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

Kyoto, starting early at Fushimi Inari

Shrine gates, temple halls and a market street with 400 years behind it, timed to stay ahead of the busiest hours where we can. Up to six people, by train, bus and on foot.

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LengthsHalf day · Full day · Two days
GroupPrivate, up to 6 guests
LanguageEnglish (Japanese on request)
Meeting pointJR Inari Station for tours that start at Fushimi Inari. Kyoto Station for the half day.
Overview

Timing matters in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha is right outside JR Inari Station. It never closes and entry is free. The full loop over the mountain is about 4 km and takes around two hours. On shorter tours we walk up through the gates part of the way and turn back.

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

Nijo Castle saw both ends of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was built in 1603, and in 1867 the return of power to the emperor was announced there.

Highlights

  • Walk through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari, which dates its founding to 711
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera, founded in 778
  • Walk the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle, a National Treasure
  • Try food shop by shop along Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen for 400 years
  • Reach the Arashiyama bamboo grove around 8 am (two days)
Routes

Pick the length that suits your day

Half day (3 to 4 hours)

Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera, the walk towards Gion, then Nishiki Market.

  1. City bus to Gojozakaroute 206 or 100 from Kyoto Station, then 10 minutes on foot.
  2. Kiyomizu-derafounded in 778, open from 6 am.
  3. Towards Gionon foot through the old streets.
  4. Nishiki Market390 metres of food shops.

We finish around Shijo.

Full day (7 to 8 hours)

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

  1. Fushimi Inarifirst thing, before the crowds build.
  2. Kiyomizu-dera, then yudofu for lunchsimmered tofu, a dish said to have started at the tea houses by Nanzen-ji.
  3. Nijo Castleby subway, with the Ninomaru Palace indoors.
  4. Nishiki Marketto finish near Shijo.

Two days

Day one is the full-day route. Day two goes west and north.

  1. Day 1Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market.
  2. Day 2the Arashiyama bamboo grove around 8 am, the garden at Tenryu-ji, then across town to Kinkaku-ji, which burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955.

Or pair one day in Kyoto with one day in Osaka.

Photos

Kyoto through my lens

Details

Before you book

Included

  • Sho as your private guide for the length you book, in English (or Japanese, if you prefer)
  • A route planned for your group before the day
  • Food stops checked ahead for any allergies you tell me about

Not included

  • City bus (230 yen a ride) and subway fares
  • Temple and castle entry: Kiyomizu-dera, Tenryu-ji garden (500 yen), Kinkaku-ji (500 yen), Nijo Castle with the Ninomaru Palace (1,300 yen)
  • Food and drinks

Good to know

  • Nishiki Market asks people not to eat while walking. We eat inside each shop or just in front of it.
  • The full Fushimi Inari mountain loop is about 4 km and two hours on foot. If you want to do all of it, tell me and I'll give it a longer slot.
  • Rain plan: Nijo Castle's Ninomaru Palace and the halls at Tenryu-ji are indoors.
  • I look after the day itself. Train tickets, hotels and any entry tickets you want to book ahead are yours to arrange. I'll tell you exactly where and when to meet me.
  • We get around by train, bus and on foot, the same way people here do. I don't drive guests, and I'll show you how the ticket machines work as we go.
Your guide

I'm Sho, and I'll be your guide

Sho, your guide

In January 2011, in my last year of junior high, I left Japan for Brisbane. I stayed until I'd finished university in March 2020. That's nine years of Australian school, uni and part-time jobs.

I speak English and Japanese without any trouble, and I don't get shy around people from other cultures. What I care about most on the day is simple: that you're having a good time.

I'm based in Yokohama. I've been photographing planes since 2009. Since moving back to Japan in 2020, photography has taken me to airports and towns all over the country. Every area I guide is somewhere I've been myself.

I have a serious kiwi fruit allergy (anaphylaxis) and react to some fruit in the rose family. So I check our food stops with the restaurants before the day. If there's anything you can't eat, tell me when you first get in touch.

  • Nine years in Brisbane, from junior high to the end of university
  • Comfortable in English and Japanese
  • Has been to every area on this site
  • Checks food stops ahead of the day
Pricing

Quotes in six currencies

Free quote

Quotes are provided in USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, GBP or EUR, so you can skip the hassle of currency conversion. Other currencies are quoted in USD. Each quote covers your whole group of up to six people. When you send an enquiry, please include your preferred dates and the kinds of experiences you'd like.

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, group size and anything you can't eat. I'll send a route and a free quote.

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More places I can take you

AsakusaShibuyaShinjukuYokohamaKamakura, Shonan & EnoshimaHakoneMt Fuji areaAtamiShimodaOsakaKanazawaFukuoka, Dazaifu & YufuinHaneda AirportKansai's three airportsSapporo

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