Cycle Kyoto
award-winning activities in Japan’s ancient capital
In early 2015, Cycle Kyoto started as a micro-business based on friendship, cycling and a shared love for the beautiful city of Kyoto. Eight years on and with many memories, many new bikes and over 20,000 happy guests, Cycle Kyoto has grown to be one of Japan’s best loved bike tour companies. As they move into their ninth year, they continue to ride every day, finding moments of interest, discovery and fun in their adopted city.
We are convinced that considerate people, unique neighbourhoods and delicious food makes Kyoto one of the best cities in the world to explore on two wheels. We are also convinced that our bike rides will keep you safe, informed and entertained as you pedal the streets of Japan’s ancient capital.
*We know that hitting the major sites is a must on any trip, but travelling around Kyoto by bus, train and taxi can mean missing out on real life of the city. Cycling lets you take in narrow alleys, riverside paths, street side fruit vendors and all manner of unexpected photo opportunities! *
Prices from
Guided
¥ 11000
Overview
Tour Operator Cycle Kyoto
Join us for a short ride around South Kyoto's best attractions. See temples, shrines and backstreets all in a few relaxing hours!
Our easiest and shortest course starts with a visit to the temples of central Kyoto before following the Takase Canal and Kamo River into Gion. After weaving through the backstreets of Kyoto’s famous geisha and teahouse district, we head up to the spectacular Tofukuji Temple for pictures. We then roll down to the other side of the slope and straight into Fushimi Inari Shrine (The most visited attraction in Japan!). After a stroll around the famous orange Torii gates, we head home.
Highlights
- Toji Temple
- Honganji Temple
- Takase Canal
- Gion
- Tofukuji Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
Prices from
Guided
¥ 15000
Overview
Tour Operator Cycle Kyoto
Get a little exercise and check out the sites of Northern Kyoto, see the Golden Pavillion, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and enjoy a great lunch!
Starting at our office near Kyoto station, our first stop will be Nishi Honganji Temple, (which we will enter), followed by Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (which we will also enter!). Following these sites, we will arrive at the stunning Golden Pavilion, which we will spend about 20 minutes exploring. Next, we head for lunch (included) and the Imperial Palace, before following the gentle downhill path towards Gion. From Gion, we will weave through the backstreets and learn about the area’s background until crossing over the Kamo river and heading home.
Highlights
- Honganji Temple
- Kitano Tenmangu
- Golden Pavilion
- Imperial Palace
- Kamo River
- Gion
Prices from
Guided
¥ 17000
Overview
Tour Operator Cycle Kyoto
For those short on time and high on energy, we combined both courses to make a one day all-you-can-Kyoto adventure!
After meeting at the shop for bike fitting, our first stop is at Nishi Honganji Temple, we then ride north through the Sanjo Shopping arcade and onto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. After walking the grounds of the shrine, we head onto the Golden Pavilion, which we will will enter (fee included) and explore for approximately 25 minutes. From here, we head east towards the Imperial Palace, stopping for a traditional Japanese lunch on the way. After lunch, we pick up the Kamo River and head south into the backstreets of Gion, Kyoto's famous Geisha district. The last leg of the journey heads south through Tofukuji Temple and onto the orange gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine before heading home.
Highlights
- Honganji Temple
- Kitano Tenmangu
- Golden Pavilion
- Imperial Palace
- Gion
- Tofukuji Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
Prices from
Guided
¥ 20000
Overview
Tour Operator Cycle Kyoto
Jump on a bike from our all new e-bike fleet for an early-bird tour of the highlights of south and east Kyoto.
We meet bright and early for a short orientation before heading straight south to enjoy the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive. From here we will catch the splendour of Tofukuji Temple before stopping for a morning coffee at one of our favourite haunts. The next part of our journey takes us up the Kamo river and over to the UNESCO listed Ginkakuji Temple. After Ginkakuji, we will roll slowly south down the iconic Path of Philosophy and into the grounds of Nanzenji Temple (complete with traditional gardens, ornate religious buildings and even a red brick aquaduct). After a sit down lunch (provided), the last leg of our journey takes us south along the Shirakawa Canal and through the streets of Gion before arriving at the gates of Higashi Honganji Temple and finally home to base.
Highlights
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Tofukuji Temple
- Silver Pavillion
- Path of Philosphy
- Nanzenji Temple
- Heian Shrine (optional)
- Gion District
- Honganji Temple