Discover Kyoto like a local—on two wheels! This immersive full-day bike tour blends famous landmarks like the Silver Pavilion and Gion with lesser-known gems such as HonenIn Garden and the charming alleys of Miyagawacho. Our small-group experience offers a relaxed pace, personal insights from a local guide, and plenty of photo stops along the way. You’ll explore quiet backstreets, historic shrines, and riverside paths that tour buses simply can’t reach. Perfect for those who want to see the real Kyoto beyond the guidebooks.
We begin the tour at Toji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its five-story pagoda—the tallest wooden tower in Japan. You'll enjoy a peaceful stroll through its temple grounds and learn about its role in Kyoto’s spiritual history.
As we arrive at Umekoji Park, you'll feel the shift from city stress to wide open green spaces. This park is a favorite escape for locals, with seasonal flowers, shady trees, and a serene pond where you can pause and breathe. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and take in a different side of Kyoto before we continue our ride.
Pass through the campus of one of Kyoto’s oldest private universities, founded by the Nishi Hongwanji sect of Buddhism. It's an opportunity to glimpse daily life in modern Kyoto and appreciate the blend of tradition and education.
A major temple of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, this UNESCO site is known for its exquisite wooden architecture and historical significance. Your guide will walk you through its vast courtyard and explain its influence on Kyoto’s culture.
Cycle along the picturesque Kamo River, a favorite spot for locals to relax, jog, and enjoy nature. It’s the perfect way to experience the harmony between Kyoto’s urban life and natural surroundings.
A lesser-known but equally enchanting geisha district located near Gion. We go here with a quiet ride through its beautiful alleys, where the traditions of old Kyoto are still very much alive.
The Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to mark Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary. Its bright vermilion gate and buildings are modeled after the ancient Imperial Palace. Just down the road you'll see one of Japan's largest torii gates- hard to miss!
welcome to the Biwa Aqueduct Museum. This small museum tells the story of the Lake Biwa Canal, an engineering project from the 1890s that brought water, electricity, and new life to Kyoto after the capital moved to Tokyo.
Nanzenji is one of the most important Zen temples, founded in the 13th century. It's famous for its massive wooden Sanmon gate, peaceful Zen Gardens and the red brick aqueduct that runs right through the grounds. Nanzenji has been a symbol of Zen culture in Kyoto for centuries.
The Philosopher's Path is a stone walkway that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. It's named after Kyoto University professor, Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here while meditating on his ideas. In spring the cherry blossoms make it one of Kyoto's most beautiful spots, but it's peaceful year-round. We'll ride along part of it as we head toward our next stop.
Up ahead is Honen-in, a quiet temple tucked into the hills. It was founded in the 1600s to honor the Buddhist priest Honen, who spread the teachings of the Pure Land sect. The mossy gate and white sand patterns here give it a hidden, peaceful atmosphere- very different from Kyoto's busier temples.
We've arrived at Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, built in the late 1400s by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Although is called the Silver Pavilion, it was never actually covered in silver.
We'll take a few minutes to walk around, enjoy the gardens and raked sand, and soak in the historic architecture.
Explore Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, with its traditional wooden machiya houses and historical charm. Learn about the geiko and maiko culture while we ride through the lantern-lit lanes.
The meeting point, [Seven Eleven] 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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
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.
Japanese Yen (JPY)
JST (UTC+9)
100VV, 50/60HzHz
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.
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
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.
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Car, Bike, Scooter
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Price varies by option