Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Fushimi-Inari and Arashiyama

Discover Kyoto’s Highlights Before the Crowds: An Honest Review of the Early Bird English Tour

If you’re visiting Kyoto and want to avoid the crush of travelers while soaking up the city’s best sights, the Kyoto Early Bird English Tour might just be your perfect fit. This 4.5-hour guided walking experience takes you through iconic locations like Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Bamboo Grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple—all before the crowds arrive. As someone who’s researched countless tours, I can tell you that early mornings in Kyoto are magical, especially with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What really drew us to this tour are three standout elements: First, the small group size (limited to 8 participants), which promises a more intimate experience; second, the expert guidance that brings the sites’ stories to life; and third, the early start that helps you beat the heat and avoid the crowds, making for a more peaceful visit. The one thing to keep in mind is that it involves walking around 9,000 steps and using public transportation, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a fair bit of movement.

This tour is ideal for those who love cultural insights, want to maximize their sightseeing time, and prefer a quieter, less hectic experience. If you enjoy learning from a friendly guide while exploring at a relaxed but purposeful pace, this is a wonderful option. However, travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users will find it less suitable due to the walking and transportation involved.

Good To Know

• Early Start: To enjoy the sites with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
• Small Group: More personalized attention from guides like Vincent, Hiro, and Caleb
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Fushimi Inari, Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, and other highlights
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides answer questions and share engaging stories
• Public Transportation: Included in the schedule, but transportation fees are extra
• Active Walk: Expect approximately 9,000 steps, so comfortable shoes are a must

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Meeting Point and Start

The tour begins in front of the 7-Eleven inside Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, a convenient, central location. The exact coordinates (34.98610305786133, 135.7593536376953) make it easy to find, but do arrive a little early to ensure a smooth start. The early timing—sometimes around 5 a.m.—means fewer people and a peaceful atmosphere, especially at places like Fushimi Inari.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (1 hour)

Your first stop is the world-famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of vibrant torii gates winding up the mountain. This site is often crowded later in the day, but arriving early means you’ll get to see it in a more serene state. The guide will take you through the origins of the shrine, the significance of the torii, and the spiritual meaning behind the thousands of gates. Several reviews mention how guides like Vincent make the story of these gates come alive, explaining their connection to Japanese culture and beliefs.

Train Ride to Arashiyama (15-30 minutes)

The tour uses public transportation to move between sites, which keeps costs down and gives you a taste of local life. The train ride itself is a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery as you head toward the Bamboo Grove.

More Great Tours Nearby

Bamboo Grove (1 hour)

Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a highlight, especially in the early morning when the towering stalks sway quietly. Reviewers like Katarína from the Netherlands mention how the bamboo felt “magical,” and the shared stories from guides enrich the experience. You’ll get tips on the best spots for photos and learn about the significance of the grove both as a natural marvel and a cultural icon.

Break and Kimono Forest (20-25 minutes)

After exploring the bamboo, there’s a short break where you can absorb the peaceful surroundings or browse local shops. Passing by the Kimono Forest—a colorful installation of kimono-shaped fabric lanterns—adds a splash of vibrant culture to the tour, even if just passing by.

Togetsukyo Bridge & Tenryu-ji Temple (1 hour)

The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge makes a perfect photo stop, with its picturesque setting over the river. It’s often described as a postcard scene, and guides provide insight into its history and significance.

Arriving at Tenryu-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple, the tour continues with storytelling about Zen practices and the temple’s role in Kyoto’s spiritual landscape. Reviewers like Rosa Alicia from Mexico highlight how guides like Caleb make the history “come alive” with engaging explanations.

Final Moments and Wrap-up

The tour concludes back at Kyoto Station, with plenty of time to head for lunch or continue exploring. Many guides also share tips for restaurants and other must-see spots, helping you extend your Kyoto experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Value of an Early Start

Many reviews emphasize how the early start is worth it. As Kathrin from the UK says, “What a great tour! It was worth getting up early,” especially since it meant avoiding the busy, crowded sites. The peace and quiet of the morning lend a special charm to Kyoto’s temples and shrines.

Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

Guides like Vincent, Hiro, and Caleb are consistently praised for their depth of knowledge, engaging storytelling, and friendly nature. Adriana from Singapore mentions that Tammy, one of the guides, “tailored the information to our interests,” which makes the experience feel personalized and memorable.

Authentic Cultural Insights

Beyond just sightseeing, the guides explain the meaning and background of each site, making each stop a learning moment. Whether it’s the spiritual importance of Fushimi Inari or the Zen philosophy at Tenryu-ji, the stories shared deepen the visitor’s understanding.

Flexibility and Practicality

Using public transportation is a practical way to navigate Kyoto efficiently, and the small group size ensures that everyone can ask questions and get attention. The tour also provides helpful travel tips and restaurant recommendations, adding value beyond the sights.

Price and Overall Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the tour emphasizes value and flexibility—you can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before. Given the small group and expert guiding, many travelers find the price justified for a well-organized, comprehensive experience that saves time and enriches understanding.

Considerations

• The walking distance is significant, so comfortable, supportive shoes are essential.
• The use of public transportation might incur additional costs, which are not included in the tour price.
• The early start can be quite early, with some tours starting around 5 a.m., so be prepared for an early wake-up call.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers eager to see Kyoto’s top sights without the throngs of travelers. It suits those interested in learning from friendly guides who share engaging stories and cultural context. It’s especially attractive for visitors who value a peaceful, scenic morning before the city gets busy.

However, if mobility is an issue, this tour might not be suitable due to the walking and transportation involved. Also, those who prefer a relaxed, less structured experience may find the fast-paced schedule a bit too energetic.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the tour involves a lot of walking (~9,000 steps), so it’s best suited for active kids comfortable with that pace.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and cash are recommended for additional purchases or tips. Be prepared for an outdoor experience in the morning.

Are the transportation costs included?
Transportation is part of the schedule, but transportation fees are not included in the tour price.

Can I join the tour later than the scheduled start?
No, the tour starts at a set time, and arriving late might mean missing key parts of the experience.

Is this tour available in Japanese?
Yes, the tour features guides who speak both English and Japanese.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much walking is involved?
Approximately 9,000 steps, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a mix of sightseeing and light hiking.

Is there free time during the tour?
There’s a short break in Arashiyama, providing some time for rest, shopping, or coffee.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. The sites are stunning, and guides often encourage capturing the moments, especially early in the morning.

Will I learn about Japanese history and culture?
Yes, guides share stories about Zen Buddhism, shrine origins, and local traditions, giving you meaningful insights.

To sum it up, the Kyoto Early Bird English Tour offers a well-balanced mix of cultural insights, scenic beauty, and quiet moments before the crowds arrive. It’s an excellent choice for energetic travelers who want to make the most of their limited time in Kyoto with a knowledgeable guide by their side. The early start, small group size, and engaging storytelling create a memorable and authentic experience—worth considering if you’re after a meaningful, crowd-free exploration of this historic city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby