Private Kyoto Morning Tour: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & Monkey
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your morning with two of Kyoto’s most iconic sights — the peaceful torii gates of Fushimi Inari and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. By beginning early, you can experience their beauty in a calm, uncrowded atmosphere before the daytime rush. Then, visit Monkey Park, where you can feed the monkeys and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. Throughout the tour, your English-speaking local guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture, capture beautiful photos, and ensure a smooth and unforgettable half-day adventure!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, using public transportation and plenty of time on foot to explore Kyoto.
If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
The Monkey Park requires about a 20-minute uphill walk, so it may not be suitable for guests who are not confident in their physical stamina.
What To Expect
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari is one of Kyoto's most iconic Shrines, known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form scenic pathways up the forested Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama has been a popular destination since the Heian period (794–1185), when nobles came here to enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery. The area is especially famous for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. The Bamboo Grove is one of Arashiyama’s most iconic spots. Walking through the tall, swaying bamboo creates a peaceful and almost otherworldly experience. In the past, bamboo was also used for tools and building materials in daily life.
Options
Private Tour
Private Tour: Our private tour offers a flexible schedule and a relaxed pace for a personalized experience!
What‘s Included
Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour!
Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide
Public Transportation Fare
Admission Fee: Monkey Park Iwatayama
Food and Drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fantastic guide and a fantastic experience!
Scott M,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are visiting Kyoto and Japan for the first time and decided to do some sightseeing. Mariko was simply a fantastic tour guide. She did a great job not only showing us where to go but explaining the cultural significance of each site. Mariko was also very personable and friendly. We had to pivot on transportation choices because if heavy rains but she changed course in stride. I highly recommend this service if you are looking to explore some of the sights in Kyoto.
Private Tour of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama Monkey Park
Travel123629,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing tour! Our tour guide Ikki was personable , friendly and had quite the knowledge of the area, the Fushimi Inari shrine as well as the bamboo forest.He pointed out interesting sites along the way , stopped at great places for snacks and was a fantastic photographer for our day. We had great conversation and learned much about the Japanese shrines and temples as well as Japan itself, We also hiked to the Arashiyama Monkey Park , fed the monkeys and had a beautiful view of Kyoto from the mountain top. I would highly recommend this tour!!
Best experience we did in Japan!!!
kaitlynjulian0926,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most wonderful time Ikki!! This was one of our favorite things we did the entire trip, 100% worth every penny. Tour is private and tailored to what you like & want to see. Ikki is so knowledgeable and clearly loves what he does. Going early is key & Ikki knows this. He times everything perfect to ensure wait times are minimal and that you get out as much as you can from the experience. He also serves as your personal photographer!! Such a sweet way to remember this trip. Will cherish these memories forever - thank you Ikki!!!
Worth the hike!
Deborah K,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My family and I did this tour and absolutely loved it! Ikki got amazing pictures of us with the monkeys and the bamboo forest. There were quite a bit of stairs to get up to see the monkeys but Ikki cheered us on and the view weredefinitely worth it. We’re very glad we took this tour and had Ikki as our tour guide! I would definitely recommend people to add this to their itinerary!
Great experience
Aina M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most lovely day with Ikki. He is the perfect tour guide — very knowledgeable, with great local insight, and he puts everything into context by adding interesting stories along the way. He also acted as our private photographer throughout the day, always making sure we got the best shots. Ikki is incredibly easy-going and friendly, and he made sure everyone in our group felt included and comfortable — even our teenager, which we really appreciated. The tour itself was a perfect mix of temples and history, beautiful nature, and a close-up experience with the monkeys. It was definitely worth climbing up to the monkey park, both for the experience and for the stunning view over the Kyoto area. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.
Truly a 5 star experience
noahmX9391ZO,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic guided tour in Kyoto with Ikki. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and very engaging. We learned a lot about both Japan’s history and modern life, and the tour was perfectly adjusted to our pace. Ikki also took many great photos of us, which we really appreciated. What made the experience even better was his genuine interest not only in the tour itself, but also in us and our family. An unforgettable experience we’ll always remember
Fantastic Tour & Great Guide
5025emy,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am so glad I picked this tour. Ikki-San did a wonderful job showing us his beautiful city. It was also very good to start early since Fushimi Inari was the highlight of the trip for me. He took time to explain items along the way & answer questions. It is best to go early since it gets extremely busy as the day goes on. He helped coordinate trains & took pictures along the way that was great bonus! The bamboo forest was amazing and visited monkey preserve on top of mountain that had great views of Kyoto as well. Be advised that it is a elevated hike so be prepared with comfortable attire & shoes, but there were plenty areas for break. The entire morning was so enjoyable & could not ask for a better or more thoughtful guide!
Great tour with a great guide
brodsmom,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ikky was a terrific guide. He was so knowledgeable and accommodating. We enjoyed learning from him and spending time with him. He even gave us helpful recommendations for the rest of our travels in Kyoto. Also, this tour offered a fabulous combination of sites to see in Kyoto.
Fun, Informative, and Entertaining
19kleanthisg,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ikki was a delight as a tour guide. He communicated instructions beforehand so we knew what to expect as I had a young daughter on the tour. He took great care to inform us of our tour and kept us interested and moving so we had so much time at the actual attractions! Polite, respectful, and informative. Additionally he took pictures and sent them to us so we didn’t have to always have our phones out. And he gave us advice on the rest of our trip that he did not have to do but was extremely helpful. Would highly recommend this tour!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thank you Ikki! We will do this again with family and friends on our next trip back! Best tour ever!
Stay19391287183,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful private half-day tour by Ikki! He was knowledgeable, explained things well, thoughtful, respectful and attentive. Early Bird Tour is the time to go! Nice not to be rushed and at places before the crowd. Enjoyed the short train rides, walks and moderate hike; Fushimi Inari-taisha Temple, Aroshiyama Bamboo Forest, Kimono Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge and River and Monkey Park were so much more enjoyable because of Ikki! Thankful for his photos! (Glad there were benches to rest on the hike to Monkey Park.) Also appreciate his restaurant recommendations! Our first trip to Japan! We will do this tour again on our next trip back. Thank you Ikki!
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