Private Tour
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tofuku-ji Temple
On our way up to Mount Inari, we’ll enjoy views of Tofuku-ji, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
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.
English narration on Japanese culture, history, and Shintoism
Visits to quieter Mt. Inari trails away from the main tourist paths
Private tour
Complimentary photos taken with a DSLR camera, shared after the tour
English-speaking local guide based in Kyoto
Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
H1811FCsophiel,,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
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!

Alexei D,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
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.






David R,,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had a great experience despite some rainy weather! Our guide, Louis, took us to the quiet area so our experience was very different (and better) than had we entered the main entrance to the shrine. Very easy to find him with clear instructions and interesting history. Lots of places to take beautiful photos. We were tired but happy at the end. Thank you for a fantastic tour!






Jet61251375827,,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Louis is a fantastic and knowledgeable tour guide who brought my friend and I around Fushimi Inari for 3.5 hours explaining the history, religion, and interesting facts of this beautiful place. I would definitely recommend booking a tour through Kyoto Essence Tours if you want a fulfilling and one of a kind experience exploring such a wonderful place. On a side note, he is also extremely knowledgeable about whiskey’s if you are an aficionado in that realm as well!

128veronicae,,Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour was wonderful , loui knew a lot about the place and the japanese culture, even though it rained we had a beautiful experience, away from all the crowds. The best of our time in Kyoto !
sandraoJ1146QD,,May 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the best tour visiting the Fushimi Inari temple. Louis was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and had so much local info on the temple & area. We were lucky to take the back routes so the hike to the 3 peaks was manageable & allowed us to explore the hidden path without too much difficulty. Louis explained the importance of the foxes that were found everywhere and the 4 different items that were found in the foxes mouth. We ended the hike at the main shrine where most people started. We were very thankful we went the other away as the hike up to the 3 peaks after the main shrine was steep and grueling. Also Louis had a professional camera and knew all the good places to take the photos. He then sent us the photos and he even edited them. Was such a wonderful experience.. can’t recommend enough.



377louisek,,May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was the best trip I ha e done In Kyoto and Japan. I wanted off the beaten path and got everything I wished for. Louis is amazing filled with knowledge and insists to this tour of Fushi Inari. I highly recommend booking Louis you won't regret if.



A9553EZmatto,,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Louis was the best guide we had in Japan. Extremely knowledgeable and personable. He spends the time to take professional photos. I would highly recommend his services.
wesleyvb,,May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our private tour with Louis to the Fushimi Inari Shrine was nothing short of phenomenal and easily one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan. While many attractions in Kyoto are packed with crowds that can detract from the experience, Louis guided us along a serene, lesser-known path that not only avoided the congestion but also showcased hidden gems and unique details we would have completely missed on our own. Louis is incredibly knowledgeable about the shrine and its rich history. He answered all of our questions with insight and enthusiasm, adding so much depth to the experience. As an added bonus, he captured beautiful photos of us along the way, knowing exactly where to stop for the best angles and lighting — we’re absolutely thrilled with how the pictures turned out! If you’re headed to Kyoto, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Louis. He’ll make sure you get the most out of your visit in a thoughtful, memorable, and personalized way. Kanpai!
NorthStar00712432360,,Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour was amazing, we wouldn’t have seen and known all the things without the tour. I 100% recommend it. The guide was amazing and also a very good photographer
Operated by Kyoto Essence Tours