Kyoto is famous for its kaiseki and shojin ryori cuisines, but all that wouldn't exist without the crystal-clear water that flows unseen beneath the city. We'll visit some of the best wells in Kyoto and you'll drink from the oldest—over a thousand years old. You'll also hear about the stories (some outright creepy, others lovey-dovey) behind the wells.
Check out what we are going to do.
Feel free to personalize this offer.
Sunny Cycle
Pick up our electric bikes in the city center
We pop into a residential zone to visit a millennium-old well that is the origin of a Noh-theater play.
I'll point out the traditional trades that still exist in the middle of the city.
Stop by the Imperial Palace and learn how the Emperors stopped their buildings from burning down. Then drink crystal-clear water from Kyoto's oldest well, a favorite of the Emperor.
Take a relaxing cycle up the main river, stop for a photo, and learn how it contributed to Kyoto's development.
Cycle through Kyoto's oldest shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn how the rivers that flow past it still impact the lives of lovebirds in the ancient capital.
Stop by an impressive 100-year-old aqueduct, built with bricks and still in use, channeling water from the Lake Biwa to modern Kyoto.
We'll see a bridge monks step across before their 1000-day pilgrimage through the mountains and cycle across another that travelers from Tokyo would have used to get to Kyoto.
Right before ending the tour we cycle through two of Kyoto's largest geisha districts. You'll find out why geishas are considered to be in the
Sunny Cycle
We'll be on electric bikes, so you'll stop to dip your feet in the Kamo River and breeze through the Imperial Palace. Then we'll go to the oldest shrine in Kyoto City, the aqueduct that brings in water to modern Kyoto, a sacred waterfall, and the old entrance that a traveller walking from Tokyo would have used to get into the ancient capital. We will also weave through the historic Higashiyama district to witness Kyoto's "water trade" at sunset.
The Hidden Water Cycling Tour of Kyoto is designed for those who want to get off the beaten path to understand what makes Kyoto tick. Come and uncover for yourself Kyoto's hidden spots.
E-bike (electronic pedal-assist bicycle) for persons up to 1.85m tall (6'0)
Wireless receiver with earpiece - every participant will get a wireless receiver to hear explanations without having to stop and strain to listen.
Transportation to the meeting point
The tour will be cancelled in the event of rain, snow, if there are strong winds, or if there is a major earthquake. You will have a chance to reschedule or choose to be refunded in full.
Guests ages 12 and up can attend. Parents are welcome to take children aged 12 and up on the tour (they must be registered as guests). Please be sure that they are ready to cycle for 3.5 hours. This tour is unsuitable for children shorter than 142cm (4’6) because the bike shop does not have bicycles for them.
You can use the toilet and deposit heavy items or luggage at Sunny Cycle before we start the tour.
We meet at Sunny Cycle to pick up our bikes. You’ll get a map and directions immediately after you book the tour. You can use the toilet and deposit heavy items before we start the tour.
I use Panasonic electric pedal-assist bikes, which means you’ll breeze through the streets without having to break a sweat. You’ll have to move the pedals but you won’t have to apply pressure because the bike pedals for you. The bikes are for persons 142cm-185cm (4’6-6’0) tall. Unfortunately the bike shop doesn't have smaller or bigger bikes, which means only people who can fit the bikes should sign up.
Yes.
Not by default because Japanese law does not require helmets. We can provide helmets if you request for them in advance though.
No. The tour will be cancelled in the event of rain, snow, if there are strong winds, or if there is a major earthquake. You will have a chance to reschedule or choose to be refunded in full.
Guests ages 12 and up can attend. Parents are welcome to take children aged 12 and up on the tour. Please be sure that they are ready to cycle for 3.5 hours. This tour is unsuitable for children shorter than 142cm (4’6) because we do not have bicycles for them.
Only part of the way, and even then on the cycling lane. We will be on pedestrian mixed-use paths or cycling paths most of the time.
I truly enjoyed my Kyoto ghost tour with Gulay. She was very outgoing and knowledgeable and told the tales in an engaging manner. I recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky night in!