Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji & Southern Kyoto

A great half-day tour for first timers to Kyoto, our Fushimi Inari to Tofukuji guided walk explores the fascinating worlds of Shintoism and Buddhism while discovering two of the city’s most beautiful temple and shrine areas.

After taking the train from central Kyoto, we begin at Fushimi Inari shrine where we’ll learn about Inari Okami, one of the principal Shinto gods responsible for everything from foxes to fertility. As we make our way through the dizzying array of spectacular gates which snake up the mountain, we’ll also uncover many of the area’s unique hidden statues – all which have a story to tell! 

Every climb up a mountain should be rewarded and returning to the base, we allow ample time to explore some of Kyoto’s best street food. Whether your tastes are sweet, savoury or vegetarian, we’ll explain the subtle differences in the local cuisine and guarantee the food will be full of flavour!  

We then make our way through a local neighbourhood via its charming backstreets to Tofukuji temple, one of the Five Great Temples of Kyoto. Originally constructed in the 13th century and home to some of Japan’s finest preserved Zen Buddhist architecture, the Sanmon gate, meditation hall, bathing rooms and elaborate gardens maintain their original form and are spectacular, particularly in autumn. We finish by returning to Tofukuji station which offers excellent access back to the central city.

This walking tour is best done in the morning and for those who would like to beat the crowds or are keen photographers, an early start (e.g. 7am) is recommended. We can also extend this into our Backstreets of Higashiyama tour or allow more time to do a complete circuit of Mt Inari which offers some magnificent photo opportunities and great views over Southern Kyoto.