Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular destinations, so sightseeing can be very crowded during the day. In this tour, we start early to beat the crowds and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama.
⬇︎ PLEASE READ CAREFULLY ⬇︎
▶️ We have 2 options for this tour, 1. is a walking tour that needs 12,000 steps using public transportation. 2 is a bus tour that stops at each location and a guided tour.
▶️ Each tour is approximately 5.5 hours and may vary by about 30 minutes.
▶️ When booking, please provide a WhatsApp-reachable phone number (travel agents must enter the guest’s number).
▶️ Late arrivals cannot join the tour and no refund will be given.
▶️ Maximum group size: 8 guests for walking tour, 40 for bus tour. (Please be careful, the bus tour is NOT max 8 people)
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travel time is included in total tour duration.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in all over Japan. Walk through thousands of striking red gates, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. It's a must-see spot that offers a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Don't miss the chance to visit this incredible place during your trip!
Arashiyama
Discover the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo shoots create a tranquil ambiance, swaying gently in the breeze. This natural wonder provides a captivating experience for enthusiasts and photographers alike. Embrace the elegance of Arashiyama, an essential destination for those seeking both tranquility and exploration in Kyoto.
What‘s Included
English-Speaking Guide
Public Transportation Fare (About 1240 yen)
Food and Drinks
Kinkakuji Temple
Options
Kyoto Morning Walking Tour
Starting point:
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Bus
Starting point:
Tully’s Coffee - Kyoto Avanti, Japan, 601-8003 Kyoto, 京都市南区Minami Ward, Higashikujō Nishisannōchō, ３１ 京都アバンティ 1階
Reviews
1,442 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kyoto is beautiful and Rina is an incredible tour guide; we can’t recommend either enough!
Peter R,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are so grateful for the wonderful tour we went on at the beginning of autumn during our honeymoon! This review was forgotten due to life but it was such an amazing tour that it was important to us that we still write this. She was very knowledgeable about the locations and was conscious of our traveling pace. She also spoke great English and was so nice when my husband asked questions because he’s learning Japanese! You can tell she is a hard working individual and puts a lot of effort into what she does. It was a perfect addition to our trip that left us with great memories!
The perfect introduction to Kyoto
rebeccahG494VJ,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Genki was absolutely fantastic. We explored some of Kyoto’s most stunning sites, and along the way Genki shared thoughtful, insightful information about Japanese history and culture that really enriched the experience. He also took beautiful photos for us and, as first-time visitors to Japan, gave us invaluable tips and helped us navigate the public transport system — which made a world of difference to my stress levels! Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience with a knowledgeable, kind and impressive young guide.
It covers all the...
Frances H,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It covers all the beautuful sites of Kyoto using local transport. It gives you a window into daily life. We had a very young and enthusiastic guide called Haruki who excelled in information and good humour. His perrfect English was a huge plus to this tour. There was full immersion in conversation and discussion on this cultural tour. We can away wiser thanks to Haruki.
Amazing early bird tour with Maya and DK
J7901IKernestof,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Firstly Maya and DK were the most amazing tour guides. Both were so aknlowleble about the tour and were happy to answer each question and take the time to explain everything. I do highly recommend this early bird tour as there was no body and we where able to take as many pictures as we wanted. This is our first time in Japan and we recommend this tour specially if you have Maya and DK as guides
Well worth the morning
jamiebP8451WF,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I did this trip after looking around solo. Our tour guide Hinano was brilliant! Very knowledgeable and made our experience unforgettable.
Wonderful Tour to Beat the Crowds
Josh a,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Arisa, did an amazing job teaching us about the history of Kyoto and Japan more broadly. We saw beautiful cultural sites, learned a A TON, got some great pics, and stopped at a cute little coffee shop too. It was also so fun to chat with her about the differences between Japanese and American culture too. We also loved doing the early tour to beat the crowds - definitely worth the earlier wake up time.
Great experience
Aamir A,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had my tour with Natsuki and was honestly such a great experience. Even though the tour is 5-6 hours long, time really does go by so fast as your experiencing all these great sites. If your in Kyoto, I would highly reccomend this tour.
Morning walking tour of Kyoto
Brian A,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Took the early morning walking tour of Kyoto with our guide Rin. Great experience visiting the sites and learned how to navigate the public transportation at the same time. Our guide Rin was very engaging and knowledgeable. We added a stop to his favorite coffee shop and he showed us to his favorite Ramen restaurant for lunch after the tour. We recommend this tour and guide!
A very cultured way to see Kyoto
jogoh821,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic energetic guide (Natsuki), knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Loved the sights and opportunity to travel in Kyoto’s trains and buses.
Top spots in Kyoto
H3246FSjesseh,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on this tour! It was wonderful to experience some of the most beautiful spots in Kyoto such as Fushimi Inari shrine and the bamboo forest in the early morning with less crowds. Our tour guide was helpful and friendly and it was great to learn more about the history and culture of each place!
From ¥13,000
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