Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours 2025: 19 Best Experiences from Temple Walks to Mountain Trails
Kyoto was Japan's capital from 794 to 1872. As the center of politics and culture, Kyoto is home to numerous historic temples and streetscapes that evoke the past, making it a popular tourist destination both domestically and internationally.
Moreover, Kyoto is a city blessed with abundant nature, surrounded by mountains. Rivers flow through the city center, and you can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere in the beautiful gardens of shrines and temples. In such Kyoto city, you can easily enjoy walking and hiking as day trips from the city center. This time, we will introduce the Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours that are held in Kyoto.
Types of Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours
Kyoto, with its rich nature and shrines and temples with over 1,000 years of history, is also a recommended city for enjoying walking and hiking. There are abundant variations, including hiking courses that visit shrines and temples while climbing mountains, and walking tours that explore spots where you can experience shrines, temples, and Japanese culture while strolling through old townscapes.
Main areas for hiking tours enjoying spots where Kyoto's tradition and nature merge:
- Fushimi
- Kurama・Kibune
- Mt.Hiei
Main areas for walking tours that guide you through Kyoto's tourist attractions:
- Arashiyama
- Gion
All Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours are led by local guides who are knowledgeable about Kyoto, so you can enjoy hiking and walking more deeply. From here, we will introduce the details of the tours held in Kyoto in more detail.
*Note: Many of Kyoto's Walking & Hiking Tours visit shrines and temples. Since these are sacred places, please avoid wearing shorts or tank tops when participating in tours. Also, please wear sneakers for safety when participating in hiking tours.
Comparison of Recommended Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours Introduced in This Article
Hiking tours to fully enjoy the Fushimi area
| Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour | Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals | Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | A tour that discovers the hidden charms of Fushimi Inari Shrine through hiking. | A tour where you explore Fushimi Inari's secret hiking routes together with locals. | A private group tour to enjoy exploring the trails and surroundings of Fushimi Inari with a local guide. |
| Features | We'll hike through lesser-known areas of Fushimi Inari that most tourists never see. This tour lets you truly experience the history and nature of Fushimi Inari. |
We'll hike through lesser-known areas of Fushimi Inari that most tourists never see. This tour also lets you savor the cultural and culinary delights of the area. |
Your private group will explore Fushimi Inari's hidden gems while hiking through scenic spots. You can enjoy the trails at your own personal pace. |
| Places to Visit |
• Tofuku-ji temple (pass by) • Hidden Shrines • Bamboo forests • Fushimi Inari Shrine • Scenic overlook of Kyoto city |
• Fushimi Inari Shrine • Bamboo forests • Gate factory • Scenic viewpoint with views of Kyoto's cityscape • Lunch spot (Soba or Udon) |
• Tofuku-ji temple (pass by) • Hidden Shrines • Bamboo forests • Fushimi Inari Shrine |
| Number of Reviews | 1691 | 13 | 131 |
| Rating | 5.0 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Booking Site | Official Site TripAdvisor |
Viator | Viator |
| Estimated Cost (as of August 2025) | $71.93 | $76.20 | $86.59 |
| Recommended For |
• Those who want to enjoy trails with locals and fellow travelers • Those who want to experience the more spiritual side of Fushimi Inari |
• Those who want to enjoy trails with locals and fellow travelers • Those who want to learn more about Fushimi Inari's history and culture |
• Those who want to enjoy trails privately • Those who want to explore at their own pace |
Walking tours to explore Arashiyama
| Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour | Kyoto: Arashiyama Hidden Paths, Bamboo, Monkeys & Zen Garden | Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hidden Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples） | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | This tour explores Arashiyama's popular attractions, including the famous bamboo grove and temples with beautiful gardens. | This tour visits the monkey park where wild monkeys live, in addition to exploring the bamboo grove and temples. | This tour takes you to Arashiyama's hidden gems, including the popular bamboo grove, hiking trails, and hidden shrines. |
| Features | Explore temples and gardens while avoiding crowds on hidden routes. Savor Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at a traditional Japanese house restaurant with scenic views. |
Explore Arashiyama's popular attractions, including the bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji Temple. Visit a mountain inhabited by monkeys. |
Stroll through the bamboo grove in the early morning when crowds are thin. Visit mountain trails with spectacular views and hidden shrines. |
| Places to Visit |
• Hokyoin • Bamboo forests street • Okochi Sanso garden • Togetsukyo Bridge • Tenryu-ji Temple |
• Nonomiya Shrine • Okochi Sanso garden • Bamboo forests street • Tenryu-ji Temple • Monkey Park |
• Bamboo Forest • Scenic viewpoint area (trail) • Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple |
| Number of Reviews | 384 | 735 | 18 |
| Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Booking Site | Official Site TripAdvisor |
Get Your Guide | Tripadvisor |
| Estimated Cost (as of August 2025) | $125.53 | $80 | $74.93 |
| Recommended For |
• Those who want to visit Arashiyama's popular spots while avoiding crowds • Those who want to fully experience Japanese traditions in Arashiyama |
• Those who want to efficiently tour Arashiyama's main attractions • Those who want to interact with animals that inhabit Arashiyama |
• Those who want to enjoy trails in Arashiyama • Those who want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas that tourists don't visit |
Walking tours with guided visits to Kyoto's tourist attractions
| Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour | Kyoto Free Walking Tour | The Original Kyoto Free Walking Tour ® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Overview | A tour that combines exploring around Kiyomizu-dera Temple with a tea ceremony experience. | A free tour of the Higashiyama district. | A free tour held in Kyoto. |
| Features | We'll explore shrines, souvenir shops, and restaurants around Kiyomizu-zaka that your guide recommends. |
You can experience authentic tea ceremony. We'll stroll through the historic Higashiyama district, including Gion, where traditional streetscapes are preserved. |
This is a free tour (tip-based). We offer various tours including Higashiyama district, nighttime Fushimi Inari, and pub crawls. |
| Places to Visit |
• Kiyomizu-zaka (hill) • Yasakakoshindo • Kiyomizu-dera Temple • Jishu Shrine • Tea Ceremony Experience |
• Gion Shirakawa • Maruyama Park • Yasaka Pagoda • Ninen-zaka (hill) • Kiyomizu-dera Temple |
• Gion • Higashiyama • Fushimi Inari • Pub crawl etc. |
| Number of Reviews | 135 | 1019 | Varies by Tour |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.9 | Varies by Tour |
| Booking Site | Official website Viator |
Official website | Official website |
| Estimated Cost (as of August 2025) | $97.73 | Free (tip-based) | Free (tip-based) |
| Recommended For |
• Those who want to visit spots around Kiyomizu-dera Temple recommended by locals • Those who want to experience Tea Ceremony |
• Those who want to efficiently tour Higashiyama district • Those who want to stroll through photogenic historic areas |
• Those who want to try participating in tours held in Kyoto • Those who want to enjoy sightseeing with guides and other participants |
For Enjoying Kyoto's Tourist Attractions and Hidden Gems, Being Guided by Local Guides is Optimal!
If you want to enjoy tourist attractions and hidden gems in Kyoto, we recommend participating in tours guided by local guides. Magical Trip offers multiple Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours in Kyoto. All Magical Trip tours are held with small groups, so the distance between guides and other participants is close, and you can enjoy sightseeing as if you were traveling with friends. By the time the tour ends, the group's bonds will have deepened, and it will become a memorable experience.
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Fushimi Inari is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots. While Fushimi Inari bustles with many domestic and international tourists, Fushimi Inari is full of hidden charms beyond the areas famous as tourist destinations.
Magical Trip's "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" explores Fushimi Inari known only to locals that tourists rarely visit. This popular tour ranked 3rd in TripAdvisor's 2024 "Travel Experience in Japan," and I can wholeheartedly recommend its content.
The tour trails the approach to Mt. Inari at 233m elevation, experiencing the worldview of Fushimi Inari where quiet and spiritual atmosphere drifts. Along the way, you'll stop at bamboo forests and hidden shrines, aiming for viewpoints where you can see spectacular views of Kyoto city. With many spots to visit, you can taste discoveries that individual travel cannot provide.
Double the Enjoyment by Having the History and Secrets of Fushimi Inari Shrine Explained
Since you trail with local guides knowledgeable about regional history and culture, you can get detailed explanations about the history and background of each spot, starting with Fushimi Inari.
Fushimi Inari, said to have been founded in 711, is full of deep secrets, and listening to the stories is also enjoyable. Learning while enjoying trails and exploration is a unique charm of tours with local guides. If you have questions or things you'd like to ask, please feel free to inquire. By the time you return, you'll be as knowledgeable about Fushimi Inari as a local.
Guided Not Only to Fushimi Inari's Main Spots but Also Hidden Gems Known Only to Locals
Fushimi Inari's entire Mt. Inari mountain is sacred ground. While the area around the main shrine is very crowded with tourists, this tour mainly explores the quiet, remote mountain areas.
The atmospheric bamboo forests and lush green exploration through thriving vegetation will surely heal your daily fatigue. What surprised me about Mt. Fushimi hiking was that torii gates are installed not just near the entrance but throughout most of the mountain. These torii gates were donated by companies and individuals for worship, showing the breadth of faith in Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Mt. Inari, where the entire mountain is sacred ground, has many hidden shrines, and spots where you can feel spiritual atmosphere are scattered along the way. The panorama of Kyoto city viewed from the climactic mountaintop is breathtakingly beautiful. Being able to encounter such hidden gems is also a benefit unique to these Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours. Please participate in the tour and fully enjoy the charm of Fushimi Inari!
・Meeting point: Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store
・Tour area: Fushimi Inari Shrine
・Start times: 9:00 / 13:00
・Duration: 3 hours
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Arashiyama is a popular tourist spot representing Kyoto. Arashiyama has many domestic and international tourists, and the photogenic bamboo forest area is very crowded.
This tour avoids crowded routes while sightseeing popular bamboo forests and temples, as well as beautiful gardens full of Japanese atmosphere. Since lunch featuring traditional cuisine is included in the content, you can spend fulfilling time in Arashiyama.
Fully Enjoy Kyoto's Premier Tourist Destination "Arashiyama" in Half a Day with Substantial Content
Starting with bamboo forests and Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama is a treasure trove of photogenic spots. Actually, Arashiyama has many temples with beautiful gardens, where you can truly experience the beauty of Japan's four seasons full of Japanese atmosphere.
This tour explores bamboo forest areas unknown to tourists and beautiful Japanese gardens and temples beloved by locals, avoiding crowds. Tenryu-ji Temple, which you stop at along the way, is a Zen sect temple registered as a World Heritage site that values the Zen spirit. In the garden called "Karesansui (Japanese dry garden)" that expresses rivers and mountains using sand and stones without water, you can surely feel the Zen spirit filled with tranquility.
Enjoy Exquisite Shojin Ryori at Beautiful Japanese-Style Temple
At the tour's end, you'll taste lunch at a restaurant inside Tenryu-ji Temple. Buddhism has the precept that all living things are equal and that no living things should be killed. Therefore, temples serve "Shojin ryori" using only plant-based ingredients without meat or fish.
Mainly soybeans and wheat gluten are used instead of meat, and you can slowly savor the flavor of the ingredients themselves from each dish. The Shojin ryori enjoyed on the tour has many dishes and beautiful colors, so you can enjoy photogenic and varied meals.
Since it's a restaurant inside Tenryu-ji Temple with beautiful gardens, being able to enjoy meals while viewing beautiful scenery is also an attractive point. Please participate in the tour and enjoy Arashiyama's beauty and traditional cuisine!
・Meeting point: Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
・Tour area: Arashiyama
・Start time: 9:00
・Duration: 5 hours
Click here for more details
5 Recommended Walking Tours of Kyoto Tourist Spots Guided by Locals
Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour
When you come to Kyoto, why not experience the "Tea ceremony," one of Kyoto's most iconic cultural traditions? This tour is part of the exceptional Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours collection, allowing you to experience temple and shrine sightseeing along with a tea ceremony while enjoying strolls through neighborhoods that embody Japanese charm.
Kiyomizu-zaka is an area lined with old traditional houses. Most of these traditional houses have been converted into shops where you can enjoy shopping. On the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can also enjoy exploring photogenic shrines. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you'll explore the stage offering spectacular views of Kyoto city and visit shrines dedicated to the god of love.
The tour concludes with experiencing a tea ceremony. This quiet, contemplative time will allow you to experience Japan's unique spiritual culture.
・Meeting point: In front of the stone statue, right outside the Nishiromon Gate of Yasaka Shrine
・Tour area: Around Kiyomizu-dera Temple
・Start time: 9:00
・Duration: 3 hours
Kyoto Gion Tea ceremony & Wabi-sabi Walking Tour
For those who want to experience the world of tea ceremony more deeply, this tour from our Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours series is recommended. This tour focuses on learning about the spirit of "Wabi-sabi," which forms the foundation of tea ceremony. Wabi-sabi is a way of thinking that finds beauty even in simple, modest things, and is deeply connected to Zen philosophy.
This tour includes sightseeing at "Kennin-ji temple," a temple representing Kyoto's oldest Zen Buddhist sect. The tranquil garden of Kennin-ji temple, filled with silence, is one of my favorite spots where you can calm your mind. Along the way, you'll stop at specialty stores selling tea and tableware used in tea ceremonies, and conclude with a tea ceremony experience. The tea ceremony performed after learning about culture at Zen temples and tea ceremony-related shops will be even more meaningful.
・Meeting point: Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue
・Tour area: Around Gion
・Start time: 13:30
・Duration: 3h5m
Kyoto Free Walking Tour Kyoto Localized
Source:Kyoto Localized
Would you like to explore the Higashiyama district, which retains beautiful old townscapes with great atmosphere? This tour, featured among our popular Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours, explores the beautiful area with charming stone-paved streets full of atmosphere. Since it's a free tour (tip-based system), you can participate casually, which is also a pleasant feature.
The tour begins at Gion Shirakawa, where a quiet stream flows. While enjoying the scenery, you'll explore the Yasaka Pagoda and Ninen-zaka area. This surrounding area is lined with old private houses called "Machiya," built in Edo era architectural style, creating a historically rich area. The scenery is beautiful and you can enjoy a photogenic worldview.
On the way to the destination, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can also enjoy exploring the majestic Chion-in Sanmon and Maruyama Park, a relaxation spot for citizens. Since you can efficiently tour the highlights of the Higashiyama district, those who want to explore this area should definitely participate in this tour.
・Meeting point: McDonald's Shijo Ohashi
・Tour area: Higashiyama district
・Start time: 9:30 / 13:30
・Duration: 3 hours
The Original Kyoto Free Walking Tour ®
Source:Kyoto Free Walking Tour
"The Original Kyoto Free Walking Tour ®" organizes free tip-based walking tours in Kyoto, complementing our comprehensive Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours offerings.
In addition to the previously introduced tour exploring the Higashiyama district, they offer tours with content that allows you to learn about history and culture while having fun, such as night tours of Fushimi Inari shrine where you can experience a different atmosphere than during the day, and pub crawls visiting shops popular with locals. All tours allow you to enjoy walking while interacting with local guides and other participants, so you can encounter emotions that individual travel cannot provide.
Although the tours are free, reservations are required, so if there are tours that interest you, please make reservations and participate!
Kinkaku, Ryoanji and Northern Kyoto 4+ HOUR PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR
Source:Kyoto Guided Walks
When thinking of Kyoto, some people might picture the brilliantly shining "Kinkaku-ji temple." This premium offering from Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours is a private tour that visits "Kinkaku-ji temple" and "Ryoan-ji temple," both selected as UNESCO World Heritage sites located in northern Kyoto city, as well as "Daitoku-ji temple," where beautiful pagodas stand in rows.
During the tour, guides provide detailed explanations of each temple's history and culture, so you can gain educational discoveries while viewing beautiful gardens and pagodas. At the end of the tour, you'll also stop at a shop serving "Aburimochi," a sweet with 400 years of tradition.
Although it's a half-day tour, it's also possible to change to a full-day tour as an option. You can add experiences such as tea ceremony and visit "Ninnai-ji temple," famous for its cherry blossoms, so for those with flexible schedules, adding options is recommended.
・Meeting point: Freely selectable
・Tour area: Northern Kyoto city
・Start time: Freely selectable
・Duration: 4 hours
When You Come to Nature-Rich Kyoto, You Should Also Join Hiking Tours That Take You Through Traditional Spots in the Forest
Fushimi Area
Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its impressive rows of red torii gates, has become a social media sensation and attracts many tourists from both domestic and international destinations. Fushimi Inari Shrine is located on Mt. Inari, and Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours in the Fushimi area primarily explore the quiet, forested areas of Fushimi Inari Shrine that show a different face from the popular tourist areas. A more mystical and spiritually enriched world awaits you.
Inside of Fushimi Inari - Exploring and Lunch with Locals
Source:Viator
For those who want to learn more about Fushimi Inari in depth, we recommend participating in "Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals." This tour takes you mountain climbing with a guide who once helped carry torii gates and sacred sake to the shrine at the summit of Fushimi Inari, visiting hidden charm spots of Fushimi Inari along the way.
The tour includes exploring bamboo forests and hidden shrines along the mountain path, as well as visiting the factory where Fushimi Inari's torii gates are made. Only locals with connections can visit the factory, so this is a must-see for those who want to know the behind-the-scenes of Fushimi Inari.
Lunch of soba or udon noodles and light refreshments are included, so you can enjoy both hiking and culinary delights simultaneously.
・Meeting point: Great Torii (Fushimi Inari)
・Tour area: Fushimi Inari
・Start time: 9:00
・Duration: 4 hours
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)
Source:Viator
Many readers of this article may have realized that Fushimi Inari has many attractions beyond the areas featured on social media. "Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)" allows you to privately enjoy the charming trails of Fushimi Inari.
This tour covers all the areas visited in Magical Trip's "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" mentioned at the beginning. As this is a private tour where you can enjoy the trails at your own pace with family and friends, it's especially recommended for those not accustomed to mountain climbing or families with small children.
・Meeting point: FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji
・Tour area: Fushimi Inari
・Start time: 8:30
・Duration: 3 hours
Kibune Area
"Kibune" is an area located in the northeastern part of Kyoto City. This area is famous for Kifune Shrine, which enshrines the deity of water supply and is also known for matchmaking. Walking through this area, you'll encounter beautiful babbling brooks.
A characteristic feature of Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours in the Kibune area is that many simultaneously visit Kurama Temple, which is said to be inhabited by the Japanese demon Tengu.
Kibune & Kurama 6 HOUR PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR
Source:Kyoto Guided Walks
"Kibune & Kurama 6 HOUR PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR" is recommended for those who want to privately enjoy hiking in the Kibune area. This tour allows you to learn about the history and culture of this area while enjoying trails from the Kifune area to Kurama Temple.
Lunch is included in the tour, and in summer, you can enjoy meals at "Kawadoko," which are dining platforms built over the river. Dining while feeling the beautiful babbling of the river is exceptional and will create memorable experiences. In the Kurama area, you'll learn about traditional crafts and Tengu while listening to stories from local artisans.
This tour comprehensively covers everything from trails to meals and interactions with locals, allowing you to maximize the charm of the Kifune area. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.
・Meeting point: Flexible
・Tour area: Kibune and Kurama area
・Start time: Flexible
・Duration: 7 hours
Hike and Explore the Kurama and Kibune Ancient Paths
Source:Tripadvisor
For those who want to enjoy trails while deeply exploring Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine, "Hike and explore the Kurama and Kibune ancient Paths" is recommended.
This tour explores the power spots of Kurama Temple, known as one of Kyoto's premier spiritual locations. There are many mystical areas, including a stage where cosmic energy is said to descend and underground temple areas where lantern lights illuminate the darkness, providing spiritual experiences.
After hiking the mountain trails where Tengu are said to live, you'll explore Kifune Shrine. This shrine offers experiences of Japanese beauty, including fortune slips that reveal letters when placed in water and beautiful stairs lined with red lanterns. Please join the tour and enjoy the mystical and beautiful charm of the Kibune and Kurama area!
・Meeting point: Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Tower Sando
・Tour area: Kibune and Kurama area
・Start time: 9:30
・Duration: 5h30m
Arashiyama Area
Arashiyama area, located in the western part of Kyoto City, is one of Kyoto's most popular areas. Tours exploring Arashiyama typically feature visits to quiet temple gardens unknown to tourists, in addition to the popular bamboo forests and temples.
Arashiyama, surrounded by the beautiful Katsura River and mountains, offers the attractive point of being able to enjoy nature's seasonal beauty while sightseeing.
Kyoto: Arashiyama Hidden Paths, Bamboo, Monkeys & Zen Garden
Source:Get Your Guide
Did you know that Japanese monkeys inhabit Arashiyama? This tour visits Monkey Park, home to about 120 wild Japanese monkeys, in addition to bamboo forests and popular shrines and temples. The approximately 20-minute journey to Monkey Park involves mountain climbing, so you can enjoy hiking as well. At Monkey Park, you can feed the monkeys (only in the rest area) and enjoy spectacular views of Arashiyama's nature-rich landscape from the mountaintop.
This tour is recommended for animal lovers who want to enjoy encounters with wildlife in addition to exploring Arashiyama's nature and history.
*Please note that these are wild monkeys, so never make eye contact or touch them. http://www.monkeypark.jp/rules-eng.html
・Meeting point: Saga-Arashiyama Station
・Tour area: Arashiyama
・Start time: 9:30/10:00
・Duration: 5 hours
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hidden Hiking Tour (Hidden Temples)
Source:Tripadvisor
For those who want to approach the hidden charms of Arashiyama that tourists rarely visit, this tour is recommended. The tour explores the bamboo forest in the early morning when it's less crowded and enjoys trails to the mountaintop where you can view spectacular scenery of nature-rich Arashiyama.
After the trail, you'll visit Adashi no Nenbutsu-ji Temple, where 8,000 Buddhist statues and tombstones are enshrined. The path to the temple allows you to enjoy exploring a village rich in Japanese atmosphere with old traditional houses. This area is filled with different charms from the tourist spots around the station, giving you the feeling of time-traveling back to the Edo era. Please join these exceptional Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours and discover the hidden charms of Arashiyama.
・Meeting point: Saga Arashiyama station
・Tour area: Arashiyama
・Start time: 8:00/9:00
・Duration: 3 hours
Hiking & Historical Tours Where You Can Hike Mountain Sides Packed with Long History and Tradition - Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours
Mt Hiei & the temples of Enryaku-ji 6 HOUR PRIVATE TOUR
Source:Kyoto Guided Walks
"Mt Hiei & the temples of Enryaku-ji 6 HOUR PRIVATE TOUR" is a recommended tour for those interested in Japanese Buddhism.
Mt. Hiei is said to be the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism with over 1200 years of history. Many monks who have supported Japanese Buddhism have experienced training on Mt. Hiei. Mt. Hiei plays a crucial role in Japanese Buddhism and is registered as a World Heritage Site.
In this tour, you will take a cable car to the summit of Mt. Hiei and explore Enryaku-ji temple, which is synonymous with Mt. Hiei. Enryaku-ji temple is divided into several areas, and along the way you can enjoy beautiful scenic viewpoints and explore quiet temples far from tourist areas. This is a tour where you can experience the charm of Mt. Hiei in one day by learning about the history of Enryaku-ji temple while strolling and tasting Shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine that doesn't use meat) for lunch.
・Meeting point: Freely selectable
・Tour area: Mt. Hiei
・Start time: Freely selectable
・Duration: 7 hours
Hiking Kyoto's Highest Mountain: Unravel the Mystery of Mt. Atago
Source:Viator
"Hiking Kyoto's Highest Mountain: Unravel the Mystery of Mt. Atago" is a recommended tour for those who want to experience authentic trails in Kyoto. Mt. Atago is a 924-meter mountain located deep in the Arashiyama area.
The approximately 2-hour trail from the base to the summit is somewhat challenging, and even as someone who loves mountain climbing, I worked up quite a sweat on the long journey to the top. The sense of accomplishment when reaching the summit is wonderful. At the summit, there is "Atago Shrine" where the god of fire is enshrined, and the long staircase leading to the main hall, the historic main hall, and torii gates give off a mystical atmosphere.
This tour is conducted as a private tour for individuals (up to 4 people can participate), so please enjoy hiking at your own pace without overexertion.
・Meeting point: Freely selectable
・Tour area: Mt. Atago
・Start time: 9:00
・Duration: 7 hours
Mount Daimonji Hike Includes Temples Shrines & Gardens of Kyoto
Source:Viator
When walking through the streets of Kyoto city, you'll notice a mountain with the character "大" (large) written on it. This mountain is called "Mt. Daimonji," a 466-meter mountain where every year on August 16th, a traditional ceremony called "Okuribi" is held to send deceased souls to the afterlife, and fires are lit.
This tour includes hiking Mt. Daimonji and exploring the beautiful paths and temples in the surrounding area. The tour starts from the "Philosopher's Path," a small pathway with a waterway flowing alongside it. This path where you can see cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall truly allows you to experience the beauty of the four seasons, and even as a Japanese person, I am captivated by its beauty every time I visit.
During the tour, you will visit a total of 4 temples and shrines, including "Ginkakuji Temple" at the foot of Mt. Daimonji, while incorporating hiking. This tour is also recommended for those who want to experience the natural beauty full of Japanese atmosphere unique to Kyoto.
・Meeting point: 7-Eleven - Demachiyanagi Station
・Tour area: Mt. Daimonji, Higashiyama district
・Start time: 8:00
・Duration: 8 hours
Bike Tours That Allow Efficient Sightseeing of Kyoto Are Also Recommended for Efficiency
Many local Kyoto residents use bicycles for transportation, and bicycles are also a recommended means of transport for moving around Kyoto city. I myself love cycling around Kyoto city.
Why not try enjoying cycling while feeling the pleasant seasonal breeze and avoiding traffic jams? Finally, I'll introduce three cycling tours that I recommend. Please choose your preferred tour according to the area you'd like to visit.
*When cycling, please be mindful of traffic manners and pedestrians, and practice safe driving.
4.5-hour Kyoto Historical Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples
This cycling tour's main stage is the "Higashiyama district," where old townscapes and temples including Kenninji Temple and Gion are lined up. Along the way, you'll visit Nanzen-ji Temple, which is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and experience the world of "Zen" filled with Japanese atmosphere.
The tour starts from a bike rental shop around Kyoto Station. To reach the first point, Kenninji Temple in the Gion district, you'll ride along the Kamo River. The Kamo River is one of my favorite cycling spots. Please enjoy cycling while feeling the flow of the river and the beauty of nature and townscapes. After enjoying temple and shrine visits at "Gion," "Kennin-ji," "Nanzen-ji," and "Heian Jingu Shrine," you'll stop at a lunch spot. At the traditional Japanese house restaurant, you can taste Soba (or Udon) and sweets.
This cycling tour is recommended for those who want to experience the world of Zen or tour the Higashiyama district. These Kyoto Walking & Hiking Tours offer a perfect blend of cultural immersion and physical activity.
・Meeting point: In front of the Seven Eleven convenience store, outside of Exit Hachijo guchi of Kyoto Station
・Tour area: Higashiyama district
・Start time: 9:00
・Duration: 4.5 hours
Full Day Biking Tour Exploring the Best of Kyoto
Source:Tripadvisor
Would you like to cycle around Kyoto city? This tour takes 8 hours to go around Kyoto city while visiting essential temples and shrines for Kyoto tourism, such as Kinkakuji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
The tour starts from Kyoto Station and heads to "Kinkakuji Temple" while sightseeing "Nishi Honganji" and "Kitano Tenmangu Shrine." After enjoying sightseeing and light meals at Kinkakuji Temple, you'll head to "Gion" while passing through the "Kyoto Imperial Palace." You'll enjoy the scenery of the old townscape while heading to "Tofuku-ji Temple," and finally visit "Fushimi Inari Shrine." The approximately 29km cycling journey includes a substantial lunch, so nutrition for the long journey is perfect.
Being able to visit so many spots in one day is a unique charm of bicycles, which are maneuverable and don't suffer from traffic jams. Please enjoy cycling while thoroughly feeling the atmosphere of Kyoto city with your skin.
・Meeting point: Cycle Kyoto
・Tour area: Kyoto city
・Start time: 9:30
・Duration: 7-8 hours
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour
Source:Tripadvisor
This tour enjoys cycling while visiting shrines and temples in the northern part of Kyoto city with electric bicycles. The northern part of Kyoto city has many areas with steep gradients that would be difficult to pedal with regular bicycles, but with electric bicycles, you can enjoy comfortable cycling without worrying about gradients.
During the cycling journey, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-registered "Kinkakuji Temple," the famous "Kitano Tenmangu Shrine" known as the god of learning, and "Daitokuji Temple." At each spot, guides will explain the history and episodes, so you can also learn about temples and shrines.
"Aburimochi," which can only be tasted at the tea house beside "Daitokuji Temple," has received great reviews from past participants. The freshly grilled mochi with special sauce is exquisite and is one of my favorite Kyoto sweets. Please join the cycling tour and enjoy historical exploration and sweets!
・Meeting point: NORU Kyoto Bike Tours
・Tour area: Northern Kyoto city
・Start time: 9:00 / 13:00
・Duration: 3h45m
