Cycle and Discover
the real face of Kyoto
Cycle and Discover the real face of Kyoto
Summary
Best for:
- Small groups or families
- Guests who prefer to avoid crowds and long lines
- Visitors interested in seeing the city through local eyes
- Curious travelers who love to learn and ask questions
Duration
4h (including sightseeing stops and a snack break)
・9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
・2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Price
13,000~ JPY / Person
Meeting Point (Map)
Sanjo Station. By the kneeling statue
Number of People
1~8 people
Fitness Level & Cycling Distance
10–15 km (7–10 miles) on a flat course in a relaxed way
Bike Options
Large-size bikes, kids’ bikes, E-bikes, and E-bike with a child seat. Please check FAQ for more information
Rainy day plan
The tour will go ahead even in light rain.In case of heavy rain, the cycling portion will be replaced with a walking, taxi, and bus tour of the same area. Please check FAQ for more information.
Private Tour
・Price for private reservations for 5 or more people = price per person
・Maximum number of people for private reservations
Including
- Rental bike and helmets - large-size bikes and kids’ bikes are available for free.
- Japanese snack
- No need for tickets: we will visit free places where the locals go.
Option: E-bike 1,000 JPY, E-bike with a child seat and helmet 2,000 JPY,
※We accept advance requests
Itinerary
Join our guided cycling tour to explore the northern and eastern parts of Kyoto.
While we visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks, we also take you into quieter neighborhoods where locals live their daily lives.
Riding alongside your guide—and meeting people along the way—you’ll uncover the real face of Kyoto.
To ensure both safety and a personal experience, each guide leads a maximum of 8 guests.
📍 Meeting Point & Start
📍 Bikes & Options
At the rental shop, you’ll choose your bicycle and adjust the seat. Each bike comes with a basket and helmet, with larger bikes and children’s sizes available. Optional upgrades include e-bikes and e-bikes with child seats (advance request required; paid on the day).
📍 Where We Ride
Once on your bike, it’s time to set off! Along the way, we’ll make frequent stops for photos, stories, and local insights. The route is mostly flat and easy to ride.
Places to Visit
- Famous spots: Imperial Garden, Kamogawa riverside, Shimogamo Shrine
- Hidden gems: a quiet Zen temple, a natural spring, a local sweets shop
- By request: Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto University, Nanzen-ji Temple, Suirokaku Aqueduct, a local shopping market
All of these are places locals love, yet many of the hidden gems are not included in standard “highlight tours.”
If there is overlap with other places you’ve already visited, you can consult with your guide to adjust the itinerary.
Expect to cycle 10–15 km (7–10 miles) in total. The exact route may vary depending on the group and weather.
📍 Local Insights & Finish
Further Details
Please see the FAQ section below for information about:
- Joining with children
- Fitness Level & Cycling Difficulty
- Rainy day plans
Tour Features
Pedal Through Kyoto's Hidden Gems
Hop on a bike and discover Kyoto's hidden gems. Cycle through quiet streets, tranquil gardens, and lesser-known spots that reveal the city's rich history and beauty.
Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots and Feel the Wind
Explore Kyoto's secret spots off the usual tourist paths. Enjoy the breeze as you visit serene temples, scenic backstreets, and peaceful natural spots.
Visit Kyoto Imperial Garden & Shrines
Visit Kyoto iconic landmarks: the Imperial Garden, a serene Zen temple, and Shimo-gamo Shrine, each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and spiritual heritage.
Comments from the planner
Review
Private & Small Group Tours Just for You!
We are available for private tours and tour arrangements! We welcome small groups such as families and groups of friends!
FAQ
Joining with Children
We are happy to welcome families with children!
・Ages 2–6: We can provide an electric bike with a child seat and helmet (upgrade fee: 2,000 JPY).Parents can enjoy the ride while carrying their child safely on the back.
・Ages 7–9: For children who can ride a small bike at a slow pace, we recommend booking a private tour. This allows the guide to adjust the speed and route for your child’s safety, ensuring the whole family enjoys the experience.
・Ages 10+: Children who can comfortably cycle at the group’s pace are welcome to join our regular group tours.
・Under 2 years (0–24 months): Unfortunately, due to safety reasons and lack of suitable equipment, we cannot accommodate infants.
Fitness Level & Cycling Difficulty
This is not a sports cycling or long-distance ride. Instead, it’s a relaxed way to explore Kyoto—just like the locals who use bicycles for everyday life.
- The route is mostly flat and we choose quieter streets whenever possible.
- The total cycling distance is about 10–15 km (7–10 miles). The exact route may be adjusted depending on the group and weather conditions.
- E-bike upgrades are available if you’d like extra pedaling assistance.
- Out of the 4-hour tour, only about half the time is spent cycling. The rest includes walking through temples, stopping for photos, and visiting local shops.
Are bicycles included? What kind of bikes are available?
Yes, the rental bicycle is included in the tour price. At the rental shop, you can choose from a range of bikes:
- Standard city bikes (with basket and helmet)
- Larger frame bikes and children’s bikes
- Optional upgrades: E-bikes (1000 JPY) and E-bikes with child seats (2000 JPY)
Advance request recommended, pay on the day.
Where will we visit?
Places to Visit
- Famous spots: Imperial Garden, Kamogawa riverside, Shimogamo Shrine
- Hidden gems: a quiet Zen temple, a natural spring, a local sweets shop
- By request: Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto University, Nanzen-ji Temple, Suirokaku Aqueduct, a local shopping market
All of these are places locals love, yet many of the hidden gems are not included in standard “highlight tours.”
If there is overlap with other places you’ve already visited, you can consult with your guide to adjust the itinerary.
Rainy Day Plan
- The tour will go ahead even in light rain. We can provide simple plastic rain ponchos, but bringing your own rain gear is recommended. We may adjust the timing or route to make the ride as enjoyable as possible.
- In case of heavy rain, the cycling portion will be replaced with a walking, taxi, and bus tour of the same area. While we may not cover as many places as by bicycle, you’ll get to enjoy unique spots that are especially atmospheric on a rainy day.