Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)
Description
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most visited landmarks, and most visitors follow the crowded paths of the main shrine. On this private hike, you’ll step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the sacred silence of Mount Inari. • Explore quiet trails beyond the crowds of Fushimi Inari • Learn about Shinto beliefs and Fushimi Inari from your guide • Enjoy complimentary DSLR photographs shared after the tour
Tour Options
Itinerary
On our way up to Mount Inari, we’ll enjoy views of Tofuku-ji, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto.
We’ll pass through vermilion torii gates and wild bamboo groves along serene mountain paths before continuing on to the iconic Senbon Torii Gates and the main shrine.
On our way down to the main shrine, we’ll enjoy scenic views of Fushimi Momoyama Castle from the mountainside.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(39)
My husband and I (both in our mid 60s) had an absolutely wonderful experience and an unforgettable day. Most of the 5-mile hike was off the beaten path so we were happy to have brought our walking sticks. There were few crowds, occasional restrooms and stunning hidden gems.
This experience was absolutely worth both the time and money. We took the tour on a Monday morning and had an exceptional guide named Louis. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared the perfect amount of history and insight to truly help us appreciate the experience. One of the best parts was how well he navigated the crowds and guided us up Inari Mountain through what felt like a hidden hiking path. It made the experience feel much more personal and immersive. The tour lasted about three hours from the meeting point, which was the perfect amount of time — long enough to fully enjoy it, while still leaving us plenty of time to explore the rest of Kyoto afterward. Be prepared for a lot of walking and stairs, but honestly, that only added to the adventure and beauty of it all. Louis truly made the experience memorable, and to top it off, he gifted us the photos he took of us along the way. Such a thoughtful touch. Highly recommend this tour — Louis does not disappoint. Thank you again for an unforgettable experience!
This tour was incredible in so many, many ways. Louis is a knowledgeable guide and exceptional company. This was a cultural hike and a nature hike and an all around beautiful experience. The pacing was perfect considering its rigor and participants in their 60s. It was handy to have hiking poles as there were many steps and places of uneven footing. Bring water and snacks.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous review. I’m truly happy to hear that the hike felt like both a cultural and nature experience. Mount Inari has many quieter paths beyond the main torii gates, and it was a real pleasure sharing that less-traveled side of the mountain with you. I’m also very glad the pace felt comfortable for everyone and that the hiking poles were helpful along the way. Thank you again for choosing Kyoto Essence Tours and for spending your morning on Mount Inari with us. I hope the experience remains a special memory from your time in Kyoto.
We couldn’t recommend this tour more highly. Louis was a fantastic guide - friendly, knowledge and happy to answer our hundreds of questions. This is a really busy area of Kyoto and we managed to avoid a lot of the crowds, taking in some more beautiful and peaceful paths around Mount Inari whilst also experiencing some of the main sights. 10/10.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring Mount Inari with us. It was a pleasure sharing both the quieter hidden paths and the main sights of Fushimi Inari with you. We’re glad you could experience a more peaceful side of the mountain away from some of the crowds. Thank you again for joining Kyoto Essence Tours, and we hope the experience became a memorable part of your time in Kyoto.
It was a wonderful experience and Louis took his time explaining important sites and even took great pictures at the right time and exact spots for great memories. He was very patient and gave us plenty of time to see and enjoy the sites
Thank you very much for your kind review. I’m really glad to hear that you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed both the explanations and the time spent at each site. I also appreciate your kind words about the photos. I always try to choose the right timing and spots so the memories feel just as special afterward. I’m especially happy to hear that the pace felt comfortable and that you had enough time to enjoy each place. Thank you again for joining the tour. I truly appreciate it, and I hope the memories stay with you.
Louis was a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable and interesting
Thank you very much for your kind review. I’m glad you enjoyed the hike through the trails of Mount Inari and found it interesting. It means a lot to hear that. It was a pleasure having you on the hike. I hope your time in Japan stays with you.
Very helpful and extremely informative.
Thank you very much for your review. I’m happy to hear you found the tour helpful and informative. It was great to have you on the walk. Wishing you many good memories from your time in Japan.
A truly excellent hike experience. Louis is very knowledgeable and kindly shares information about the symbolism and history of the Shinto shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Kyoto. This experience isn't just about avoiding the crowds or ticking a box to say, "I've done that", but is an experience that connects nature, people and purpose. I hadn't planned on visiting Fushimi Inari due to its popularity, but I'm so glad I came across this hike experience, it's been one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. Thank you, Louis.
Thank you very much for your kind review. I’m truly glad you enjoyed the hike and chose to visit Fushimi Inari. It’s a place that can feel quite different once you step away from the main paths. It also means a lot to hear that the experience stayed with you beyond the walk itself. I hope the memories of your time in Japan stay with you.
So glad we did this tour! Louis is so kind and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend!! We were able to add on extra destinations as well, which made for a wonderful day of learning!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot. I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and the extra destinations. It was a wonderful day for me as well. I deeply appreciate your recommendation, and I hope the stories and moments from the day will stay with you for a long time.
Louis was a great tour leader on this walking excursion in April 2025. His route allowed us to have a quiet hike through some beautiful places on the way to the bustling peaks and torii passages. Louis explained some of the history and mythology of these sites and was very easy to communicate with both before and during our tour. Part of the group had to split off early to catch a train, and Louis helped with timing and directions to make sure we did not miss it. Highly recommend this tour if you want to view Inari shrine.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. I’m really glad you enjoyed the quieter route through Mount Inari before reaching the more bustling areas and torii passages. It means a lot to hear that the contrast came through. I’m also pleased I could help with the timing and directions for your train, and that everything worked out smoothly for your group. Thank you as well for your kind words about the communication before and during the tour. I truly appreciate it. I hope your time in Japan stays with you.
