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Hidden Kyoto Day Tour: Fushimi Inari, Private Zen Temple & Gion

Hidden Kyoto Day Tour: Fushimi Inari, Private Zen Temple & Gion

Off the Beaten Path

Joined 2026

Dominic W.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English (Native), French, German (Native), Japanese

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Dominic W.)

Up to 10 people

Discover Kyoto beyond the crowds on a private day tour combining iconic sights, hidden paths and exclusive access. Leave the main route at Fushimi Inari to explore a quieter path through bamboo forests and small shrines. Wander through historic Gion and Higashiyama before stepping inside a private Zen temple normally closed to the public. An optional tea ceremony can also be added. Book your tour and experience a side of Kyoto most visitors never get to see.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Start of the Tour: Pick-up at your Hotel Lobby

- Please let me know the name of your hotel. Alternatively, we can arrange to meet at any other convenient location in Kyoto.

09:40 AM

Fushimi Inari: Beyond the 10,000 Torii Gates

Explore Fushimi Inari beyond its famous torii gates. Leave the busy main route behind and follow a quieter path through bamboo forests, small hidden shrines, and peaceful mountain scenery. Along the way, learn about Shinto, the meaning of the vermilion gates, and the traditions that make Fushimi Inari one of Kyoto’s most fascinating sacred sites.

12:30 AM

Lunch

Enjoy lunch together with your guide at a local restaurant.

02:00 PM

Gion: Inside Kyoto’s Geisha Culture

Explore Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, and walk through atmospheric streets lined with traditional wooden machiya and teahouses. Dive deeper into the fascinating world of geiko and maiko, their training, daily lives, traditions, and role in modern Kyoto. Your guide will also share personal stories and experiences with maiko and geiko, offering a more personal insight into this unique culture.

02:40 PM

Ryosokuin: Exclusive Access to a Private Zen Temple

Step inside Ryosokuin, a private Zen Buddhist temple normally closed to the public (subject to availability). Away from the crowds, explore the peaceful temple grounds and learn about Zen Buddhism, its philosophy, practices, and how Zen has influenced Japanese culture and everyday life.

03:20 PM

Yasaka Pagoda & Koshin-do: The Heart of Higashiyama

Explore the historic streets of Higashiyama and discover two of the area’s most distinctive sights: the iconic Yasaka Pagoda and colorful Koshin-do Temple. Learn about their history, Buddhist traditions, and symbolism while experiencing the atmosphere of old Kyoto.

03:40 PM

Ninenzaka & Nene-no-Michi: Streets of Old Kyoto

Stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Nene-no-Michi, surrounded by traditional wooden houses, small shops, temples, and hidden alleys. Experience the atmosphere of old Kyoto while learning about the history and culture that shaped the Higashiyama district.

04:00 PM

End of the Tour: Yasaka Shrine, Gion

Finish your day at Yasaka Shrine in the heart of Gion. From here, your guide will be happy to help with directions, restaurant recommendations, or suggestions for how to continue exploring Kyoto on your own.

Ending Point

Yasaka Shrine, Gion

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

• Guide fee

• Pick-up at your Hotel

What‘s not included

• Public transportation fee (about 1500yen per person)

• Lunch ( 2000-4000 Yen per person)

Tour Important Information

This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

Please let me know in advance about any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special requirements.

Important message from the supplier

If your group is bigger than 10 people, please let me know in advance.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2026

Dominic W.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Dominic W.

Konnichiwa, I'm Dom - nice to meet you!

Originally from Switzerland, I fulfilled my dream of moving to Japan and now live in Kyoto. In addition to my daily Aikido training, I work as a private tour guide, offering personalized experiences of the city. Whether you're interested in one of the tours listed on my website or prefer a custom tour based on your interests, I’m here to help make your visit to Kyoto unforgettable.

How did I end up in the Land of the Rising Sun?

My fascination with Japan began in childhood and has only deepened over the years. I immersed myself in studying the country's culture and history, exploring countless books, and, according to my friends, was probably a bit too enthusiastic about it! I always knew that visiting Japan was inevitable, and it became a reality after I started training in Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art. This journey brought me to Kyoto, where I completed a two-year intensive program to become an Aikido instructor. Having achieved that goal, I am now teaching while continuing to grow as an instructor, with the long-term vision of one day opening my own dojo. If you’re visiting my website, it means you share an interest in exploring Kyoto’s rich culture and history, an enthusiasm we have in common! I fell in love with Kyoto, and my goal is to help you experience the city in a way that will leave you as captivated by it as I am.