Discover Kyoto by Bike: Authentic Half Day Tour

Kyoto , Japan

Discover Kyoto by Bike: Authentic Half Day Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover Kyoto’s iconic landmarks and must-see sights on a comfortable Mamachari bike, perfect for exploring the city at a relaxed pace. Pedal through the historic streets of Gion, the serene Nanzenji Zen Temple, and the picturesque Philosopher’s Path. Visit the tranquil Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), the ancient Shimogamo Shrine, and the grand Kyoto Imperial Palace. As you cycle through these celebrated sites, immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich history, culture, and spiritual heritage for an unforgettable journey.

Available options

Small Group in English

Shared Tour Option

Private Tour in English

What's included

English-speaking tour guide

Helmet

Insurance

Entrance fee at the Nanzenji Temple

Bicycle rental (standard non-electric B-type with 3 gear shifts)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Kyoto is renowned for its bicycle-friendly streets, and cycling is a quintessential part of everyday life for locals. Join the ranks of Kyoto’s cyclists as you navigate mostly flat paths with a few gentle slopes, discovering the city’s iconic landmarks on a relaxing “Mamachari” bike tour.

A *Mamachari* – or “mom’s bike” – is a comfortable, practical bike, ideal for leisurely rides through the city. You’ll pedal through historic streets, starting in the scenic Gion district, Kyoto’s iconic geisha neighborhood.

Stop 2

Next stop is Nanzenji Zen Temple

Next, cycle along the beautiful Philosopher’s Path, a charming canal-side route famous for its natural beauty.

Stop 4

Then visit Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple with peaceful gardens.

Stop 5

Continue to Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrines, nestled in serene, wooded grounds.

Stop 6

The final stop is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s imperial family, where you can relax and take in the expansive palace grounds. Along the way, your friendly TripGuru guide will share stories about Kyoto’s rich history, culture, and the spiritual significance of the places you visit.

Whether you’re cycling in the cool breeze of spring or the crisp air of winter, this bike tour is a refreshing way to experience the essence of Kyoto, one pedal at a time.

What's not included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Meals and other drinks

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet at Subway Gojo station exit 2. Please look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign.

Important notes

What to Bring:
Camera
Comfortable shoes
Cash (for personal expenses)

Important Information:

Punctuality: Kindly be at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the stated meeting time. Our tour guides will only wait a maximum of 10 minutes before proceeding to the next stop.

Traffic: If you are headed to the meeting point, we would like to stress that heavy traffic in the morning is expected, and can vary greatly when compared to the travel time stated in navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps, Waze, etc.). Please consider leaving with enough time to reach your destination.

Dress Code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the palace grounds. This means avoiding clothing that is too revealing or casual, such as shorts or tank tops.

A helmet is recommended for safety, but it is not mandatory.

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.