Kyoto’s charm is undeniable, and the Early Bird Tour with Uber promises an immersive experience. For €167.76 per person, travelers can explore the city’s iconic sites, including the renowned Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. With convenient transportation and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover Kyoto’s cultural treasures. But the true allure lies in the chance to witness the city’s enchanting beauty before the crowds arrive.
Key Points

- This private group tour explores Kyoto’s iconic landmarks, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
- The 5-hour tour is priced at €167.76 per person and is conducted in English with full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours.
- Uber transportation is provided for the tour’s convenience, with the meeting point at the central ticket gates of Kyoto Station.
- The tour includes entry tickets to Kinkakuji Temple and highlights the cultural and historical significance of the attractions.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those over 80 years old due to the moderate fitness level required.
Tour Overview

The Kyoto Early Bird Tour with Uber offers a private group experience that explores several of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks.
Priced from €167.76 per person, the 5-hour tour is conducted in English. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The itinerary includes visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with transportation provided via Uber.
The tour allows for early morning access to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and includes an English-speaking guide, entry ticket to Kinkakuji Temple, and a stroll through the bamboo forest.
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Itinerary

The Kyoto Early Bird Tour with Uber starts at Kyoto Station, where the guide waits at the central ticket gates for the JR lines on the north side.
The first stop is the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which takes 20 minutes to reach by taxi. Guests have 1 hour to explore the famous torii gates and learn about Shintoism.
Next, they travel 40 minutes by taxi to Kinkakuji Temple, spending 1 hour admiring the gilded pavilion and its connection to Zen Buddhism and samurai culture.
The final destination is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a 30-minute taxi ride, where guests spend 1.5 hours strolling among the soothing bamboo.
Attractions

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its iconic torii gates and fox statues, offering guests the opportunity to learn about the Shinto religion. Next, guests visit Kinkakuji Temple, a gilded building reflecting in the pond. This site connects to Zen Buddhism and samurai culture. The tour then takes visitors to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where they can experience the soothing sounds of the breeze in the bamboo.
| Attraction | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine | Torii gates and fox statues |
| Kinkakuji Temple | Gilded building, Zen Buddhism, samurai culture |
| Arashiyama Bamboo Forest | Soothing sounds of the breeze |
Inclusions

English-speaking guides accompany guests, providing insights into the cultural and historical significance of the sites visited.
The tour includes entry tickets to Kinkakuji Temple, known for its stunning golden pavilion. Comfortable transportation between the sites is provided via Uber, allowing guests to relax and take in the sights.
Early morning access to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its iconic torii gates, is also included. Guests can stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, seeing the soothing sounds of the gentle breeze.
The tour ensures a comprehensive experience of Kyoto’s top attractions.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information

Meeting point for the tour is at the central ticket gates for the JR lines on the north side of Kyoto Station, where the guide awaits participants. Guests should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 80 years old. It involves a moderate fitness level, approximately 15,000 steps. The tour concludes around noon, allowing time for additional activities.
| Important Information | |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Guide at JR central ticket gates, north side of Kyoto Station |
| What to Bring | Comfortable shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen, water |
| Not Suitable For | Mobility impaired, wheelchair users, over 80 years old |
| Fitness Level | Moderate, approx. 15,000 steps |
| Tour Ends | Around noon, time for additional activities |
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Meeting Point

The tour guide waits for participants at the central ticket gates for the JR lines on the north side of Kyoto Station. This is the designated meeting point for the Kyoto Early Bird Tour.
Travelers should arrive on time, as the group will depart promptly to make the most of the early morning access to the first attraction. Participants must provide their own transportation to the meeting point.
The guide will be holding a sign or wearing a distinctive outfit to help identify themselves. Once the group is assembled, the tour will begin its journey to explore the temples and forests of Kyoto.
What to Bring
Participants should bring comfortable shoes to navigate the moderate 15,000 steps involved in the tour. A hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are also recommended to ensure a pleasant experience. The tour involves exploring historic shrines, serene temples, and a tranquil bamboo forest. To get the most out of the experience, the essentials are:
| Items | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Hat | Protect from sun |
| Camera | Capture stunning scenery |
| Sunscreen | Prevent sunburn |
| Water | Stay hydrated |
| Comfortable Shoes | Support for walking |
The well-prepared adventurer will be equipped to enjoy the beauty and cultural richness of Kyoto.
Fitness Level
The tour involves a moderate fitness level, with approximately 15,000 steps throughout the experience. Participants can expect to walk extensively across Kyoto’s historic sites.
While the pace is leisurely, it’s recommended that visitors have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the tour. Those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 80 years old may find the pace and distance challenging.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals who require special accommodations or have limited mobility. Overall, a moderate fitness level is expected to make the most of this comprehensive Kyoto sightseeing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Request a Different Start Time for the Tour?
Customers can request a different start time for the tour. The tour provider is generally flexible and will accommodate requests if possible, subject to availability. However, early morning access to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine may be affected by alternate start times.
Is the Tour Guide Licensed and Experienced?
The tour guide is licensed and experienced. They are an English-speaking professional who leads the group through the key sights, providing insights and managing the logistics of the early morning tour.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Children are allowed on the tour, though the fitness level is moderate with approximately 15,000 steps involved. The tour may not be suitable for young children, families should consider the child’s abilities before booking.
Can We Stop for a Meal During the Tour?
The tour itinerary doesn’t include a scheduled meal stop, but the guide can provide recommendations for where to grab a quick bite during the tour. Guests are welcome to enjoy a snack or light meal at their own expense.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can speak with the guide to discuss options and arrange a longer tour experience to accommodate their preferences and schedule. Extensions are subject to availability.
The Sum Up
The Kyoto Early Bird Tour with Uber offers an enchanting exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks. Guests will visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with convenient Uber transportation and an English-speaking guide to provide cultural insights. At €167.76 per person, this tour is perfect for those ready to embrace Kyoto’s beauty and capture stunning photographs.
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