The Kyoto Early Bird Tour offers an opportunity to explore the city’s top attractions before the usual crowds arrive. By starting early, visitors can enjoy a more peaceful and immersive experience at sites like the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. With a guide on hand and admission to Kinkaku-ji included, it’s a convenient way to make the most of your time in Kyoto. But the real question is, what else can this tour offer that might pique your interest?
Key Points
- The Kyoto Early Bird Tour offers visitors a chance to explore three top attractions in Kyoto before typical crowds arrive.
- The tour aims to help visitors see more in one day by avoiding congested areas and providing an efficient and convenient way to maximize time in Kyoto.
- The tour includes visits to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with the early start time helping to avoid crowds and enable a peaceful, immersive experience.
- The tour includes the guide fee and admission to Kinkaku-ji Temple, while visitors must pay additional fees for Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
- The tour convenes at a convenient and well-known meeting point at Kyoto Station, and visitors return to the same location at the tour’s conclusion.
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Tour Overview
This early bird tour of Kyoto offers visitors a chance to explore three of the city’s top attractions before the typical crowds arrive.
With over 50 million annual visitors, Kyoto is a wildly popular travel destination in Japan. This tour aims to help you see more in one day by avoiding the congested areas.
You’ll visit the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the golden-roofed Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
The tour starts early in the morning to beat the crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a convenient and efficient way to maximize your time in Kyoto.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes the guide fee, admission to Kinkaku-ji Temple, and all necessary transportation fares on JR lines and city buses.
However, it doesn’t cover the admission fee for Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine or Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, as those are free to enter.
The total cost for the inclusions is 1,260 yen per person. Visitors will need to pay the 500 yen entrance fee for Kinkaku-ji Temple on the day of the tour.
The transportation fare of 760 yen for JR lines and 460 yen for city buses is also required.
Meeting and End Point
The Kyoto Early Bird Tour convenes at the Kyoto Station Building, in front of the central ticket gates of the JR lines on the ground floor.
Whether you’re arriving by train or bus, the Kyoto Station Building offers a straightforward and centralized meeting place.
At the tour’s conclusion, visitors return to the same meeting point. This convenient location makes it easy for participants to find the starting point and end up back where they began.
The meeting point is accessible and well-known, ensuring a smooth start and finish to the tour.
This streamlined approach allows the tour to maximize time spent exploring Kyoto’s top sights rather than worrying about navigation.
Itinerary at a Glance
Kicking off the Kyoto Early Bird Tour, visitors first venture to the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, spending an hour exploring its striking vermilion torii gates. Afterward, the tour proceeds to the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, where guests admire the famous Golden Pavilion for another hour. Finally, the itinerary concludes with a tranquil stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, immersing participants in its lush, verdant surroundings for the final hour.
| Site | Time Allotted | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Fushimi Inari-taisha | 1 hour | Free |
| Kinkaku-ji Temple | 1 hour | 500 yen |
| Arashiyama Bamboo | 1 hour | Free |
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Visiting the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the first stop on the Kyoto Early Bird Tour, offers visitors a chance to explore its striking vermilion torii gates and admire the shrine’s rich cultural heritage.
Climbing the mountain trail lined with over 10,000 torii gates, visitors can witness the picturesque scenery and soak in the serene atmosphere.
The guide will provide insights into the shrine’s long history and significance, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of this important Shinto site.
With the tour starting early, guests can avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful and immersive experience at this extraordinary landmark.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
After exploring the iconic vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the tour moves on to Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous and picturesque landmarks.
Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this stunning Zen temple is covered in gold leaf and sits atop a pond, creating a breathtaking reflection. Visitors will have an hour to wander the beautiful gardens and take in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The admission fee for Kinkaku-ji is 500 yen, which is included in the tour price. With its iconic golden facade and serene setting, Kinkaku-ji is a must-see highlight of any Kyoto visit.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
From Kinkaku-ji, the tour next ventures into the tranquil surroundings of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a lush and serene landscape that captivates visitors with its towering bamboo stalks swaying gently in the breeze.
Guests will have an hour to stroll along the winding pathways, taking in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder that has become an iconic symbol of Kyoto.
The Bamboo Forest’s otherworldly atmosphere evokes a sense of peacefulness and calm, making it a must-see destination for any visitor to Kyoto. With its verdant greenery and the gentle rustling of the bamboo, the forest offers a refreshing respite from the city’s bustling streets, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquility of this natural sanctuary.
Additional Information
This Kyoto Early Bird Tour offers several additional features that enhance the overall experience for visitors.
With an early start time, the tour aims to help guests avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the serene beauty of Kyoto’s top attractions.
The tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for families and those with mobility needs.
Given the moderate physical activity involved, a basic level of fitness is recommended.
Plus, the tour’s cancellation policy provides flexibility, allowing for a full refund if cancelled 24 hours or more before the start time.
These thoughtful inclusions ensure a comfortable and hassle-free exploration of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?
Yes, the tour can likely be customized to fit your interests. Many tour operators offer flexible itineraries that allow you to focus on the attractions that most interest you within the overall tour structure.
What Kind of Transportation Is Provided During the Tour?
The tour provides a mix of transportation, including JR train lines and city buses. The fare for these transport options is included in the tour price, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to get around.
Will the Tour Guide Speak English?
The tour guide will speak English to accommodate international visitors. This ensures clear communication and a smooth, enjoyable experience throughout the day’s activities at the top Kyoto attractions.
Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Students can receive a 10% discount on the tour price, while seniors aged 65 and above are eligible for a 5% discount.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private bookings for groups, allowing you to customize the experience and avoid crowds. Contact them for more details on arranging a private Kyoto tour.
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Recap
The Kyoto Early Bird Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Kyoto’s iconic destinations before the crowds arrive.
By starting early, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and immersive experience at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
This tour provides a convenient and efficient way to maximize one’s time in the historic city of Kyoto.
