1. Departure time (Select 1)
Options: 06:45 / 07:15 / 07:45 / 08:10
Location: In front of the Central Ticket Gate at Kyoto Station (Meeting 5 minutes beforehand is required)
2. Tour Course (Takes approximately 5 hours)
Fushimi Inari Shrine (1.5 hours): Walk through the red torii tunnel and take photos
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (1 hour): Chikurin Forest healing and nature appreciation
Kinkaku-ji (1.5 hours): Ends after viewing the golden pavilion and Japanese garden.
3. Inclusions and Exclusions
Includes: Professional guide commentary (Korean)
Exclusions (Pay on-site): * Kinkaku-ji entrance fee (500 yen)
Public transportation fares
Personal food and beverages and travel insurance
4. Essential Checks
On-time Departure: Due to the nature of group tours, waiting, joining midway, or refunds are not available for latecomers.
Preparation: WhatsApp or KakaoTalk must be installed for communicating with the guide. Wearing comfortable athletic shoes is recommended.
Participation Conditions: The tour is guaranteed to depart even for a single person booking, but pregnant women are not permitted to participate for safety reasons. (Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.)
Other: We recommend purchasing individual travel insurance.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that snake up the sacred Mount Inari. It is the head shrine of the god Inari, associated with rice, sake, and prosperity in business. Visitors can experience a unique spiritual journey through the mystical trails, admire the traditional architecture, and learn about the fox (kitsune) messengers of Inari Okami.
To explore the main pathways of Fushimi Inari Shrine, including the iconic tunnel of torii gates, visitors typically spend between 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows time for walking a significant portion of the mountain, taking photos, and absorbing the atmosphere without rushing. A full ascent to the summit and back can take 2-3 hours.
No, there is no admission fee required to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. The shrine grounds, including the famous torii gate pathways, are open to the public 24 hours a day, allowing visitors free access to explore its spiritual landscape at any time.
When visiting Arashiyama, key attractions to prioritize include the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, known for its towering stalks and serene atmosphere. Another must-see is the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, offering picturesque views of the Hozugawa River and surrounding mountains. Exploring the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautiful Zen garden, is also highly recommended.
To adequately experience Arashiyama's main sights such as the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and surrounding temples or shops, it is recommended to allocate approximately 2 to 3 hours. This duration allows for a leisurely stroll, photo opportunities, and soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the area's natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is celebrated for its stunning three-story structure with the top two floors completely covered in pure gold leaf. Each floor is built in a different architectural style: the first in Shinden-zukuri palace style, the second in Buke-zukuri samurai house style, and the third in Chinese Zen-style (Karayo). It stands elegantly beside a large pond, creating a captivating reflection.
No, visitors are not permitted to enter the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion building itself. The structure houses sacred relics and is not open for public entry. However, visitors can admire its magnificent golden exterior from various viewpoints around the beautiful surrounding gardens and pond, which offers excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, the top two floors of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, are indeed covered in real gold leaf. This lavish application reflects the extravagant culture of the Kitayama period and was originally intended to demonstrate the power and wealth of its builder, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The shimmering gold surface creates a breathtaking spectacle, especially when illuminated by the sun.