Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)

We took this tour on our first day in Japan, the first thing we did! Not only was it an absolute pleasure to spend the day with and be guided by Louis, it was invaluable to start our time in Japan getting context and an insight to history, customs, local life, practicalities, food and more before we started exploring solo. We made a day of it with Louis after Fushimi Inari he took us around Gion and Higashiyama, tailored to what we wanted to cover. We had two teens in tow and he engaged them just as well as us adults. Huge bonus was that he proactively took photos of our family too. Can’t thank you enough Louis for a memorable start to our trip, and all the recommendations you gave for our onward journey too. Until next time!

Today we visited Fushimi Inari, and it was an incredible experience. Louis was our guide and truly made the visit special. He captivated us with fascinating insights into the specificities of both Buddhism and Shintoism, bringing the history and spirituality of the site to life. He took us to places we would never have discovered on our own, beautiful, peaceful spots that really captured the soul of Fushimi Inari, away from the crowds of tourists. It was a wonderful walk, filled with breathtaking scenery, tranquility, and an incredible amount of fascinating information. Thank you so much, Louis, for sharing this culture and this beautiful place with us. We will definitely recommend you to our friends who are planning to visit Kyoto. Wishing you lots of success with Kyoto Essence Tours! We hope many more people get to discover Kyoto with you.

We booked this tour expecting someone to take us along the normal path with some hidden extra photosnaps. We were instead met by an expert hiking/Fushimi Inari guru who was amazing from the very first step. A pre planned route with a photo book to explain the history and hidden secrets of Fushimi Inari. We entered in through a quiet hidden trail which was completely private where we were able to climb the mountain in private while receiving a wonderful history lesson. Our guide took photos on his professional camera and knew all the best places to stop. We had an absolute blast on this tour and if you have the stamina (7km of mountain track) | would absolutely recommend you book here.

We booked this tour expecting someone to take us along the normal path with some hidden extra photosnaps. We were instead met by an expert hiking/Fushimi Inari guru who was amazing from the very first step. A pre planned route with a photo book to explain the history and hidden secrets of Fushimi Inari. We entered in through a quiet hidden trail which was completely private where we were able to climb the mountain in private while receiving a wonderful history lesson. Our guide took photos on his professional camera and knew all the best places to stop. We had an absolute blast on this tour and if you have the stamina (7km of mountain track) I would absolutely recommend you book here.

Louis was an attentive, knowledgeable guide who gave us a remarkable tour! Louis graciously answered our many questions & engaged with us the entire time. He kindly offered to take photos for us and captured such beautiful memories! We would highly recommend taking a tour with him!

My husband and I (both in our mid 60s) had an absolutely wonderful experience and an unforgettable day. Most of the 5-mile hike was off the beaten path so we were happy to have brought our walking sticks. There were few crowds, occasional restrooms and stunning hidden gems.

This experience was absolutely worth both the time and money. We took the tour on a Monday morning and had an exceptional guide named Louis. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared the perfect amount of history and insight to truly help us appreciate the experience. One of the best parts was how well he navigated the crowds and guided us up Inari Mountain through what felt like a hidden hiking path. It made the experience feel much more personal and immersive. The tour lasted about three hours from the meeting point, which was the perfect amount of time — long enough to fully enjoy it, while still leaving us plenty of time to explore the rest of Kyoto afterward. Be prepared for a lot of walking and stairs, but honestly, that only added to the adventure and beauty of it all. Louis truly made the experience memorable, and to top it off, he gifted us the photos he took of us along the way. Such a thoughtful touch. Highly recommend this tour — Louis does not disappoint. Thank you again for an unforgettable experience!

This tour was incredible in so many, many ways. Louis is a knowledgeable guide and exceptional company. This was a cultural hike and a nature hike and an all around beautiful experience. The pacing was perfect considering its rigor and participants in their 60s. It was handy to have hiking poles as there were many steps and places of uneven footing. Bring water and snacks.

We couldn’t recommend this tour more highly. Louis was a fantastic guide - friendly, knowledge and happy to answer our hundreds of questions. This is a really busy area of Kyoto and we managed to avoid a lot of the crowds, taking in some more beautiful and peaceful paths around Mount Inari whilst also experiencing some of the main sights. 10/10.

It was a wonderful experience and Louis took his time explaining important sites and even took great pictures at the right time and exact spots for great memories. He was very patient and gave us plenty of time to see and enjoy the sites

Louis was a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable and interesting

Very helpful and extremely informative.

A truly excellent hike experience. Louis is very knowledgeable and kindly shares information about the symbolism and history of the Shinto shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Kyoto. This experience isn't just about avoiding the crowds or ticking a box to say, "I've done that", but is an experience that connects nature, people and purpose. I hadn't planned on visiting Fushimi Inari due to its popularity, but I'm so glad I came across this hike experience, it's been one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. Thank you, Louis.

So glad we did this tour! Louis is so kind and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend!! We were able to add on extra destinations as well, which made for a wonderful day of learning!

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 mythology of these sites and was very easy to communicate with both before and during our tour. Part of the group had to split off early to catch a train, and Louis helped with timing and directions to make sure we did not miss it. Highly recommend this tour if you want to view Inari shrine.

We had a great experience despite some rainy weather! Our guide, Louis, took us to the quiet area so our experience was very different (and better) than had we entered the main entrance to the shrine. Very easy to find him with clear instructions and interesting history. Lots of places to take beautiful photos. We were tired but happy at the end. Thank you for a fantastic tour!

Louis is a fantastic and knowledgeable tour guide who brought my friend and I around Fushimi Inari for 3.5 hours explaining the history, religion, and interesting facts of this beautiful place. I would definitely recommend booking a tour through Kyoto Essence Tours if you want a fulfilling and one of a kind experience exploring such a wonderful place. On a side note, he is also extremely knowledgeable about whiskey’s if you are an aficionado in that realm as well!

This tour was wonderful , loui knew a lot about the place and the japanese culture, even though it rained we had a beautiful experience, away from all the crowds. The best of our time in Kyoto !

We had the best tour visiting the Fushimi Inari temple. Louis was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and had so much local info on the temple & area. We were lucky to take the back routes so the hike to the 3 peaks was manageable & allowed us to explore the hidden path without too much difficulty. Louis explained the importance of the foxes that were found everywhere and the 4 different items that were found in the foxes mouth. We ended the hike at the main shrine where most people started. We were very thankful we went the other away as the hike up to the 3 peaks after the main shrine was steep and grueling. Also Louis had a professional camera and knew all the good places to take the photos. He then sent us the photos and he even edited them. Was such a wonderful experience.. can’t recommend enough.

This was the best trip I ha e done In Kyoto and Japan. I wanted off the beaten path and got everything I wished for. Louis is amazing filled with knowledge and insists to this tour of Fushi Inari. I highly recommend booking Louis you won't regret if.

Louis was the best guide we had in Japan. Extremely knowledgeable and personable. He spends the time to take professional photos. I would highly recommend his services.

Our private tour with Louis to the Fushimi Inari Shrine was nothing short of phenomenal and easily one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan. While many attractions in Kyoto are packed with crowds that can detract from the experience, Louis guided us along a serene, lesser-known path that not only avoided the congestion but also showcased hidden gems and unique details we would have completely missed on our own. Louis is incredibly knowledgeable about the shrine and its rich history. He answered all of our questions with insight and enthusiasm, adding so much depth to the experience. As an added bonus, he captured beautiful photos of us along the way, knowing exactly where to stop for the best angles and lighting — we’re absolutely thrilled with how the pictures turned out! If you’re headed to Kyoto, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Louis. He’ll make sure you get the most out of your visit in a thoughtful, memorable, and personalized way. Kanpai!

The tour was amazing, we wouldn’t have seen and known all the things without the tour. I 100% recommend it. The guide was amazing and also a very good photographer

Louis was our guide on a night food tour of Kyoto which was brilliant, and he mentioned that he also did private tours of the popular Fushimi Inari shrine. I leapt at the change to book it with him as I had heard it was an incredibly busy place and he said he knew many hidden paths to avoid the crowds. Safe to say that he was right. We had a great 3 hour hike around the mountain and Louis did a great job at explaining the history behind all the shrines and sites. I would highly recommend this tour. It was well worth the money and time!

I can highly recommend this tour! Our guide, Louis, was not only extremely knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and took the time to answer all of my questions throughout the tour. He shared really interesting insights about the history, culture, and symbolism of the places we visited. We were able to explore beautiful spots away from the crowds and saw many Torii gates, which we often had all to ourselves!! I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a snack for the journey. Thanks a lot Louis!

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Kyoto away from the crowds, I can’t recommend this personal tour with Louis enough! We explored hidden trails through lush forests and serene mountain paths around Fushimi Inari Shrine, uncovering secret spots most visitors never see. Louis was an incredible guide—his deep knowledge of history and culture brought every shrine, torii gate, and monument to life. He shared fascinating stories and insider tips, making us feel truly connected to Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural heritage. His passion and expertise made this tour so much more than just a hike—it was a journey through history, nature, and tradition. If you want an immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventure with a guide who truly knows Kyoto, this is the experience for you!

The tour was fantastic! It felt like we were alone on a hidden path, surrounded by peaceful nature—a perfect contrast to the busy city. I loved it, and I also found some amazing photo spots without any tourists in the background!

Louis is an amazing guide! The hike is perfect for experiencing a natural bamboo forest and countless torii gates, far away from the tourist crowds. He is great to talk to and open to all questions, making the experience even more enjoyable. It was only at the very end of the tour that we encountered the crowds and realized what a hidden, natural, and detoxing spot this tour was—while still covering some of Kyoto’s major sights.

Louis was amazing. His English is truly excellent, and he is patient and provides excellent explanations. Would definitely book again!

Louis was absolutely amazing! Highly informative. I recommend him to anyone visiting Japan. Kind, easy going, and fun!

We recommend this guide with the strongest endorsement! It’ll be an experience you never forget. My wife and I were already falling in love with Kyoto, but this experience made the city one of our favorites in the world now. The tour itself was so engaging, so thoughtful, and of course so much fun. The guide is knowledgeable, and his care and attention shine through. Thank you again for everything and we cant wait to see you next time!

What an excellent time!! As first timers in Japan, this tour was everything my wife and I were hoping for. The shrines we visited were beautiful and steered away from the larger crowds. Our guide was more than knowledgeable and passionate of the locations we visited. Clear and concise information that felt like it was coming from a friend. I will always recommend this tour!

Great guide, very knowledgeable. If you want to avoid as many people (which is almost impossible) great guide to go with! Thank you!!

Fushimi Inari and Kyoto in general is well worth the visit and all, but this tour specifically stands out as an adventure that will not soon be forgotten. As with many things in life, the people are what make or break the experience and Louis couldn’t have done a better job of ensuring my wife and I enjoyed our short time in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a spectacular shrine on a mountain with trails lined by orange gates that pay tribute to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. If there is one tour that you take while in beautiful Kyoto , it should be this one. Louis, our guide, speaks impeccable English and is deeply knowledgeable about Buddhism and its relation to Shintoism and the history of the shrine. This tour is structured as a magnificent hike through mountain paths that make you feel alone, despite the main temple being one of the top sights in Kyoto. This was a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget. Louis is a delight and goes above and beyond to insure his clients’ safety and comfort, as well as transmitting his deep love and knowledge of Japanese culture. An absolute must-do in Kyoto!

If your going to go on a tour take this one ! Louis is a fantastic guide. We started the tour along a beautiful scenic walk which only the locals would know about. Louis guided us through many different temples and shrines explaining the history and meaning behind each. He takes his time explaining the details along the walk and will accommodate to your pace. He is very well knowledgeable and we have learnt more on this tour then we have in our 2 weeks of being in Japan ! Thank you Louis for such a great day we loved every bit of it

Louis was very knowledgeable about Shintoism and Buddhism and explained his thoughts in a very interesting way. He took us up and around the mountain and explained much of the history and cultural significance of what we were seeing. The path we took was away from crowds for most of the duration and pleasant. Louis took and sent us photos from the day that he photographed himself at no extra cost, and had prepared a booklet to help explain the history we were seeing. His English was excellent and a pleasure to learn from. I wish him the best on his future tours and would suggest him to anyone looking to explore Kyoto Fushimi Inari

If you are traveling to Kyoto this should definitely be part of your itinerary! This is one of the best ways to experience Fushimi Inari Shrine which allows you to skip most of the crowds while learning about the meaning and history of the shrine along the way. Louis is a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. Throughout the tour he will share the history of various shrines which exist along a path to reach the peak, each holding unique importance. Louis shares details that we would have otherwise not known while visiting the shrine unless we had spent years digging into the history. The trail is a light hike. Street clothes are suitable, but sturdy shoes are a must for the path and many stairs. We visited in February, so temperature was mild (maybe 50F) and we did not even break a sweat. We did this tour with one other couple which was the perfect size for a more customized experience. 10/10 recommend!

The tour was very informative. We went through the hidden paths which had amazing views and calm atmosphere. Time well spent.

A great way to see Fushimi Inari without the crowds. Picturesque scenery and great photography from the guide. A must do in Kyoto, although you'll need to be fit enough to hike for a couple of hours with some uphill sections.

This tour was incredible! Louis was a very gracious and generous guide. The scenery is breathtaking and the history is compelling. Louis gave a very comprehensive background to the sites we visited on the morning journey through Inari, which made it all the more fascinating. I would 110% recommend this tour to anyone visiting Japan. Kyoto was my favourite city to visit during my first visit and this tour made it even more special.

Exploring Fushimi Inari with Louis was an absolute highlight of our trip to Kyoto! Instead of the usual crowded paths, Louis took us on a hidden trail that felt like a secret journey through history and nature. His deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and Shinto traditions added so much meaning to the experience. The trail itself was breathtaking—serene bamboo groves, quiet shrines, and stunning viewpoints we never would have found on our own. Louis was an engaging guide, answering all our questions and making the tour feel personal and immersive. If you want a truly unique and peaceful way to experience Fushimi Inari, this tour is a must! Highly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable Kyoto adventure. Thank you, Louis!

We are so glad we booked a tour with Louis! He is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and gave us a whole new understanding of the region’s history and culture (plus he knows all the best photo-ops)! We also loved that the tour was a bit more off the beaten path and in nature. If you’re looking for an authentic experience led by a local, this is the tour for you.