The 4 Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Kyoto

1.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63Our pick

Join a small group of up to seven for a roughly three-hour hike from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari. Guides such as Naru, Hina, Yuko, and Matt lead forest paths, bamboo groves, quiet shrines, and the famous torii gates, often approaching from the less crowded upper side.

“We met Yuko on one of the hottest (and very humid) days of the year to hike the Hidden Trail. She had mosquito repellent for me and right off the bat, I knew she was going to be a good guide. The other 5 individuals didn't show so we got her to ourselves and could move quickly on such a warm day. The trail is awesome but it's definitely something you need a local to show you. She knew the history of the area and all the fun facts. Yuko had a fun personality and is a ball of energy scrambling up those technical trails. It was a highlight of…”

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2.3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 270 reviews · 3 hours · from $72

Start near Tofukuji Station and hike roughly 7 kilometers through quiet neighborhoods, bamboo groves, forest paths, old altars, and Fushimi Inari’s famous torii gates. An English-speaking guide such as Hina, Naru, or Shiori leads the small group, explains Shinto customs, and takes photos along the way.

“Yukari is a great guide and the tour was a great workout with an even greater sights to look at during the hike. 10/10 recommend!”

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3.Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $191

Spend about eight hours exploring Mount Kurama and Kibune with a private English-speaking guide. Walk forest trails, climb shrine steps, visit Yuki Shrine, Kurama-dera, Okunoin Maoden, and Kifune Shrine, and learn how Reiki, water worship, and local legends shape these mountain communities.

“Ms. Michiko Murayama, the tour guide, had a wonderful plan and I was looking very much forward walking around and exploring the natural and cultural beauty around Kyoto mountains. However, “the God of water” had the last say about it. Due to heavy rainfall in the day of the event, Michiko had to make changes to the itinerary and ensure safety. She suggested to visit only shrines that have easier access and had to cancel the much anticipated walk through the forest. With much regret about the cancellation, however, Michiko made the best effort to have a pleasant experience by organizing efficient transportation, reasonable access to shrines. Her inspiring attitude…”

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4.Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $80

Leave Kyoto by mountain train for Kibune and Kurama, then hike through cedar forest to Kurama Temple with an English or French-speaking guide. Philippe, Chris, and Salome are among the praised guides. The climb takes about 30 to 40 minutes, with time for shrine visits, valley views, and an optional onsen.

“Philippe was very knowledgeable about the history and stories behind the shrines, temples and towns we visited. Being a localized Kyoto citizen, he was able to supply us a plethora of local insights behind Japanese culture and traditions. With his extensive background of hiking the forests and mountains of Kyoto, the route was impeccably planned such that it was a seamless experience despite the daunting climb up to the mountain temple. An amalgamation of nature and history, overall it was a rejuvenating experience providing a much welcome contrast from the conventional and routinely frequented tourist spots in Kyoto City Center.”

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