Kyoto Guided Walking Tour: Secret Zen Garden and Fushimi Inari
Description
- Visit deeper in both famous and hidden spiritual sites in one tour. - Walk through the iconic thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. - Experience an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Zen temple. - Learn about Zen philosophy, meditation, and traditional garden design. - Enjoy unique photo spots without the usual crowds. - Travel in a small group for a calm, intimate experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This wooden bridge gracefully spans a lush valley, offering a mesmerizing view of the Tsutenkyo Bridge and the vibrant sea of maple trees below.
One of Kyoto’s most significant Zen temples founded in the 13th century, offeing visitors a tranquil retreat filled with cultural and natural wonders.
A serene retreat known for its breathtaking Zen garden and peaceful atmosphere. This lesser-known sub-temple offers visitors a chance to experience Kyoto’s spiritual beauty without the crowds.
Many visitors come to Araki Shrine to pray for love, strong relationships, and general well-being, making it a meaningful stop for couples or those seeking guidance.
Located along the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine trail, Yotsuji (Four-Way Crossroad) is a must-visit viewpoint where travelers can take a break and admire one of Kyoto’s most scenic panoramas. As you ascend through the iconic vermillion torii gates, this peaceful rest stop offers breathtaking views of Kyoto city below.
Kumataka Shrine is a secluded and mystical site believed to be a place of strong spiritual energy. This lesser-known shrine is a peaceful retreat away from the busy torii gate paths, offering a unique glimpse into the deeper, more mystical side of Mount Inari.
Located within the Fushimi Inari Shrine complex, Nosatsusho is a special place where visitors can obtain sacred ofuda (amulets), omamori (charms), and goshuin (shrine stamps). This is the heart of the shrine’s spiritual blessings, offering various protective items connected to the god Inari, known for bringing prosperity, success, and safety.
One of Japan’s most iconic sights, Senbon Torii (literally "Thousand Torii Gates") is the mesmerizing pathway at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vivid vermillion torii gates create a mystical tunnel leading up Mount Inari. This breathtaking corridor is a symbol of prosperity and devotion, as each torii gate was donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings from the god Inari.
The Main Shrine (or Hon-den) serves as a place for worship. While the shrine’s famous Senbon Torii gates and fox statues steal the spotlight, the Main Shrine offers a quieter, more intimate setting where visitors can connect deeply with the spiritual essence of the shrine.
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
- A moderate amount of walking and hiking are involved. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- The tour will take place rain or shine.
Reviews(18)
Higashimori was full of information, pleasant to be with and very considerate of our level of comfort as well as enjoyment. We were very happy and highly recommend him and Japan Wonder Travel
We had an incredible experience! My boyfriend and I enjoyed our tour with Kenta, our tour guide. Our Pros for this tour and tour guide... 1. Walked at our pace (lots of walking uphill) 2. Flexible with how much time we wanted to spend at each site 3. Open to questions about sites we were exploring and answering questions about japanese language and etiquette. Tour guide very knowledgeable of the symbolism of each site. 4. A complete opposite and welcoming experience to enjoy slower life and nature landscapes as opposed to busy city life found in Tokyo 5. Atmosphere: majestic and serene 6. Not that busy in terms of tourists. There were tourists but not enough to distract from the experience of enjoying the sites. Things to consider as a traveler for this tour ... 1. Drink water and buy more when passing vending machines 2. There are mosquitos so have repellant 3. Comfortable shoes, lots of walking I would do this tour again with family or book another one with Kenta if the option to choose our tour guide was possible.
We are profoundly grateful for your exceptionally detailed and thoughtful feedback regarding your recent cultural immersion. It is incredibly rewarding to learn that your exploration with Kenta was such a truly remarkable experience. We are particularly pleased that his attentiveness, flexible pacing, and profound grasp of cultural and symbolic nuances significantly enriched your journey. His ability to create a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere amidst majestic and serene natural settings, providing a tranquil contrast to urban life, clearly resonated deeply. We are also delighted that the comfortable level of visitors allowed for an undisturbed appreciation of the sites, enhancing the overall tranquility. Your comprehensive insights into the experience are invaluable. Kenta will be absolutely thrilled to receive your glowing commendation, especially your desire to tour with him again. We will certainly convey your wonderful remarks directly to him. We are deeply grateful for your strong recommendation and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan for another enriching exploration.
My partner and I loved the tour! Our guide, Mika, gave us a great tour of temples, gardens, tourist areas and amazing views of the city. Filling us with super interesting and valuable data that made us connect in an even deeper and more special way with Kyoto and Japanese culture. We really appreciated how prepared Mika was going with pictures and timelines that helped us better understand the history of the amazing places we met. Something of note was also their willingness to answer our doubts and to develop further on certain issues. Very grateful and happy for all we learned.
That's wonderful to hear! We're delighted that you and your partner loved the tour and that Mika provided such a great experience, showing you temples, gardens, tourist areas, and incredible views. We're especially glad you appreciated her preparation with images and timelines, and her willingness to answer your questions and elaborate on topics. We will certainly pass on your appreciation to Mika. Thank you for sharing your feedback! We hope to welcome you back for more delightful experiences in the future. --------------------------------------------- ¡Qué bueno saberlo! Nos alegra mucho que a ti y a tu pareja les haya encantado el tour y que Mika les haya brindado una experiencia tan fantástica, mostrándoles templos, jardines, zonas turísticas y vistas increíbles. Nos alegra especialmente que hayan apreciado su preparación con imágenes y cronogramas, y su disposición para responder a sus preguntas y profundizar en los temas. Sin duda, le haremos llegar su agradecimiento a Mika. ¡Gracias por compartir sus comentarios! Esperamos darles la bienvenida de nuevo para disfrutar de más experiencias maravillosas en el futuro.
I recently took a guided tour to two of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks—Fushimi Inari Shrine and Fuhuji Temple—and it was a truly remarkable experience. The tour was well-paced, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning sites without feeling rushed. Our guide, Mika, was fantastic. She made the experience even more enjoyable with her deep knowledge of the temples’ history and her engaging storytelling. At Fushimi Inari, walking through the mesmerizing torii gates was magical, and Mika explained the cultural significance behind them in such a way that made the visit even more meaningful. We also visited Fuhuji Temple, where Mika’s insightful guidance brought the rich history and serene atmosphere of the temple to life. The peaceful surroundings were the perfect contrast to the energetic vibe at Fushimi Inari. Spending about four to five hours on this tour was just the right amount of time. It felt like a deep dive into Kyoto’s spiritual heritage, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Mika. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to explore Kyoto’s temples in a more personal and enriching way
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you by Mika！ We are also very happy to know that you felt spending about four to five hours on this tour was just the right amount of time. We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
The guide was amazing --- She explained everything so it was easy to understand and was great when we asked her questions about the history. Her route was full of interesting places and the beautiful secret garden was so relaxing. She really made it a Morning to remember.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you！ We're also happy to hear you really made it a Morning to remember. We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
This was a great tour to avoid crowds and peacefully enjoy Fushimi Inari. We went through a lesser-known path that created a peaceful experience. I liked how our guide spoke excellent English and took the time to explain the historical periods of Kyoto and why it is such a beautiful and traditional place in Japan. I also had a lot of fun with the guide Mika san—friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. Highly recommended if you're looking for a meaningful and relaxed way to explore one of Kyoto's most popular sites.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you！ We're also happy to hear Mika was knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
Our tour guide, Mika, took us on a captivating journey that blended natural beauty with rich cultural insights. We began at Tofuku-ji Temple, where we were treated to the stunning sight of lush green maple leaves. Mika explained the history and architectural features of this renowned Zen temple, deepening our appreciation of its tranquil atmosphere. Next, we visited the serene Komyo-in Temple, known for its peaceful Zen garden. I particularly enjoyed the rock garden, accompanied by the soothing sounds of birdsong. Mika shared more about Zen philosophy and even guided us in spotting hidden shapes within the building—a fun and thoughtful experience. We then made our way to the back paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine, where Mika introduced us to the unique customs of Shintoism and taught us the proper way to offer prayers. As we hiked halfway up the mountain, we were rewarded with sweeping views of the landscape below. On our descent, we passed through the iconic path lined with thousands of Torii gates, a breathtaking and unforgettable sight. Mika’s deep knowledge and familiarity with the area—like it was her own backyard—truly enriched the experience. It was a thoroughly enjoyable four-hour walk, full of beauty, learning, and memories to cherish.
It is with genuine delight that we received your insightful account of your recent exploration. We are so pleased that Mika expertly guided you through a journey harmonizing stunning natural scenery with rich cultural insights. It truly resonates that the verdant maple leaves at Tofuku-ji Temple and Mika's explanations of its history and architecture deepened your appreciation for its tranquil ambiance. Discovering the peaceful Zen garden at Komyo-in, savoring the calming birdsong within the rock garden, and learning about Zen philosophy, along with the delightful activity of spotting hidden shapes, clearly enhanced your visit. We are also thrilled that your trek through the less-trodden paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you learned about Shinto customs and proper ceremonial gestures, led to panoramic vistas from the mountain's elevation. Descending through the truly awe-inspiring vista of countless torii gates must have been a magnificent and unforgettable sight. Mika's profound expertise and intimate understanding of the area undoubtedly enriched every moment of your four-hour walk, making it rich with aesthetic pleasure, profound insights, and cherished recollections. We will certainly convey your extraordinary commendation to Mika; such praise will undoubtedly be a tremendous source of encouragement for her. We are profoundly appreciative of you taking the time to share such a vivid and detailed reflection. We sincerely hope your journeys will lead you back to Japan soon for another enriching experience.
It was my first time joining a tour like this, and it was a fantastic experience! A local tour guide was quite experienced. Worth trying!
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you ！ We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
Very nice walk, the temples are not crowded. The guide, Mika is very professional, she’s making her own notes so it’s very easy to understand and remember. She knew very well how to avoid the crowd which is very important.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you ！ We are also very happy to know that you felt Mika is very professional! We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
Naomi our tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Definitely recommended!
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear it was great tour experience for you by Naom,i！ We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.
