Kyoto Fushimi Inari: Secret Hiking Trail & Bamboo Forest Tour

Summary

Hiking secret Kyoto trails from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari’s quiet side

You’ll hike from Tofukuji station along hidden trails into Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through a peaceful bamboo forest and pausing at a tiny local shrine. Expect small group energy, gentle guidance from your local guide, panoramic mountain views—and plenty of moments where Kyoto feels like it belongs just to you.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Tofukuji station when our guide, Takashi, grinned and handed me a tiny paper charm—he said it was for “good legs” on the hike. Not sure if he meant luck or stamina, but I tucked it in my pocket anyway. The city faded behind us pretty quickly, replaced by that earthy smell you get after rain in Kyoto. There were only five of us, and Takashi kept the pace slow enough that even I could keep up (I’m not exactly a mountain goat). He pointed out a weathered sign in kanji—apparently it’s the back entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine, but honestly, it felt like we were sneaking into some secret world.

The path got narrower and the air changed—cooler, with this soft hush from all the bamboo around us. It’s funny, I’d seen so many photos of those famous red torii gates packed with people, but here? Just birds and the sound of our shoes on damp earth. We stopped at a tiny Inari shrine tucked off the trail; Takashi showed us how to clap twice before making a wish. I tried to say “thank you” in Japanese and totally butchered it—Takashi laughed and said I had “good spirit,” which I think is code for “nice try.”

The climb up wasn’t easy (bring water!), but every so often we’d catch glimpses of Kyoto through gaps in the trees. There was this one spot near the top where you could see all the way out toward Momoyama Castle—the light was kind of golden and hazy. We just stood there for a bit without talking. After that, we wound down toward the main shrine area where suddenly there were crowds again and souvenir stands selling sweet-smelling mochi. It felt weird to be back among so many people after all that quiet.

I still think about that bamboo forest sometimes—how silent it was except for our group breathing and Takashi humming some old folk song under his breath. If you want to see Fushimi Inari Shrine without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd, this hiking tour from Tofukuji is something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and explore Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Pass by Tofukuji station
• Enter Fushimi Inari from back side
• Hike mountain trail to bamboo forest
• Discover hidden small Inari shrine
• Enjoy view atop Fushimi Inari mountain
• See Fushimi Castle from mountain top

Top questions

How difficult is the Fushimi Inari hiking tour?

The hike is about 7km with some effort required; regular stops are included but it's not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Tofukuji station instead of the main Fushimi-Inari station.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; participants meet at Tofukuji station.

Are there many tourists on this route?

No—the route uses hidden trails and enters via a less crowded back entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

What should I wear for the hike?

Shoes with good grip and long sleeves/pants are recommended due to slippery paths and bugs.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; bring your own snacks or plan to eat after returning to civilization near the main shrine area.

Are photos included?

Yes—tour photos are taken during the experience and shared afterward.

How long does the tour last?

The total distance is about 7km; expect several hours including stops along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your small group at Tofukuji station before heading out on foot with your local guide along hidden mountain trails. You’ll visit a secluded bamboo forest and an off-the-map Inari shrine before reaching panoramic viewpoints above Kyoto. Photos are taken throughout by your guide and shared after the tour ends near Fushimi Inari’s main shrine area.