Kyoto Highlights: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari by Private Car

One of the larger torii (gates) at Fushimi Inari

Okochi Sanso offers spectacular gardens, views, and old homes too.

The beauty and serenity of Arashiyama's bamboo.

Okochi Sanso - an actor's estate from the 1930s.

A Japanese garden, where both serenity and meaning drive design.

Fushimi Inari's famous "1000 gate road".

Duration8h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, French, Spanish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Explore the sights of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari on this full-day, private minivan tour based out of Osaka. In Arashiyama, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryuji, known for its beautiful architecture, gorgeous classic gardens, and lovely vistas. Then it's on to the world famous bamboo grove. Picture time! Afterwards, we slip away to the quiet, rarefied environs of the Okochi Sanso estate for gardens, architecture, and a matcha tea break too. Much more to see and stroll about in Arashimaya before we head to the awe-inspiring, ever-popular Fushimi Inari, where thousands of red gates ("torii") snake up the mountain. We'll talk about the significance and sites as we make our way up the holy pathway, but it's a private tour, so we only go as high as you want!
While not included, we are happy to suggest a lunch stop along the way.
This tour can be customized, so do feel free to consult with us if you've something special in mind that we don't cover on the standard tour.

Options

From Osaka 10-hr, 6 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Osaka 10-hr, 9 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 10-hr, 9 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Osaka 10-hr, 9 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Osaka 10-hr, 6 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kobe 10-hr, 6 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 10-hr, 6 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Osaka 8-hr, 9 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Kobe 10-hr, 9 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kobe 8-hr, 6 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kobe 10-hr, 6 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 8-hr, 6 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 8-hr, 9 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Osaka 8-hr, 6 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Osaka 8-hr, 9 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Osaka 8-hr, 9 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kobe 10-hr, 9 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Kobe 8-hr, 6 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kobe 8-hr, 9 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kobe 10-hr, 6 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 8-hr, 9 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 10-hr, 9 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Osaka 8-hr, 6 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kobe 8-hr, 9 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kobe 10-hr, 9 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 8-hr, 9 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 10-hr, 6 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Osaka 10-hr, 9 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 8-hr, 6 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Osaka 10-hr, 6 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kobe 8-hr, 6 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 10-hr, 6 seats (FR)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 10-hr, 9 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Kyoto 8-hr, 6 seats (EN)

Pickup included

From Kobe 8-hr, 9 seats (ES)

Pickup included

From Osaka 8-hr, 6 seats (ES)

Pickup included

What's included

Customizable itinerary
Bottled water
Hotel or port pickup and drop-off (Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe)
English-, Spanish-, or French-speaking driver-guide
Private, air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fees (¥1,600–¥2,100 per person)
Lunch
Child seat (payable on the day)
Gratuities (optional)

What to expect

Arashiyama
1h

Within this part of Kyoto are the following places, all described in detaile below: Tenryuji, Bamboo Grove, Okochi Sanso. But also, we'll spend some time, as you wish, strolling the town itself, both along the river and through the shopping district.
Tenryu-ji Temple
45m · Admission ticket not included

The lovely, picture-perfect gardens are sure to both astound and bring you a sense of serenity. Timeless beauty, no matter what the season. We also get views of the prayer halls, mediation areas, and the bamboo grove (which we later walk right through).
Bamboo Forest Street
20m

You've probably seen this pictures of this, and now you get to be a part of it. A narrow road snakes up a gentle hillside, with bamboo towering both to your left and right. A classic, and for good reason.
Okochi Sanso Garden
1h · Admission ticket not included

Perched above Arashiyama's famous bamboo grove is this luxurious former actor's estate, largely built in the 1930s. You'll enjoy some macha (Japanese powdered green tea) and a small sweet, then stroll the gardens, take in the views, and check out the impressive buildings.
Gion
10m

We spend a few minutes driving through and stopping for a quick stroll and picture taking in the Gion district.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
1h 15m

Arguably the most famous Shinto Shrine in the land, Fushimi Inari entices you ever higher up the mountain with its famous red torii (gates). Don't worry, though -- this is a private tour, so we'll only go as high as you want to! Along the way, we'll talk about what Shintoism, Japan's original religion, and we'll see plenty of significant sights aside from those red torii, too.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pick up at any hotel in central Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe, is included at no extra charge. Additional charges for other location are as follows (Japanese yen, each way): Osaka port or Hyatt Regency Osaka, 3,250 Yen; Universal Studios area, 3,250 Yen; For Kansai Airport pickups, due to the distance and associated highway tolls, an extra 15,000 yen is asked.

Additional information

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tour is priced per group. If you are 7 to 9 passengers, the price increase covers the larger vehicle. Even if you are less than 7, you can choose the 7 passengers and ride in the 9 passenger vehicle for extra space.
If you have to bring your luggage with you to the tour, you can leave it in the trunk during the tour, subject to space constraints.
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day, traffic conditions and your preferable drop-off location.
A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
According to Japanese law, children under 6 years old or less than 140cm MUST use car seats. Be sure to request one in advance from us if required.
Enjoy all the exciting stops described above and more on this private vehicle tour! The plan described is a model course, and there is the possibility for change based on our guests' interests. Timing and external factors (such as traffic conditions) may force deviations from this model course.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.8 (38)