FAQs

Where do we meet?

We meet opposite JR Inari Station, at the entrance to the shrine. You’ll get a map and directions to the meeting point immediately after you book the tour.

Do we walk if it rains or snows?

Yes. The walk continues as scheduled in light drizzles and light snowfall, but it will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain, if there are strong winds or if there is a major earthquake. You will have a chance to reschedule or choose to be refunded in full.

Dress code?

Come in comfortable walking shoes. Sandals and other apparel that expose your feet are not recommended. Avoid heels, geta (wooden clogs), and loose clothing you are not used to wearing (yukata and kimono). Singlets and extremely short shorts are not recommended for temples and shrines. Apart from raising eyebrows you’ll attract mosquitoes.

Can children come?

Parents are welcome to take children 8 and up on the tour. All children must be registered as guests because we pay attention to them as much as the adults. If you are taking children along, please be sure that they are ready to walk for 4 hours and that they are actually willing to do this with you. Children under the age of 8 may not be brought on the tour because we visit sacred spaces (and private spaces) that have to be kept as quiet as possible. We will not have time to stop for long nursing breaks for infants.

I have mobility issues. Should I come?

We ascend almost 200 meters (650 feet) over stairs and unpaved forest tracks, then make the descend over a gentle forested trail. There are sections that are difficult for people who are not fit. Anyone with severe back issues, joint pains, or are recovering from a recent injury or surgery should not join this tour. That said, our youngest guest who completed the whole hike on his own was just 3 years old, and the oldest to complete the entire route was well into her 70s.

Any breaks?

Yes, of course. We will be making our way up slowly and pause for breaks a few times. There are vending machines with drinks and some huts selling biscuits and crackers, but we suggest bringing some energy bars to snack on, and having a good breakfast before the tour.

Where and what time does the tour end?

We end the tour at Tofukuji Station, where there are many options for lunch. We like to allow you to savor the quiet paths after the summit so this walk may end up to 30 minutes later than scheduled. The end time depends on the pace of the other guests on the hike.

What can I do after the tour?

You may then want to walk back to Tofukuji’s Hojo Garden to view Japan’s first modern zen garden, Funda-in Temple to see Kyoto’s oldest zen garden, or make your way to Sanjusangendo to view the 1001 bodhisattvas. Or relax at a 1000-year-old mochi shop. We have a whole bunch of suggestions here.