Kyoto , Japan

Discover Kyoto at Night by Bike

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About this experience

Imagine exploring the historic streets of Kyoto under the soft glow of lanterns and moonlight, with the gentle sound of your bicycle wheels accompanying you.
Our Nighttime Bicycle Tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the city's beaty, culture, and charm after sunset.

Escape the crowds.
Our bilingual guides are passionate about Kyoto's history, culture and traditions. They'll share fascinating stories and insider tips to help you truly connect with the city.

Available options

Discover Kyoto at Night by Bike

What's included

Bottled water

All Entrance Fees

Use of bicycle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most visited Shinto shrine in kyoto. With its thousands of Torii gates, attracts thousands of from around the world

When the sun sets over Kyoto, Miyagawa-cho transforms into a magical realm of glowing lanterns, timeless beauty, and cultural intrigue. Located just south of Gion and running parallel to the Kamogawa River, this historical geisha district is a must visit, especially at night.
Let's discover it together pedaling through its lantern-lit streets, which is the perfect way to experience the timeless charm and culture of Kyoto in a unique and unforgettable way. If we are lucky, we may spot a geisha or maiko in their elegant kimono as they make their way to the evening appointments. It could be the highlight of our tour.

Stop 3

Gion at night offers a unique and unforgettable experience, where the charm of Japan's traditional culture comes alive under the stars.
The iconic Hanamikoji street, lined with historic tea houses (ochaya), is particularly stunning at night.
We'll ride through Gion's most traditional zones.

After a pleasant ride through Maiko and Geisha alleyways, we visit one of Kyoto's most unusual and fascinating Shinto shrines, where visitors come seeking to cut ties with bad relationships or habits and form stronger and more positive ones.
At the heart of the shrine there is a large sacred stone with a hole in the center. The ritual involves writing your wishes on a piece of paper and crawling through the hole to symbolize breaking away from the past and welcoming new ties.

The area surrounding Hokan-ji, better known as Yasaka Pagoda, is one of Kyoto's most photographed locations. The pagoda sits amidst narrow cobblestoned streets lined with traditional Machiya townhouses. At dusk, the streets are illuminated by lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
No doubt, we'll be busy catching the best sceneries with our cameras.

Our next area of interest is the best night scenery, and spot for photos. Considered by many as the most traditional area of Japan, Ninenzaka is one of the two slopes that offer tourists an amazing view, specially at night, of what Japan used to be in the past.

Stop 7 Pass by

It’s the most famous park in Higashiyama, with cherry trees, ponds and wooden bridges.

What's not included

Hotel Transportation

Guide Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

40 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The meeting point, [Seven Eleven] is just across the road in front of the of the station.

Adress
1) Go towards the Hachijo West Exit of Kyoto Station
2) Right next to the "Hotel Via Inn Prime Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit"

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.