Photo by Sho: Byodo-in, Uji
Kyoto · Private tours

Kyoto, timed around the crowds

Kyoto rewards an early start. Here's what I'd show you, and when.

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Fushimi Inari TaishaKiyomizu-deraNijo CastleNishiki MarketArashiyama bamboo groveTenryu-jiKinkaku-ji
Tour lengths

Choose how long you'd like

One quote per private group of up to six, in USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, GBP or EUR.

Half day

Kiyomizu-dera, the walk towards Gion, and Nishiki Market.

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Full day

Fushimi Inari early, then Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle and the market.

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Two days

The full day, then Arashiyama at 8 am, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji.

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From your guide

What I point out on the way

Sho, your guide

I spent nine years in Brisbane, from junior high to the end of university, and I guide in English or Japanese. I check our food stops with each shop before the day.

Sho's note

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Right outside JR Inari Station. It never closes and entry is free. The full mountain loop is about 4 km and two hours.

Sho's note

Nishiki Market

390 metres of food shops with 400 years behind them. Eating while walking isn't allowed, so we eat in or just in front of each shop.

Sho's note

Kinkaku-ji

It burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. About 200,000 sheets of Kanazawa gold leaf went into it.

Kyoto City has asked visitors to spread out around Fushimi Inari because of crowding, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove is quietest around 8 am. I set start times with that in mind.

Nijo Castle was built in 1603, and in 1867 the return of power to the emperor was announced there.

Photos

Kyoto through my lens

A large vermilion torii over the wide approach at Fushimi Inari Taisha, with more torii in the distance.
A large vermilion torii over the wide approach at Fushimi Inari Taisha, with more torii in the distance.
The Niomon gate of Kiyomizu-dera at the top of its stone steps, with the sun behind it.
The Niomon gate of Kiyomizu-dera at the top of its stone steps, with the sun behind it.
The vermilion three-storey pagoda of Kiyomizu-dera against a deep blue sky.
The vermilion three-storey pagoda of Kiyomizu-dera against a deep blue sky.
The five-storey Yasaka Pagoda at the end of a narrow lane of old wooden houses, early in the morning.
The five-storey Yasaka Pagoda at the end of a narrow lane of old wooden houses, early in the morning.
The orange-red west gate of Yasaka Shrine at the top of its stone steps.
The orange-red west gate of Yasaka Shrine at the top of its stone steps.
The raked gravel rock garden at Ryoan-ji, with red and green autumn trees behind its earthen wall.
The raked gravel rock garden at Ryoan-ji, with red and green autumn trees behind its earthen wall.
FAQ

Questions people ask

How early can we start at Fushimi Inari?

The shrine never closes, so as early as you like. I'll suggest a time when we plan the day.

Is Kinkaku-ji on the one-day route?

No, the full day is already busy. It's on day two, after Arashiyama.

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Planning your days in Kyoto

Tell me your dates, how many of you there are and anything you can't eat. I'll send back a route and a free quote.

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