Full Day Kyoto Walk in Fushimi, Arashiyama, Monkey, and Kinkakuji

Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty come alive on the Full Day Kyoto Walk. Visitors embark on an immersive journey through some of the city’s most iconic sites, from the striking vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha to the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, they’ll encounter playful monkeys, discover the grandeur of Kinkakuji, and gain insights from a knowledgeable local guide. This captivating experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to deeply connect with Kyoto’s timeless wonders.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour covering the highlights of Kyoto, including Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, and Kinkakuji (Golden Temple).
• The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with a bilingual local guide leading a maximum group of 12 travelers.
• Entrance tickets and lunch are included, with comfortable shoes and a reasonable physical condition required for the Monkey Park hike.
• The tour features immersive cultural experiences, such as exploring Fushimi’s sake district and visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Tenryuji Temple.
• Guests must arrive 15 minutes early, and a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to proceed.

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day Kyoto Walk covers the highlights of Fushimi, Arashiyama, Monkey Park, and Kinkakuji (Golden Temple), lasting approximately 8 hours.

The tour is led by a bilingual local guide and has a maximum group size of 12 travelers. Entrance tickets to Tenryuji Temple, Monkey Park, and Golden Temple are included, along with a souvenir photo download.

Lunch is provided, though the specific food and drinks are unspecified. Transportation isn’t included, but the guide recommends using a Suica or ICOCA card for trains and buses.

The tour starts at the Kitsunezo statue near JR Inari Station and ends at Kyoto Station.

Meeting and Participation Guidelines

Guests are expected to arrive 15 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure time. Late arrivals won’t be accommodated.

A minimum of 2 guests is required for the tour to proceed; single bookings may be canceled with notification for rescheduling or full refund.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. Most travelers can participate, though it’s not recommended for those with leg or knee issues.

The tour includes a short hike to Monkey Park, so comfortable shoes and reasonable physical condition are required.

Guests not visiting the Monkey Park will have free time in Arashiyama with a designated meeting time.

Activities and Expectations

The tour includes a short hike of 15-20 minutes to the Monkey Park, so comfortable shoes and reasonable physical condition are required.

Guests not visiting the Monkey Park will have free time in Arashiyama with a designated meeting time.

The tour is a walking tour using public transportation, not a bus tour. This means you will be responsible for navigating public transit on their own.

However, the bilingual local guide is included to provide assistance and insights throughout the day’s activities.

Exploring Fushimi

The Fushimi district of Kyoto is steeped in history and cultural significance. It is home to the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, known for its striking vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Visitors can explore the serene pathways, admire the intricate architecture, and encounter the resident foxes, considered messengers of the Shinto deity Inari.

Highlights	Duration	Difficulty
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine	1-2 hours	Easy
Fushimi Sake District	1 hour	Moderate
Tofukuji Temple	1 hour	Moderate

The tour will guide guests through the highlights of Fushimi, providing an immersive experience in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Discovering Arashiyama

After exploring the historic Fushimi district, guests venture to the serene and scenic Arashiyama area on the western outskirts of Kyoto.

Known for its bamboo groves, Arashiyama offers a peaceful respite from the city. Guests wander along the Katsura River, taking in views of the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

They may visit Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire its stunning gardens.

Afterward, guests have free time to explore Arashiyama’s charming shops and restaurants at their own pace before reuniting with the group.

The tranquil atmosphere of Arashiyama provides a delightful contrast to the earlier bustling Fushimi district.

Visiting the Monkey Park

From Arashiyama, the group now makes its way to the famous Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Located atop a hill, the park offers stunning views of Kyoto and a chance to interact with Japan’s famous snow monkeys. Visitors must hike 15-20 minutes to reach the park’s entrance.

Once there, they can observe the monkeys freely roaming and playing. Guests are cautioned not to feed the monkeys and to keep a safe distance.

After spending time observing the monkeys, the group will reconvene to continue the walking tour to the iconic Kinkakuji, or Golden Temple.

Marveling at the Golden Temple

Departing the Monkey Park, the group now makes its way to the iconic Kinkakuji, or Golden Temple.

This stunning Zen temple is covered in gold leaf, reflecting the sun’s rays and creating a mesmerizing glow. The temple’s pavilion sits atop a pond, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Guests wander the grounds, admiring the beautiful architecture and gardens.

The guide provides insightful commentary on the temple’s history and significance. After exploring Kinkakuji, the group moves on, having witnessed one of Kyoto’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.

Transportation and Communication

The tour now moves on to the transportation and communication aspects of the experience.

Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point at the Kitsunezo statue near the JR Inari train station. The guide recommends using a Suica or ICOCA card for easy access to trains and buses around Kyoto.

During the tour, the guide will contact guests via WhatsApp, so travelers should download the app for seamless communication.

The tour is a walking tour, not a bus tour, and guests will rely on public transportation to navigate the different sites across Kyoto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes lunch, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. However, the guide may recommend stopping at local eateries during the tour for an authentic culinary experience.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Planned During the Tour?

The tour includes planned restroom breaks at various points throughout the day. Guests can expect to have opportunities to use restroom facilities during the tour’s duration, though the specific timing may vary depending on the itinerary.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary for Our Group?

The tour itinerary is fixed, but guests can customize their experience by opting out of the Monkey Park hike and having free time in Arashiyama instead. The overall tour duration and inclusions remain the same.

Can We Book a Private Tour for Our Family/Group?

Yes, you can book a private tour for your family or group. The tour operator offers a private tour option with a customizable itinerary, allowing you to create a more personalized experience. Simply contact them to inquire about availability and pricing for a private tour.

Will the Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants or Shops?

The guide will likely provide recommendations for local restaurants and shops along the tour route, as they have insider knowledge of the area. However, specific dining or shopping recommendations are not guaranteed as part of the tour.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Kyoto Walk offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s iconic sites. From the striking vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha to the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. With a knowledgeable local guide, guests can interact with nature and marvel at the breathtaking Kinkakuji, creating an unforgettable adventure.