Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world. But beyond the crowds, there’s a hidden gem – a 3-hour hiking tour that takes you through the shrine’s serene trails and offers breathtaking views. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this small-group experience promises a truly immersive exploration of the shrine’s natural surroundings, away from the typical tourist spots. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a peaceful respite from the bustling city, this tour may just be the perfect way to uncover the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s lesser-known wonders.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Hour Tours and Experiences in Kyoto.

Key Points

• This 3-hour small-group tour offers a personalized experience exploring the hidden trails and scenic viewpoints of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
• The tour includes a visit to the renowned Tofukuji Temple, allowing visitors to admire its impressive architecture and gardens.
• Participants will navigate through lush greenery to reach a serene bamboo forest, experiencing the cultural significance of this iconic plant.
• The tour provides opportunities to capture breathtaking photos in both popular spots and uncharted areas of the shrine.
• The small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

About the Tour

This 3-hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the iconic shrine’s hidden trails, away from the typical crowds.

Priced at $59.72 per person, this small-group tour is limited to just 9 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

Along the way, hikers will discover a hidden bamboo grove, take photos in popular spots and uncharted areas, and enjoy the natural surroundings. The tour includes a local guide and photos during the experience.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 8 or those with mobility issues, so travelers should keep this in mind when booking.

Highlights of the Tour

Throughout the captivating 3-hour excursion, you will have the chance to explore a hidden trail away from the typical crowds, uncovering a serene bamboo grove and capturing breathtaking photos in both popular spots and unexplored areas.

The small-group setting allows for a personalized immersion within the natural surroundings of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Hikers will be treated to stunning views from carefully selected viewpoints and have the opportunity to fully enjoy the peaceful, natural ambiance of the shrine’s hidden gems.

This guided tour provides a truly unique and memorable experience, offering participants a chance to discover the lesser-known facets of one of Kyoto’s most renowned landmarks.

Itinerary Overview

The tour begins at the FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji, where you will first visit the Tofukuji Temple for around 10 minutes.

Then, the group will explore a hidden gem for 40 minutes, discovering a serene and less-crowded area.

After that, the tour will take the hikers to various viewpoints, allowing them to spend about 1 hour and 45 minutes admiring the stunning vistas and taking photos in both popular spots and uncharted areas.

Visiting Tofukuji Temple

At the start of the tour, you will make a brief stop at the Tofukuji Temple, where they’ll spend around 10 minutes exploring the iconic Buddhist site and its stunning architecture.

Tofukuji is one of Kyoto’s most renowned temples, known for its impressive main gate and beautiful gardens. Guests will have the chance to wander the temple grounds, admire the intricate details of the buildings, and perhaps even spot some of the resident monks going about their daily routines.

This initial temple visit sets the stage for the rest of the tour, allowing participants to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto before venturing onto the hidden hiking trails.

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Exploring the Hidden Gem

After the brief visit to Tofukuji Temple, the tour group embarks on the hidden trail, eager to discover the enchanting bamboo grove that lies ahead.

Led by the knowledgeable guide, they navigate through the lush greenery, leaving the crowds behind.

The group is awestruck as they reach the hidden gem – a serene bamboo forest, its towering stalks swaying gently in the breeze.

The guide points out the unique features of the bamboo, sharing insights into its cultural significance.

Visitors are encouraged to wander and capture the ethereal atmosphere through their camera lenses.

This secluded part of the tour offers a peaceful respite from the busier areas, allowing the group to enjoy Kyoto’s natural beauty.

Discovering Viewpoints

Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

Discovering Viewpoints
From the hidden bamboo grove, the tour group ascends the winding paths, eager to reach the breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of Kyoto.

The guide leads them to strategic locations, pointing out landmarks and sharing insights about the city’s rich history and cultural significance as they take in the sweeping views.

Visitors have ample time to capture the stunning scenery through their cameras, ensuring they can preserve the memories of this enchanting experience.

Along the way, the group stops at several scenic overlooks, each one providing a unique perspective of the city’s iconic shrines, temples, and pagodas, set against the backdrop of the Kyoto mountains.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a local guide who accompanies the group throughout the hike, as well as the opportunity to capture photos during the tour.

However, it doesn’t cover transportation to the starting location or any food and drinks consumed during the experience.

Participants are advised to pack only essential items, as large bags aren’t permitted.

The tour may be canceled in extreme weather conditions, and a full refund is provided with 24-hour advance cancellation.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 or individuals with mobility issues, as the hiking trail can be challenging.

Important Information

This tour’s important information includes the fact that it’s not suitable for children under 8 or individuals with mobility issues, as the hiking trail can be challenging.

Participants are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and to bring only essential items, as large bags aren’t permitted.

The tour may be canceled in extreme weather conditions, but a full refund is provided with 24-hour advance cancellation.

Given the small group size and the need to navigate through natural surroundings, it’s crucial for participants to follow the guide’s instructions and be prepared for an active and immersive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 8 or people with mobility issues, and large bags are also not permitted. The tour is designed for a small group hiking experience.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English only. The tour operator doesn’t offer the hiking tour in other languages. Participants who don’t speak English may want to consider a different sightseeing option or arrange for a private translator to join the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

The tour duration can typically be extended for an additional fee, though it’s best to check with the tour provider directly as policies may vary. They’ll be able to provide specifics on extending the tour and any associated costs.

How Many Breaks Are Scheduled During the Hiking Portion?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention scheduled breaks during the hiking portion. However, the guide is likely to provide opportunities for rest and exploration along the hidden trails and viewpoints, allowing participants to enjoy the natural surroundings at a comfortable pace.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is set and doesn’t offer customization options. However, the small group size allows the guide to accommodate individual needs within the planned activities. Guests can discuss any special requests or requirements when booking the tour.

Recap

The Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the shrine’s hidden trails, capture stunning photos, and take in the serene natural surroundings.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the small-group tour provides a personalized experience, taking visitors through a bamboo grove and to popular and uncharted viewpoints, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

You can check if your dates are available here: