Kyoto: Early Morning Fushimi Inari & Bamboo Grove Tour

Summary

Walk Kyoto’s silent shrines and bamboo groves before the city wakes up

You’ll slip through Kyoto’s famous red torii gates at Fushimi Inari before sunrise crowds appear, wander beneath Arashiyama’s whispering bamboo stalks, and pause in Tenryu-ji Temple’s peaceful garden—all guided by someone who knows every shortcut and story. Expect moments of quiet awe you can’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the soft, blue light at Fushimi Inari Shrine—those endless red gates felt like stepping into a dream before anyone else showed up. Our guide, Yuki, handed out little sweets (I think they were yatsuhashi?) and joked that we’d need the sugar for all those steps. It was just us and a few locals bowing quietly, incense curling in the air. I tried to copy their bow but probably looked awkward—Yuki smiled and said it was “good effort.” The keyword here really is early; by the time we reached the halfway point, I could already hear distant chatter behind us. If you’re thinking of a day trip from Kyoto to see Fushimi Inari without crowds, this is honestly the way.

Getting to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove felt almost cinematic—the train windows fogged up a bit from the morning chill, so everything outside looked painted in watercolors. When we stepped into the bamboo forest, it was so quiet that even our footsteps sounded too loud. The air smelled green—if that makes sense—and there was this gentle creaking as the stalks swayed above us. At one point I stopped walking just to listen; our group went silent too, which never happens on tours. Yuki pointed out a tiny shrine tucked away off the main path—I would’ve missed it completely.

Tenryu-ji Temple came next, with its Zen garden still damp from last night’s rain. The stones were cold if you touched them (I did), and there was a heron standing perfectly still by the pond like it had nowhere else to be. We wandered slowly through Sogenchi Teien while Yuki explained bits about Zen Buddhism—some of it stuck with me, some didn’t, but I liked how he didn’t rush us or talk too much. By the time we crossed Togetsukyo Bridge (that old wooden one), schoolkids were just starting to show up and I realized how lucky we’d been with timing. I still think about that first hour at Fushimi Inari sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Kyoto's key historical sites

• Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Hike through red torii gates
• Travel to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Walk through bamboo forest
• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and garden
• See views from Togetsu Bridge

Top questions

How many steps are there on this Kyoto tour?

The tour involves about 9,000 steps total across all sites.

Is transportation included in the early morning Kyoto tour?

No, public transportation fees are not included; you’ll use local trains between stops.

What time does the Fushimi Inari & Bamboo Grove tour start?

The earliest start times are recommended for fewer crowds; exact time varies by booking.

Is lunch included in this Kyoto walking tour?

No lunch is included; your guide may offer restaurant tips for after the tour.

Are entry fees covered for Tenryu-ji Temple?

Yes, admission to Tenryu-ji Temple is included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The route requires significant walking and isn’t recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Will there be a local English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads your group throughout the day.

Does this Kyoto day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup; you’ll meet at a designated spot communicated via WhatsApp or SMS before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes guided entry to Fushimi Inari Shrine before most tourists arrive, walks through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Sagano district, admission to Tenryu-ji Temple with its Zen gardens, plus time at Togetsukyo Bridge—all led by an English-speaking local guide using public transport between sites.