- Japan›
- Kyoto›
- Tours›
- Off the Beaten Path›
- Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for many torii gates like an orange tunnel. But most tourists just visit only the entrance. I would like to show you the deep inside of Fushimi Inari Shrine through tunnel and take you to the top of mountain. From Inari mountain, we will walk a part of “Higashiyama Trail” hiking course, then we will visit the family temple of imperial house and Sanjusangen-do temple.
Koichi W.
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto Station
JR Kyoto Station
Meet you at JR Kyoto Station
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine
First, we will visit Fushimi-Inari Shrine which is famous for many orange gates called Torii. Torii literally means that your wishes will be granted. Let's go there and wish for something.
Top of Mt. Inari ( Hight is 233 meters above sea level)
We are climbing up to the top of Mt.Inari walking through many Torii gates just like an orange tunnel. You may feel a strange atmosphere in the sacred mountain.
Trekking In Higashiyama(Eastern Mountains) from Mt.Inari to Sennyuji Temple
Let's enjoy trekking on the mountain path and historical street. You can enjoy panoramic views from the path.
Sennyuji Temple, which is the family temple of the Emperor
It can be said that Sennyuji Temple is not so well known temple even among Japanese people, but I think It is the one of hidden gems in Kyoto. Because this temple has been family temple of the emperors and their families since olden times.You can see some beautiful wooden buildings with chrysanthemum crests on the ground.
Sanjusangen-do temple
After having lunch, we are going to Sanjusangen-do temple. This temple is very famous for many statues of Kanon Bodhisattva, deity of mercy. It houses 1001 life-sized statues of Kanon and one main image, originally constructed in Heian period( 12th century). It's also famous for Japan's major archery contest.
JR Kyoto station
See you off at Sanjusangen-do temple or Kyoto station
Ending Point
JR Kyoto Station
What to Expect
This tour is a walking tour, but not so tough. It includes Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most popular tourist’s destination and the top of Inari Mountain. Walking under the thousands of Torii gates, we will enter the sacred world of Mt. Inari where the deity came to earth.
Sennyuji temple might be a lesser known place even for Japanese people, but this temple is very venerable because it has been worshiped by aristocrats and imperial house for a long time. I will take you to old mausoleums of the emperor and aristocrats in confidence.
At Sanjusangen-do temple you may be mesmerized by the 1001 statues of Kanon Bodhisattva and guardian deities from India in the old wooden hall. It’s also well known as a venue for the famous Japanese Archery contest called "Toshiya". My ancestor "Daihahiro WASA", he is a record holder of the contest. I will show you the evidence of it at the temple!!
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
-My services as your Tour Guide
-My transportation fare
* This tour might be extended due to various circumstances such as weather conditions etc. In such case, I would NOT charge any extra guide fee.
-Transportation fare (150JPY for JR from Kyoto Sta. to Inari Sta.)
-"Bento" Boxed Lunch,drinks, and snacks
-Entrance fees (Sennyuji(500JPY) temple and Sanjusangendo(600JPY) temple)
-Personal expenses
-Taxi fare from Sanjusangen-do temle to JR Kyoto Station: around 1,000 JPY (if needed)
*It takes you about 20 minutes to walk to Kyoto Station.
Important Information
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
You are going to walk in Inari Mountain area for about three hours. So I recommend you should wear sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a rain wear or umbrella in case of shower, and also bring some water and snacks to appease your thirst and hunger temporarily.
You can have Obento lunch (Boxed lunch) in the Inariyama mountain if you like. Some good Obento and bottles of drink are sold at Kyoto station.
In case of rain, I would like to take you to Fushimi Inari shrine (the main hall and a part of orange tunnel ), Tofukuji big Zen temple, Sennyuji, and Sanjusangen-do by train, bus or taxi.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Reviews
Hoang P.
“ Nara - bowing deer ”
The tour with Koichi wasn't just informative, it was interactive. He encouraged questions, patiently explaining even the most obscure details. His positive attitude and ability to tailor the experience to our interests was characteristic we looked for. When we mentioned a fascination with Buddhist art, he pointed out hidden treasures within the Great Buddha Hall that most tourists miss. Buddha hands was positioned in the form of “have no fear” on the right hand, and “wishes are granted” with the left. Koichi pointed out pillar inside the Great Buddha Hall has a hole the size of the Buddha statue's nostril carved in the bottom. Of course I tried to crawl through the whole and was able to make it. Koichi was happy that I came out on the other side. But perhaps Koichi's greatest strength was his genuine warmth. He treated us not just as tourists, but as guests eager to discover Nara's hidden gems. He helped us navigate the bustling crowds at the park, ensuring we had ample time to interact with the friendly deer. Also, don’t forget to by buy dear feed for bowing deer of Nara. In Osaka Castle, we witnessed the museum of fierce battles between Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans which last for couple of decades. We concluded the trip in Dotonbori Foodies Town where Koichi showed us his friend and treated us the local beer Prepare to be amazed with the guidance of Koichi in Nara and Osaka!
Koichi W.
Hi! I am very grateful for your wonderful review. I will always remember how much fun I had spending my days with you. I don't know if I was able to answer all of your questions properly, but your enthusiasm and curiosity have given me even more motivation. Thanks again. Arigato-gozaimasu! Koichi
Hoang P.
“ Kyoto - Unforgettable ”
Koichi was a fantastic guide who made our Kyoto adventure unforgettable. Kyoto is the first destination of our there day tours. He met us at the hotel with a smile, warm personality, enthusiasm and ready to navigate us to various famous places in Kyoto. Koichi wasn't just knowledgeable about the historical sites, he brought them to life with vivid stories and sketches. He could answer every question from us, from the complexities of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and its famous for many orange color gates like a tunnel to Sanjusangendo Temple architecture and its famous for 1001 statues of Kannon and the venue of archery contest. He rewarded us when we could locate the missing arrow from the archery completion. We walked around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, former palace of the Emperor of Japan and imagined the Imperial life in 17th century . At Kinkakuji Golden Temple, we were overwhelming with its magnificent beauty from different angle and ray of lights. He did not forget to take us to an authentic ramen on the way to the transfer station. This ramen place so particularly tasty that our family voted the best ramen for the whole trip in Japan. If you look for tour guide to accommodate your schedule or tailor the Itinerary to your interests, Koichi is the one. His expertise, passion, and genuine care made our Kyoto trip exceptional. If you're looking for a guide who goes beyond the typical tourist route and creates a truly personalized experience, then book Koichi!
Koichi W.
Thank you very much for your heartwarming review and comments. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. This time we walked together through the main tourist attractions, but if you have a chance, let's go around the lesser known places, the real Japan. It is also fun to have a chance to interact with the local people. Koichi
Hoang P.
“ Hiroshima - hopeful message of peace ”
Koichi's knowledge of Hiroshima area and the Atomic Bomb Dome was profound. He presented the history with sensitivity and respect, ensuring we understood the impact of the event while fostering a hopeful message of peace. The tour through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum was a moving experience through dark pages of history. But the day wasn't solely focused on the past. Koichi take us to Miyajima Island via a ferry. We could walk all the way to the foot of a giant, orange Great Torii Gate. We wished we could stay overnight to see its breathtaking beauty when it was submerged at high tide. Standing before the majestic Itsukushima Shrine, we learned about its history and significance in Shinto religion. He even pointed out hidden details and lesser-known facts, enriching the entire experience. We never forgot the taste and flavor of fresh oysters thank to Koichi recommended “must try” one of the best oysters in the regions. On the way back from Hiroshima to Kyoto on a shinkansen, we learned the history of sake making and were treated by Koichi a cup of sake to complete the whole experience. We left Hiroshima with a deeper understanding of its history, a newfound appreciation for peace, and a heart full of wonder for Miyajima's beauty. If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, I cannot recommend Koichi highly enough. He is a true expert, a compassionate guide, and an inspiration.
Koichi W.
Thank you again for your wonderful review. I remember the days I spent with you and your family. I am also grateful that I was able to be with you in Hiroshima. I would like to keep in mind the happiness of being able to walk with people like you in this way. I hope that people around the world will continue to live in harmony and that a peaceful world will spread without violence.
Nadia B.
“ Highlight of our visit to Kyoto ”
We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to ANYONE who wants to do a tour of Kyoto. Our guide Koichi san was super friendly, helpful, communicative and extremely knowledgeable. He picked us up from our hotel and accommodated our needs. He showed us the highlights of Kyoto and hidden local places. We brought back many fond memories of him and the city. Highly recommend!
Koichi W.
Hi! Nadia san, Thank you for giving me such a nice reviw. I am very happy to have had a great time with you and your lovely family members. I hope you visit Kyoto again if you have a chance, even thoughI was only with you for a short time. There are some hidden attractions such as wading the Kamo River, so let's try again.