Cycle along the ancient canals of Kyoto: Kyoto Small Group Bike Tour
From $54.22
Price varies by group size
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Safety measures
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
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Overview
Pedal through the historic streets of Kyoto as you visit its magnificent temples and shrines by bike during this small-group tour limited to 9 participants. Take a spin down the Path of Philosophy on this Kyoto tour that gives you an overview of the city while using a mode of transport preferred by locals: the humble bicycle. See shrines, temples and mountains — this is an enlightening escape from the city.
- Explore scenic Kyoto like a local on this small-group biking tour
- Travel light—bike and helmet are provided
- Maximum of 9 participants ensures a more personalized experience
- Receive illuminating commentary from your guide
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Wind your way through the charming side streets and elegant temples of ancient Kyoto by bicycle, allowing an unexpected way to explore this famous Japanese city. Your small-group bike tour is the perfect chance to experience the daily rhythms and important attractions of one of the world’s most picturesque urban areas.
Start your bike excursion in the morning from Kyoto Station, where you’ll meet your guide and proceed to get your bike, helmet and brief safety instructions. Pedal off into the city by heading for the Kamo River, a route that affords excellent views of downtown, along with a collection of traditional restaurants that line the river banks.
Head next to Heian-Jingu Shrine, an important religious center known for its visually-striking red torii (sacred gate), where you’ll also have the chance to admire reconstructions of structures from Kyoto’s old palace complex.
Continue your cycle trip by riding along a network of charming canals, eventually reaching Nanzenji Temple, which embodies many of the typical stylistic details of classic Zen Buddhist religious structure. Take a few moments to explore the site’s collection of eye-catching small temples before proceeding on to the famous Path of Philosophy.
Arrive at the Path of Philosophy, a beautiful thoroughfare lined on both sides by hundreds of cherry trees. This iconic path was named by Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used the walkway to practice meditation during his commute to nearby Kyoto University. After visiting the Path of Philosophy, return by bicycle to Kyoto Station where you ride concludes.
Please note that this tour covers about 9 miles (15 kilometers) by bicycle, and can be quite strenuous for travelers who are not used to cycling. This tour is recommended for guests who have at least a medium level of fitness ability.
Start your bike excursion in the morning from Kyoto Station, where you’ll meet your guide and proceed to get your bike, helmet and brief safety instructions. Pedal off into the city by heading for the Kamo River, a route that affords excellent views of downtown, along with a collection of traditional restaurants that line the river banks.
Head next to Heian-Jingu Shrine, an important religious center known for its visually-striking red torii (sacred gate), where you’ll also have the chance to admire reconstructions of structures from Kyoto’s old palace complex.
Continue your cycle trip by riding along a network of charming canals, eventually reaching Nanzenji Temple, which embodies many of the typical stylistic details of classic Zen Buddhist religious structure. Take a few moments to explore the site’s collection of eye-catching small temples before proceeding on to the famous Path of Philosophy.
Arrive at the Path of Philosophy, a beautiful thoroughfare lined on both sides by hundreds of cherry trees. This iconic path was named by Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used the walkway to practice meditation during his commute to nearby Kyoto University. After visiting the Path of Philosophy, return by bicycle to Kyoto Station where you ride concludes.
Please note that this tour covers about 9 miles (15 kilometers) by bicycle, and can be quite strenuous for travelers who are not used to cycling. This tour is recommended for guests who have at least a medium level of fitness ability.
Itinerary
The main river in Kyoto city and popular for walking and cycling among locals and tourists. The famous Japanese performing art Kabuki was born on makeshift stages on its dry riverbed some 400 years ago. We will cycle alongside the river enjoying the fresh breeze
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
One of Kyoto’s most important temples with the massive temple gate which is one of the three greatest Sanmon gates in Japan. The temple grounds are filled with red and yellow leaves in Autumn which attracts many people. There is a unique contrast between the timber-constructed temple building and the brick-built aquaduct that passes through the temple grounds.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
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Traveler Tips
- "The tour does involve some uphill biking so you will definitely feel it in your legs if you are out of practice." See review
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Cycle along the ancient canals of Kyoto: Kyoto Small Group Bike Tour
3 hours
Free Cancellation
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$54.22
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