1-Day Southern Kyoto Itinerary: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tofukuji
Last Updated on March 23, 2026 by Charlotte
This itinerary explores the best of Southern Kyoto, starting with the endless path of vermilion torii gates winding through the forest at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and ending with a zen temple at Tofukuji. I’ve done this itinerary twice: once in peak autumn leaf peeping season, and once around New Year’s, and I’d do it again. Let’s dive into it!
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Southern Kyoto Itinerary Overview
This itinerary covers up to three stops in roughly 4–7 hours, depending on how much of Fushimi Inari Shrine and Mount Inari you tackle. Both Mount Inari and Tofukuji are optional stops marked with a *, so you can tailor the day to your energy levels.
Map of Southern Kyoto Itinerary
If you’re visiting in peak autumn and really want to see Tofukuji, consider flipping the order: head to Tofukuji first thing when it opens, then make your way to Fushimi Inari after. The lower torii tunnels at Fushimi Inari are always busy regardless of time of day, so you won’t lose much by arriving a little later, and Tofukuji’s maple ravine is best before the hordes of crowds descend.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is my absolute favorite shrine in Kyoto. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, the Fushimi Inari Shrine complex is dotted with fox statues (Inari’s messengers) and hundreds of smaller sub-shrines tucked into the hillside.
Just outside the shrine entrance, you’ll find plenty of street food stalls and small vendors selling classic Kyoto snacks, especially on weekends and during busy seasons. We bought some dango on a stick and tanghulu strawberries and they were delicious!
The lower section of Fushimi Inari is the most popular (and the busiest), so arriving early gives you a chance to enjoy the torii tunnels before the super heavy crowds arrive.
Visiting Information
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Open 24 hours; stalls open from approximately 8:00am
- Time needed: 45 minutes–1 hour for the lower shrine and torii tunnels
- Getting there: JR Nara Line to Inari Station (5 minutes from Kyoto Station, 150 yen). The shrine entrance is directly across from the station exit.
If you’re feeling up for a longer adventure, the torii tunnels continue up the mountain and into the woods on Mount Inari. Alternatively, if you’re not that into hiking, some people like doing a kimono photoshoot at the lower shrine!
Dress Up in a Kimono for a Fushimi Inari Shrine Photoshoot *
Skip the hike and rent a kimono at Fushimi Inari Taisha. There are several rental shops near the shrine, and it’s a fun, immersive way to connect with Kyoto’s traditional side, no hiking boots required.
Book your kimono rental –>
Mount Inari Hiking *
If you’re feeling energetic, continue your walk beyond the main torii tunnel and follow the trail as it winds up Mount Inari. The full loop takes about 90 minutes, with plenty of smaller shrines, forest views, and peaceful rest spots along the way. You don’t have to go all the way to the summit to enjoy the experience; many people turn around at the Yotsutsuji Intersection, where you’ll find sweeping views back over Kyoto.
Along the Mount Inari trail, you’ll find small food stalls selling everything from grilled mochi on a stick to matcha soft serve, inari sushi, and even cold drinks for the climb. It’s one of the only hikes where snack breaks are built right into the trail, and grabbing a treat halfway up honestly just adds to your experience.
Hiking Information
- Admission: Free
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for the full loop; 1–1.5 hours to Yotsutsuji Intersection and back
- Difficulty: Moderate. There are lots of uneven stone steps and a steady elevation gain
- Full hiking details + trail map –>
Our final stop of the day is Tofukuji Temple, just one stop north on the JR Nara Line from Inari station, or a 16-minute walk if your legs have anything left.
Tofukuji Temple *
Tofukuji is one of Kyoto’s best destinations for autumn foliage, and one of its most underrated the rest of the year. In late November through early December, the maple trees in the deep ravine running through the temple grounds turn every shade of red and orange, and the view from the Tsutenkyo Bridge floating above the canopy is genuinely breathtaking.
The main grounds are free, which makes this a low-commitment stop. You can wander the outer grounds and get a feel for whether you’d like to pay for the bridge or gardens. Tofukuji also has a zen rock garden, although it is a very different one from Ryoan-ji. The zen garden at Tofukuji has a checkerboard moss pattern, and stones arranged as the Big Dipper.
Travel tip
If you plan to visit Tofukuji in peak autumn, I reccomend going here as early as possible. I went later in the day and was completely overwhelmed by the crowds.
Visiting Information
- Admission:
- Main grounds free
- Tsutenkyo Bridge + Kaisando Hall 600 yen (1,000 yen during peak autumn season, roughly November 11–December 3)
- Hojo gardens 500 yen
- Combination ticket 1,000 yen (unavailable during peak autumn season)
- Hours:
- 9:00am–4:30pm (April–October);
- 8:30am–4:30pm (November–early December);
- 9:00am–4:00pm (early December–March).
- Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
- Time needed: 45 minutes–1.5 hours
Plan Your Visit to Southern Kyoto
Southern Kyoto is the most straightforward part of the city to navigate, and both stops sit right on the JR Nara Line, just minutes from Kyoto Station, making this a great first or last day of your trip.
How to Get to Southern Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari: JR Nara Line to Inari Station (5 minutes, 150 yen). The shrine entrance is directly opposite the station exit, you cannot miss it.
- Tofukuji: JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station (2 minutes from Inari Station, or 7 minutes from Kyoto Station), then a 10-minute walk. The Keihan Main Line also stops at Tofukuji Station if you’re coming from Gion.
Best Time to Visit
- Autumn (mid-October–late November) is the undisputed highlight for this itinerary. Fushimi Inari’s forested hillside turns vivid amber and red, and Tofukuji’s maple ravine peaks in mid to late November. Just know that the autumn leaf peeping crowds are intense!
- Spring (March–May) explodes with cherry blossoms framing the lower torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Tofukuji is quieter in spring, but the ravine is lush and green.
- Winter brings smaller crowds and occasionally snow on the torii gates.
- Summer is the most uncomfortable season. Kyoto is hot and humid. Start as early as possible if visiting in summer.
What to Pack
- Cash: Tofukuji’s paid areas don’t always accept cards, and it is easier to buy street food with yen.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Both Fushimi Inari, Mt. Inari, and Tofukuji have uneven stone steps throughout.
- Water: Especially important if you’re hiking Mt. Inari. Vending machines on the trail help, but start hydrated.
- IC card or day pass: Makes the quick JR hops between stops easy.
- Extra time: Fushimi Inari will take longer than you expect, especially if you just wander around and explore, which is the most fun part!
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Kyoto?
Check out my Northern Kyoto itinerary for a day of golden pavilions and Zen rock gardens, or head west with the Arashiyama walking tour for bamboo forests, hidden temples, and river views. I spent the evening after exploring Fushimi Inari and Tofukuji wandering Gion by night, and I plan to share a full guide on that soon 🙂
