Viator Rating : 5 (1414 reviews)
Kyoto
Kyoto Early Morning Tour: Beat Crowds & See the Best!
Overview
The Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide lets visitors see the best of Kyoto before the crowds arrive. This walking tour uses public transportation to visit famous spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This is a small group tour, up to 8 people.
Visitors will start their day early to experience Kyoto's beauty in a more peaceful setting. The tour guide will meet the group and lead them through the city using trains and walking. Be ready to walk about 12,000 steps throughout the day. This tour is APPROXIMATELY 5.5 hours, meaning it can differ by around 30 minutes before or after the estimated time.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide who will share information about each location. It excludes public transportation fares (about 1240 yen), food, drinks, and entrance fees. This tour gives a great overview of Kyoto's must-see spots and it is from an operator that has a low supplier cancellation rate and excellent quality. 
Highlights
See Kyoto's Top Spots: Visit famous places like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji.
Beat the Crowds: Start early to see Kyoto's beauty in peace.
English-Speaking Guide: Learn about Kyoto from a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
Small Group Tour: Enjoy a more personal experience with a small group of travelers.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers really liked seeing the temples and shrines.
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Many visitors thought the guide was very friendly and knew a lot about Kyoto.
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People enjoyed getting to places before they got too crowded.
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Lots of customers were happy that the guide was helpful and spoke English well.
Some people did not like having to pay for their own train tickets.
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A few visitors thought the tour was too fast-paced.
The Journey
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up a mountainside, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. Established in 711 AD, walking through the seemingly endless tunnel of vermillion gates is a deeply spiritual and visually stunning experience. Each gate has been donated by businesses and individuals, creating a tangible representation of gratitude and reverence. The hike to the summit offers panoramic views of Kyoto, rewarding those who complete the ascent with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to Japanese traditions.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a transcendent escape into a world of towering green stalks that sway gently in the breeze. This meticulously cultivated grove creates a mesmerizing natural cathedral, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the path below. The bamboo's subtle rustling sounds add to the grove's ethereal atmosphere, making it a haven for contemplation and nature photography. Beyond its visual appeal, the grove is a symbol of strength and resilience in Japanese culture, adding depth to the immersive experience of strolling through this enchanting landscape. It is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple that showcases the opulence of the Muromachi period. Originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, it was later converted into a temple. The pavilion is covered in gold leaf, reflecting brilliantly on the surrounding pond, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The top two floors are adorned with gold leaf, and it houses relics of the Buddha. Its meticulous design and serene setting make it an emblem of Kyoto's beauty and a testament to Japan's rich artistic heritage. Visiting on a sunny day offers an especially dazzling view as the gold shimmers on the water.
Know Before You Go
This is a walking tour that uses public transportation. The cost of public transportation (about 1240 yen) is not included. Food, drinks, and entrance fees are also not included. The tour guide will contact you through WhatsApp, so please download WhatsApp before the tour. If a visitor is late, they cannot join the tour and will not get a refund. The tour includes an English-speaking guide.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because this tour involves a lot of walking, about 12,000 steps. Also, bring some extra money for the train tickets and any snacks or drinks you might want along the way. Remember to download WhatsApp so the tour guide can contact you easily.
Review Summary
People usually say the Kyoto Early Morning Tour provides a wonderful way to beat the crowds at iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama. Travelers frequently praise the knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking guide and the small group size, which makes for a more intimate experience. The walking pace and use of public transport are noted as active but manageable with moderate fitness. Some negative remarks include the strict no-late-entry policy and the extra cost for Kinkakuji entrance fees. Overall, guests highly recommend this tour for early risers looking to enjoy Kyoto's top attractions without daytime crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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