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Kyoto Full-Day Bicycle Tour
Joined 2024
We'll visit 5 amazing places in Kyoto. From Fushimi Inari Shrine and its amazing red torii gates to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toji Temple, and its 5-layered pagoda. The Imperial Palace (former residence of Japan’s emperors) is on our list, and then onto Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion) while you gaze at the glimmer of gold as it reflects on the water off the pond in front. Lastly, Gion, the most famous Geisha/Geiko/Maiko area and district in Kyoto. And, SO MUCH MORE!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Hachijo West Exit)
- Go to JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Hachijo West Exit) and cross the street to the MK Taxi stand. I will meet you there. Then we will walk to a bike rental shop, which is a Kyoto City Certified Bicycle Rental Shop.
Fushimi Inari Shrine (The God of Harvest: Rice)
"The most visited attraction in Japan!". Renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, which form enchanting trails up Mount Inari, this shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity (God) of rice and agriculture, Inari O-Kami (O-Inari San). The shrine features stunning landscapes, historic buildings, and a rich cultural significance that attracts millions of visitors annually. I'll guide you to the Main Shrine/Hall, show you how to pray, head to the “Senbon Torii” (1000s of torii gates), teach you about some fortunes/charms, and make a wish at the “Heavy/Light Rock”.
Toji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (1994), Toji Temple is famous for its five-story pagoda, “Gojunoto”, Japan's tallest wooden structure. We’ll take stunning photos of this pagoda. Established in the 8th century (796), it serves as a significant center of Buddhist practice. The temple features beautiful gardens, 5 buildings designated as ‘National Treasures’, and hosts a popular monthly flea market (21st of each month), as well as housing an academically rigorous private school, Rakunan High School, from which many students are sent to elite universities.
Kyoto Tower
Standing at 131 meters, this tower offers panoramic views of Kyoto from its observation deck. Completed on December 25th, 1964, the same year as the Tokyo Olympics, the tower symbolizes a Japanese Buddhist candle and is modelled after a lighthouse and is located across from Kyoto Station. It was built with the aim of utilizing it as a major center for industry, culture, and tourism, and contributing to the growth of Kyoto City making it a popular landmark and tourist attraction. We’ll take some up-close photos from across the street only (we won't go up it).
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (The Eastern Monastery; Pure Land Buddhism)
A prominent Pure Land Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Established in the 17th century (1602), it is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple serves as a center for Buddhist teachings and attracts numerous visitors each year. There is a breathtaking fountain (the Lotus Fountain) in front of the temple with an amazing view of Kyoto Tower and Higashi Hongan-ji Temple.
The Kamo Gawa (The Duck River)
The riverbanks are popular walking spots for residents and tourists. In summer, restaurants open balconies looking out to the river. There are walkways running alongside the river, and some stepping stones that cross the river. I’ll take you down the most beautiful walkway (bicycles are allowed) on our way to The Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Palace
The former residence of Japan's emperors until 1869, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. It is nestled inside the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: 1,300 meters (4,300 ft.) North to South and 700 meters (2,300 ft.) West to East. It dates back to the late 8th century (794) with its elegant architecture and serene gardens reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics. Today, the palace is open to the public, showcasing its historical significance and cultural heritage. We will walk inside the palace itself taking in all its beauty.
Lunch
We will have a quick Japanese-style lunch (provided) near The Imperial Palace.
Sanjo Dori (Sanjo Street) Shotengai (Shopping Street covered with a Roof)
Sanjo Dori (Sanjo Street) Shotengai (Shopping Street covered with a Roof) is a bustling shopping street and is lined with diverse shops, cafes, and restaurants. It offers a blend of traditional and modern Kyoto culture. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies, artisan crafts, and vibrant street life, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. We will ride our bicycles from the east side of the Shotengai to the west taking in all the Sanjo Dori Shotengai culture there.
Kamishichiken (The Seven Upper Houses)
Kamishichiken refers to the seven teahouses (7 ochayas) that were built from the equipment and material left over from the rebuilding of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in the Muromachi Era (1333–1573), and is one of five of Kyoto's historic Geisha/Geiko/Maiko districts (5 Kagai / 5 Hanamachi). It’s known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses (Ochayas), and Geisha/Geiko/Maiko houses (Okiyas). It is also known for its quiet atmosphere, fewer tourists, and where the old townscape remains intact. We will slowly ride through this breathtaking area in Kyoto.
Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion)
Officially named Rokuonji (Deer Garden Temple) (a Zen Buddhist temple), it was originally designated as a holiday villa (vacation home) for the shogun (military leader) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1994), and its stunning gold-leaf exterior reflects beautifully in the surrounding Kyoko-pond (mirror-lake pond). Surrounded by serene gardens, Kinkakuji exemplifies traditional Japanese architecture and attracts visitors seeking tranquility and breathtaking views. You will have time to stroll through the promenade-style garden and marvel at the views of this amazing place.
Heian Shrine
Built in 1895, Heian Shrine commemorates the founding of Kyoto and the Heian Period (794-1185). The shrine is a 5:8 scale replica of Chōdōin (Emperor's Palace) of one of the innermost parts of Heian-Kyo (The Capital of Peace and Tranquility), which was the imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years (794-1868), which is now called Kyoto. It is known for its striking architecture and beautiful gardens and seasonal blooms, particularly cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for visitors year-round. We will walk around the grounds, and then take a photo of the giant torii gate out front, one of the biggest in Japan, which is spectacular!
Gion
Gion is one of Kyoto's famous Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto dialect) and Maiko (Maiko-San) districts, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow lantern-lit streets. It offers a glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage, featuring teahouses (Ochayas) where Geisha/Geiko/Maiko/Maiko-San entertain guests, as well as Okiyas, a female-only lodging house, where Geisha/Geiko/Maiko/Maiko-San live and are trained. We will ride our bicycles down Hanamikoji Dori (Flower Viewing Street), the heart of the Gion district, and veer off onto tiny lantern-lit streets.
Back to bike rental shop
We will head back to the shop along the Kamo Gawa (Duck River).
Ending Point
3:50pm: End of Tour: We drop the bicycles off and this is the ending point
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- 3-Speed City Bicycle Rental Fee (see Photos)
- Early Morning Reception Bicycle Rental Fee
- Bicycle Insurance (from bike rental shop)
- Helmet
- Water
- Lunch
- Entrance Fees (to Temples / Shrines)
- Guide (Me)
- And an "Amazing Time!"
- Transportation Fees to JR Kyoto Station
- Travel Insurance (The guide is not responsible for any
accidents that occur during the tour)
- 8-Speed Sport Bicycle (additional ¥800; paid at meeting point) (see Photos) (Please, let me know 2 weeks in advance if you want this bicycle)
- EA-Bicycle (Electric-Assisted Bicycle) (additional ¥1,200; paid at meeting point) (see Photos) (Please, let me know 2 weeks in advance if you want this bicycle)
Tour Important Information
* This is a full-day city bicycle tour of approximately 30km of riding.
* We will walk at each of the sites and requires a little bit of fitness.
* Basic bicycle riding skills and having FUN is required.
* However, we will travel at a smooth pace to be able to take in the sites.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other
dietary restrictions (for lunch).
* Minimum age requirement is 16 years of age.
NOTE: Depending on the speed of the tour, we may not be able to visit all the sites listed in the Itinerary. However, we will definitely visit the "5 amazing places in Kyoto!" written in the overview of the tour.
Important message from the supplier
Hi everyone:
I am available Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 to 18:00.
I am available Wednesdays from 14:00 to 18:00.
Thank you.
Jodie
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Jodie C.
Hello everyone. My name is Jodie. It's very nice to meet you. I’m originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (near Niagara Falls), but I live and work in Kyoto, Japan. I’ve been in Japan (Kyoto) for about 23 years, and I teach English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) full-time at a couple of universities in Kyoto.
I offer 2 types of tours: bicycle tours and scooter/motorbike – 125cc tours (solo guest only), and I love doing them because I love riding my bicycle and driving my scooter around this amazing city (Japan’s capital from 794-1868; sometimes called The 1000-Year Capital). I love exploring and discovering more about this amazing city, and I'd love to do this together with you.
I'll take you down narrow alleys, riverside paths, show you some popular sights (and some hidden gems), and we'll learn and discover about Kyoto together as I am still learning about Kyoto (e.g., its shrines, temples, and history) myself. I will do my best to be of use to all of you.
I know that getting long lists of names and dates from Japanese history can be hard to keep up with, and possibly boring, so I’m not a translator, but a guide who will discover Kyoto with you. I’ll introduce you to some modern culture in Kyoto (and Japan), and to daily life as well.
I’m here to make your trip to Kyoto an unforgettable memory, and I look forward to meeting you and showing you around this AMAZING city. And remember: What’s the best way to see Kyoto? On 2 wheels!
$195/ per group
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