Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 1
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 2
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 3
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 4
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 5
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 6
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari 7
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Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari

(3)
Kyoto, Japan
Adrenaline & ExtremeLuxuryAdventure ToursDay Trips & Excursions
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About this activity

Beat the crowds and experience Kyoto's most iconic temples in serene morning light with a small-group early-bird tour through Fushimi Inari and Uji. Your local English-speaking guide reveals the stories behind the thousand vermillion torii gates, the photogenic Byodoin Temple (featured on Japan's 10 yen coin), and Japan's oldest shrine—all before mass tourism arrives.

Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides!

Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through Fushimi Inari’s famous thousand torii gates, the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.

Highlights

  • ✓Walk through Fushimi Inari's labyrinth of torii gates in peaceful early-morning conditions
  • ✓Visit Byodoin Temple, the UNESCO-listed 11th-century structure instantly recognizable from the 10 yen coin
  • ✓Explore Ujigami Shrine, Japan's oldest surviving shrine building (dating to 1060)
  • ✓Small group (max 8 people) ensures personal attention and flexible pacing
  • ✓Local guide shares hidden context and photography spots missed by larger tours

Insider tips

  • ★Arrive at Fushimi Inari before 7am to photograph the torii gates with mist and minimal foot traffic—this tour's early timing is its biggest advantage
  • ★Wear comfortable walking shoes; the terrain includes slopes and stone paths throughout Fushimi Inari
  • ★Bring a light layer; early mornings in Kyoto are cool even in summer, and shaded shrine grounds stay chilly

Good to know

  • •Total duration is 5.5 hours including travel between sites via local train (JR Nara Line to Uji, then walking)
  • •Tour includes entrance fees to temples and shrines; no additional monument tickets required
  • •Meeting point and exact start time confirmed upon booking—arrive 10–15 minutes early
  • •Group size capped at 8 people ensures personalized experience and easier photography

Who it's for

Photography enthusiasts seeking golden-hour and crowd-free shotsCulture-focused travelers wanting deeper temple and shrine historyEarly risers willing to start before sunrise for authentic, peaceful sightseeingSmall-group preference travelers who value personal guide commentary over large coach tours

Best time to visit

Early morning departures (typically 6:30–7am start) are essential to experience the temples in quiet, atmospheric conditions before tour buses arrive by mid-morning. The tour operates year-round; spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer the most pleasant weather, though summer provides fewer crowds.

Frequently asked questions

More things to do in Kyoto

All things to do in Kyoto →Every tour in Japan →

Available
From€56
per person