9 Kyoto Hiking Tours Worth Booking

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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5.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $62

Join a private, English-led hike from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Guide Louis leads you along quieter Mount Inari paths, bamboo groves, and the famous Senbon Torii, with views toward Tofuku-ji and Fushimi Momoyama Castle. DSLR photos are included.

“Louis was a great tour leader on this walking excursion in April 2025. His route allowed us to have a quiet hike through some beautiful places on the way to the bustling peaks and torii passages. Louis explained some of the history and mythRead more”

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6.Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples）

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $52Best value

Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station for a three-hour small-group walk through the bamboo forest, mountain trails, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Guides such as Taira and Daizen lead the route in clear English. Expect a real uphill hike, not just a flat woodland stroll.

“This was such a great tour, it was like 3 different activities in one! We started at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walk and because it was not the main path and still early we avoided the crowds and still enjoyed the bamboo views. The hiking pRead more”

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7.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 hours · from $69

Meet your English-speaking guide at Saga-Arashiyama Station for a three-hour hike through the Bamboo Forest and quieter mountain trails. Guides including Soichiro, Tang, Rin, and Taira lead small groups of up to five, with viewpoints, shrines, steep sections, and mountain rescue insurance included.

“This was one of the best tours we experienced in Japan - Our guide Soichiro was very knowledgeable about the local history but also guided us through the Arashiyama forest on a very enjoyable hike! We were able to take some great photos away from the crowds - Soichiro is also a great photographer too, as he was able to capture some great memories for us on the trip. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting the Arashiyama bamboo forest - the hike itself was approximately 1.5 hours and did require some degree of physical fitness as there were some steep ascents and descents. Thanks again…”

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8.Hiking Tour for Sacred Sites in Kyoto with a Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $250

Spend about eight hours traveling from Kyoto Station to Kurama, visiting Kurama-dera, hiking four kilometers through mountain forest, and reaching Kifune Shrine. A National Licensed English Speaking Guide leads this private tour, with Mark named as one guide. Transport and admissions are included.

“Our tour guide, Mark, was lovely and very knowledgeable about the region we were visiting as well as Kyoto in general. The hike to Mt Kurama down to Kibune was wonderful. Well paced, and both my 15 and 7 year olds were able to keep up Read more”

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9.Hike and explore the Kurama and Kibune ancient Paths

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $165

Join guide Justin or a fellow English-speaking guide for a 5.5-hour hike from Kurama-dera to Kifune Shrine. Ride Kyoto’s Eizan Railway, visit forest temples and shrines, and follow a steep, uneven trail through northern Kyoto. Transport and entry fees are included, but lunch is not.

“Excellent experience, the guide was very friendly. The views of the place were really beautiful and the temple felt magical. It's not a strenuous hike, so I recommend it for most people.”

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