KYOTO · HIKING & TREKKING
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 hiking & trekking tours worth the yen, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Skip crowds on a 3-hour private-optional hike to Fushimi Inari, with bamboo trails and castle views.
“This was a great way to see Fushimi Inari! We were there on a super busy day at peak foliage season and National Holiday weekend, and we still felt like we had many of the areas on the upper part of the mountain to ourselves. Shin is a Read more”
3-hour small-group hike at Fushimi Inari from Tofukuji, with bamboo groves and quiet forest trails, ending near the famous torii gates.
“Very informative and I am pleased with our experience.”
Kyoto hiking tour of Kurama and Kibune with door-to-door pickup, private guide, Reiki legends, forest shrines, and included temple fees.
“Lovely day hiking in the hills and mountain temples near Kyoto with our guide Yoji. Yoji was very knowledgeable and we had a great time, thank you!”
Half-day hike from Kyoto to Kurama Temple and Kibune shrine, then optional onsen in Kurama village. Forest air, big views, good value.
“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.”
A private, early Fushimi Inari hike with a Kyoto guide, quieter torii trails, Shinto stories, and DSLR photos for great value.
“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”
A small-group Arashiyama bamboo hike with an English guide, mountain views, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji’s 8,000 statues, all in about 3 hours.
“We had an amazing tour of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and surrounding mountains with our guide, Daizen. From the moment he met us at the train station, we felt welcomed and in great hands. He walked us to the bamboo forest, sharinRead more”
Early guided hike through Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with hidden paths, views, small-group calm, and safety insurance included.
“Firstly, our guide Soichiro, was very patient with us, as we were lost initially, our driver dropped us off at the Bamboo forest entrance and not at the Arashiyama Station, which we did not know about, as I only seen the WhatsApp from Soichiro just prior to meeting with him. Soichiro, however contacted us and we found each other after +- 20mins. Whilst Soichiro was very patient and kind to us, he is also learning about some of the info with regard to the trip. It was a good hike but you need to be prepared for a hike of this nature, which took us up and down some steep…”
Half-day Mt. Daimonji ninja trekking from Nanzenji to Ginkakuji with dojo training, breathing tips, and a gentle 7.5 km route in Kyoto.
“Izo was great, interesting, friendly and knowledgeable! The hike was strenuous, but not too long, and he gave us some great tips on breathing and efficiency of movement. A very enjoyable experience.”
Hike from Kurama-dera to Mt. Kurama and Kifune Shrine with a licensed English guide, with admission and transport fees 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”
A guided half-day hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune and Kifune Shrine, with temple sights, forest trails, and water shrine vibes north of Kyoto.
“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.”
Guided hike on Mount Kurama to Kurama-dera, the Root Path, and Maōden. Spiritual legends, cedar steps, admissions included.
“With an excellent guide who has a passion for Japan and this area we had an awesome time and learned a lot. Despite the high heat and humidity.”
Guided hike to Kyoto’s Mount Kurama, starting at the Great Tengu statue and ending near Kibune Shrine, with legends and sacred trails.
“Efficient stops and informative guide. Johnnie was energetic and organized.”
A private 4-hour Kyoto trek linking Fushimi Inari’s red torii, a secret bamboo forest, and temple stops to the south-view Inari summit.
“Horoyuki was a fantastic guide. We absolutely loved him. He took us to some amazing temples and into the bamboo forest. One of the nicest guides we have ever been with. Thank you for an amazing tour.”
Hike from Kurama to Kibune, visit Kurama-dera and Kifune Shrine, then ride Eizan Railway on a 6-hour small-group Kyoto nature day.
Hike Mt. Daimonji with an English guide from Higashiyama, reach the summit, and enjoy panoramic Kyoto views plus GoPro footage for $35.
Every kind of day in the city, and the best-reviewed way to book it.
