in Arashiyama. When time is limited, we recommend choosing based on the experience you value more rather than automatically selecting the more famous attraction!
Arashiyama Monkey Park vs. Bamboo Forest
When you only have time for one Arashiyama attraction, the best choice depends on the experience you want, and how much physical effort you are comfortable with. The Monkey Park offers a longer and more interactive visit, while the Bamboo Grove is easier to include in a short itinerary.
Choose the Monkey Park If…
Choose Arashiyama Monkey Park when you want a more active experience, and do not mind completing an uphill hike. The park gives you an opportunity to observe Japanese macaques, enjoy expansive Kyoto views, and experience something different from the city’s temples and historic streets. It also takes longer than the Bamboo Grove and feels more like a complete standalone attraction. The Monkey Park is the stronger choice for travelers interested in animals, outdoor activities, and panoramic views. It may not be the right option if someone in your group has mobility concerns, or if you're visiting during uncomfortable heat or heavy rain.
Choose the Bamboo Forest If…
Choose the Bamboo Grove when you want to see one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landscapes without committing to a steep hike. The grove is easier to fit into a short Arashiyama visit, and is located close to temples, shops and other attractions. It is also the better choice for visitors focused on photography, or anyone who cannot comfortably manage the Monkey Park trail. The trade-off is that the experience is relatively short and can feel crowded or less immersive than expected.
Which One Would We Prioritize?
If forced to choose only between the two, we would prioritize the Monkey Park. It required more time and effort, but it felt like a fuller experience. Seeing the monkeys, and taking in the views across Kyoto gave us more to do than walking through the Bamboo Grove alone. The Bamboo Grove along with the temples north of it, like Gio-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji was one of our favorite parts of the trip, but the Bamboo Grove itself is not worth a full day of your time.
Are the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, both attractions are worth considering, but expectations matter. The Bamboo Grove is worth seeing as one part of a broader Arashiyama visit. The Monkey Park is worth the climb if you are interested in seeing wild monkeys or aerial views of Kyoto, but neither attraction represents everything Arashiyama has to offer. Below we will share what else there is to do in Arashiyama besides the bamboo forest and monkey park!
Who Will Enjoy Visiting Both
Visiting both the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park is a good choice for first time visitors to Kyoto, families with children, those interested in nature and wildlife, anyone looking for a full day of activities in Arashiyama, and visitors who want a variety of activities.
Who May Find Arashiyama Overrated
You may be disappointed with Arashiyama if you; dislike crowds and overly packed tourist spots, rush through it too quickly, skip the quieter temples and side streets, and expect the bamboo grove to be just like the photos online. The most crowded attractions did not provide our favorite moments, and Arashiyama became much more memorable once we moved beyond them. We strongly recommend giving yourself a full day here, and visiting beyond the viral locations to truly get a feel for what makes Arashiyama so special.
What Else Can You Do Near the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park??
Arshiyama is a large district in Kyoto famous for the Bamboo Forest, but there is so much more to this area! An itinerary can be as simple as just visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day, or you can add in temples, historic preserved streets, popular street food, or even boat and train rides.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: The Stone Face Temple
When we saw Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple online, we knew it was a temple we had to visit in Kyoto! The temple has 1,200 stone Rakan statues depicting the disciples of Buddha, all with a different expression on their faces. This is one of the most unique temples we have been to in Japan, and definitely recommend adding it to your Arashiyama itinerary! Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple is closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so if you want to visit make sure to plan around their schedule! The price to get in is 1,000 Yen, children under 10 are free.
Saga-Toriimoto: Historic Preserved Street
Saga-Toriimoto is a preserved, 17th century Meiji period neighborhood, with traditional townhouses, some of which are now converted into shops and restaurants. There are some unique hidden gems in this area like an alcohol vending machine, unique souvenir shops, and tasty restaurants. We ate at a small cash only shop Sabo Satsukitei (Gold Coffee), where we had a yummy Japanese curry. This is a unique spot of Kyoto that transports you back in time, and lets you walk through 17th century streets.
Be courteous with the photo ops, as this is an active neighborhood, and many houses have no photography signs, please respect the signage and the neighbors!
Togetsukyo Bridge/Katsura River
The Togetsukyo Bridge takes you over the Katsura River, where you can watch boats float by, and take in the beautiful mountain scenery with the river in the foreground. This is a great spot for photos! This is the bridge that will take you from the temples and bamboo forest to the monkey park.
Gio-ji: The Moss Temple
Gio-Ji Temple is a small, tranquil temple, covered in greenery. The temple grounds are small, but very beautiful, with trees and bushes neatly landscaped around the moss growing all around them. There is a small building with a shrine where you can pray, or sit on the tatami mat for a moment of thought. We visited this temple after the bamboo forest, and the quiet charm was welcomed after the crowds! The temple has a small entrance fee of 300 Yen, and only accepts cash payments.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
A traditional sightseeing cruise from Kameoka through the Hozukyo Gorge on flat bottomed wooden boats that ends in Arashiyama near the Togetsukyo Bridge. The boats are steered with bamboo poles, through gentle rapids, and past expansive views of the Hozukyo Gorge. Tickets sell out quickly, especially during the fall and spring when the foliage is especially colorful. Tickets start at 6,000 Yen for adults and 4,500 Yen for children.
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train is a sightseeing train through the green hills of Arashiyama, going past the bamboo forest, and offering beautiful seasonal views especially in Autumn and Spring. The Torokko Saga Station is a ten minute walk to the bamboo forest, making the Sagano Romantic Train an easy addition to your day in Arashiyama. Same-day tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at each Sagano Romantic Train station counter except the Torokko Hozukyo station, or are available online for advance purchase. The price is 880 Yen one way for adult tickets, and 440 Yen for Children. Tickets go on sale at midnight one month in advance. Tickets sell out quickly during peak foliage seasons like Autumn and Spring.
Arashiyama Is Bigger Than We Expected
While planning our day, things seemed closer on the map than they actually were, we had the idea that Arashiyama was a more compact area than it actually was, and ended up walking a lot more than we had anticipated. Arashiyama and the neighboring Saga area cover a large section of western Kyoto. The district includes the Bamboo Grove, riverside scenery, Monkey Park Iwatayama, temples, shops and the quieter Saga-Toriimoto area farther northwest.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is located North of the Katsura River, along with the temples and preserved street, while the Monkey Park Iwatayama is South of the river. This is important, because not all of the sights sit close to one another, and trying to visit them all without considering their location can create backtracking, and take up time you could be sightseeing!
Why the Bamboo Grove Is Only One Small Part of Arashiyama
The Bamboo Forest is Arashiyama’s most recognizable attraction, but it is not large enough to fill an entire morning by itself. It is essentially a walking path through a small patch of bamboo rather than an enormous forest where you spend hours hiking.
We enjoyed walking through it, especially in the morning when it was slower, but it was smaller than we had imagined! That does not make it a bad stop, it simply means the Bamboo Grove works best as part of a larger Arashiyama route, rather than being the only reason you visit the area. In fact, several of our favorite Kyoto moments happened after we left the Bamboo Forest, particularly walking through the lush green hillsides.
Why Your Starting Point Matters
Arashiyama can be reached using the JR Sagano Line, Hankyu Line or Keifuku Randen tram, and each station places you in a slightly different part of the district. Your arrival point affects which attraction you see first and whether the rest of your route flows naturally.
We arrived using the Keifuku Arashiyama Line, visited the Bamboo Grove and then walked farther away from central Arashiyama toward Gio-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temples. Later, we returned toward the bridge and finished at Monkey Park. That route worked, but it involved walking outward and then retracing much of the distance back toward central Arashiyama. Looking back, we would start farther out and work inward or start with the Monkey Park hike before our legs were already tired. We recommend picking a station closest to your starting point to avoid backtracking, and reduce the amount of walking you’ll have to do. If you start too far away, you’ll waste time navigating and walking, when you could be sightseeing.
How Long Should You Spend in Arashiyama?
For most first-time visitors, we recommend planning at least half a day in Arashiyama, and if you want to explore beyond the Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park we recommend a full day.
Two to Three Hours in Arashiyama
Two to three hours is enough for a short visit focused on:
The Bamboo Grove
Souvenirs shopping in Central Arashiyama
A quick food stop
You may also fit in one nearby temple, depending on your pace. This short route is best for travelers who mainly want to see the famous scenery and then continue elsewhere in Kyoto.
Half a Day in Arashiyama
Half a day is a reasonable amount of time for:
The Bamboo Grove
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Togetsukyo Bridge
Central shops and food
This will still be an active visit, especially once you account for the Monkey Park hike.
A Full Day in Arashiyama
Choose a full day when you want to add things like:
Gio-ji Temple
Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Sagano Romantic Train
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Shopping
Additional temples
We spent most of the day in Arashiyama and did not feel that we had run out of things to do. Arashiyama only feels like a quick stop when the Bamboo Grove is treated as the entire destination, but there is so much more to do in the area!
Where Should You Start in Arashiyama?
There is no single best starting point, as it will change depending on what you want to prioritize! The right route for you depends on your arrival time, which sights matter most, and how much walking/riding transit you are willing to do.
Start at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji for the Most Efficient One-Way Route
For a longer temple-focused day, starting near Otagi Nenbutsu-ji creates the cleanest one-way route. Rather than arriving in central Arashiyama and walking uphill toward the temple, take a bus or taxi to the outer part of the district and gradually work your way back toward the Central Arashiyama area.
A possible route is:
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji → Saga-Toriimoto → Gio-ji → Bamboo Grove → Central Arashiyama → Togetsukyo Bridge → Arashiyama Monkey Park
Starting at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji has several advantages: you complete the farthest stop first, avoid walking the same route in both directions, and finish near more restaurants, shops and transportation options. It can also reduce some uphill walking.
Start at the Monkey Park If the Hike Is Your Priority
Start at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama if seeing the monkeys is your main goal, or if you want to complete the most physically demanding part of the day first. This would have been a better order for us physically. We saved the Monkey Park for the end of a full day that had already included the Bamboo Grove, Gio-ji, Saga-Toriimoto, and a considerable amount of walking. By the time we reached the park entrance, our legs were already tired!
The hike was manageable, but it felt much harder at the end of the day than it would have in the morning, especially with the midday heat and humidity. After the Monkey Park, you can cross Togetsukyo Bridge, explore the Bamboo Grove and decide how far you want to continue toward Gio-ji or Saga-Toriimoto.
This route works especially well for:
Travelers visiting during hot weather
Families whose children are excited about the monkeys
Visitors concerned about completing the hike
Anyone who considers the Monkey Park more important than the Bamboo Grove
Travelers planning only a half day in Arashiyama
The main disadvantage of this itinerary is that the Bamboo Grove gets busier as the day goes on!
Start at the Bamboo Grove Early If Avoiding Crowds Is Your Priority
Start at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove when it is your highest-priority attraction and you can arrive early. The word “early” is important. The grove is one of Kyoto’s best-known photo locations, and the wider Arashiyama area receives heavy visitor traffic. Kyoto’s tourism resources even provide congestion information for Saga-Arashiyama and the Bamboo Forest area. Arriving early gives you the best chance of walking through before the pathway becomes too packed.
After the grove, you can continue toward Gio-ji, Saga-Toriimoto and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. You would then need to return toward central Arashiyama before crossing the bridge to the Monkey Park. This is essentially the route we followed. It allowed us to experience the Bamboo Grove earlier, but it also created the most backtracking and placed the hardest physical stop at the end of our day.
The Route We Took
Our route was:
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Gio-ji → Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street → Otagi Nenbutsu-ji → Togetsukyo Bridge → Arashiyama Monkey Park
We enjoyed almost every part of it. The walk toward Gio-ji and through Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street was one of our favorite experiences of the entire Japan trip. However, after reaching the outer part of the district, we had to return toward central Arashiyama before continuing to the Monkey Park. That meant walking a significant distance before even beginning the park’s uphill trail.
What We Would Change
Next time, we would choose one of two routes. For the fullest sightseeing day, we would take a bus or taxi to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and work our way back toward central Arashiyama and the monkey park. If the monkeys were a top priority, we would visit the Monkey Park first and then cross the bridge toward the Bamboo Grove and temples. We would not walk from Central Arashiyama to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and back, and would instead take transit to save our feet/legs for the hike to the monkey park.
Conclusion:
Visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day is the perfect half day Arashiyama itinerary, and the starting point for an amazing full day itinerary. If you want to explore more of Arashiyama, we recommend adding in nearby temples, preserved streets, and maybe even a sightseeing boat or train ride. Our favorite parts of Arashiyama were the slower moments, away from crowds, like walking through the green hillside between the Gio-ji moss temple and Otagi Nenbusu-ji. These quiet moments let us take in the landscapes that make Arashiyama so special, and made us fall in love with the area. While we still think the Bamboo forest, and monkey park are worth visiting, so are the less visited areas of Arashiyama!
Is Visiting the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in One Day Worth It?
Yes, visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in one day is absolutely doable, and we think the two attractions work well together. If those are your main priorities, they can make a great half-day Arashiyama itinerary. If you have a full day, however, there is plenty of time to add temples, preserved streets, food stops or another activity along the way.
The biggest thing we learned from our day was that how you plan your route matters just as much as what you choose to visit. Arashiyama is more spread out than it appears on a map, and our route left us doing more backtracking and walking than necessary before ending with the steep hike to the Monkey Park. Starting farther out and working toward central Arashiyama, or visiting the Monkey Park earlier in the day, could make the same itinerary much easier.
Between the two famous attractions, we preferred the Monkey Park because it felt like a longer and more interactive experience, although we still think the Bamboo Forest is worth seeing at least once. Just keep your expectations realistic: the Bamboo Grove is smaller and busier than it may appear online, while the Monkey Park requires a fairly strenuous uphill walk.
If you have extra time, do not rush out of Arashiyama after seeing those two attractions. Some of our favorite moments came from the quieter areas between them, including Gio-ji, Saga-Toriimoto and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. The Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park may be what bring most visitors to Arashiyama, but planning a little extra time around them can turn a simple half-day visit into one of the most memorable days of your Kyoto trip.