10 Curated Kyoto Bike Tours for You! Explore This Gorgeous City And Get a Closer Look at Its Amazing Sights

10 Curated Kyoto Bike Tours for You! Explore This Gorgeous City And Get a Closer Look at Its Amazing Sights

Kyoto is a city that is best explored by bicycle. Make the most of your holiday to this beautiful city with a cycling tour that takes you from the historic city streets of Kyoto to the heart of the coastal countryside. We have carefully curated a selection of bike tours that focus on showing you the beautiful contours of this ancient capital. Read on to learn about the bike tours you can go on in Kyoto, Japan.

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Biking Your Way Through Kyoto!

The historical highlights bike tour is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Kyoto in a more intimate and personalized way. By cycling around the city, tourists will be able to avoid the crowds and lines that can often come with sightseeing in popular tourist destinations.

The tour also covers some of the most well-known temples and shrines in Kyoto, including the World Heritage site Kennin-ji Temple and the highest rank of Zen temple in Japan, Nanzen-ji Temple. In addition, the tour includes a stop for lunch at a restaurant where you can taste and learn about Kyoto's unique cuisine. Overall, this tour is a great way to see the city and get a taste of its culture and history. The historical highlights bike tour can be availed for $77 USD from Magical Trip.

What is a Bike Tour? A Great Way to Explore the Beauty of Kyoto

A bike tour is a guided trip on a bicycle, typically with a group of people. Bike tours can be leisurely or more strenuous, depending on the distance covered and the terrain. They are a popular way to see a new place and get some exercise at the same time. Bike tours can be self-guided, where you follow a map or GPS device, or they can be guided, with a professional guide leading the way and providing information about the sights you are seeing. Guided bike tours often include stops for food, drink, and rest, and may also include the use of a bicycle and helmet.

Bike tours in Kyoto are a popular way to explore the city and its many landmarks, temples, and gardens. Located in central Japan, Kyoto was the capital of the country for over a thousand years and is home to some of the most well-preserved historical sites in the country. Many of these sites are spread out across the city, making it difficult to see them all on foot.

Bike tours offer a convenient and enjoyable way to see as much of the city as possible in a short amount of time. On a bike tour of Kyoto, you'll have the opportunity to visit landmarks such as the Golden Pavilion, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. You'll also get to see some of the city's many beautiful gardens, such as the Philosopher's Walk and the Ginkaku-ji Temple. Along the way, your guide will provide information about the history and culture of the city, as well as recommendations for places to eat and shop. Overall, bike tours in Kyoto are a great way to see the city's highlights in a fun and active way.

Curated List of Best Bike Tours in Kyoto

In this article, we will explore in detail some of the best cycle tours available for exploring the history and culture of Kyoto.

1. Kyoto North Course Bike Tour

This option is a full-day guided bike tour of Northern Kyoto that includes stops at several of the city's most famous landmarks and temples, as well as a lunch break. The tour begins near Kyoto station and takes you to Nishi Honganji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and the Imperial Palace, before heading back through the Gion district and crossing the Kamo river. The tour is approximately 22 kilometers in distance and is expected to last about 5 hours. It includes the use of a bike and helmet, as well as a guide and lunch. It is a great way to get some exercise and see the sights of Kyoto in a fun and active way. Tourists can book the North Kyoto course bike tour for $92 USD from the Cycle Kyoto Website.

2. Kyoto South Course Bike Tour

In this next option, we have a half-day guided bike tour of South Kyoto that takes you to some of the city's most famous temples and shrines. The tour begins with a visit to central Kyoto, followed by a ride along the Takase Canal and Kamo River into the Gion district. From there, tourists weave through the backstreets of Gion, famous for its geisha and tea house culture, and visit the Tofukuji Temple for photos. The tour then takes them to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most visited attraction in Japan, where one can stroll through the famous orange Torii gates.

The tour covers a distance of approximately 16 kilometres and is expected to last 3-4 hours. It includes the use of a bike and helmet, as well as a guide and water. This tour is suitable for people of all fitness levels and is a great way to see some of the highlights of South Kyoto in a short amount of time. Tourists can book the North Kyoto course bike tour for $61 USD from the Cycle Kyoto Website.

3. Kyoto Full Course Bike Tour

The full-day guided bike tour of Kyoto covers both the northern and southern parts of the city. The tour begins with a bike fitting at the tour company's shop and takes one to several of Kyoto's most famous landmarks and temples, including Nishi Honganji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, the Imperial Palace, the Heian Shrine, Gion, Tofukuji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Along the way, tourists have the opportunity to explore the city's beautiful gardens, temples, and shrines, and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch.

The tour covers a distance of approximately 30 kilometres and is expected to last 6-7 hours. It includes the use of a bike and helmet, as well as a guide and water. This tour is suitable for people with a good level of fitness and is a great way to see as much of Kyoto as possible in a single day. Tourists can book the North Kyoto course bike tour for $107 USD from the Cycle Kyoto Website.

4. Afternoon Forest & Monkey Tour

With this guided bike tour you will be introduced to the Arashiyama area of Kyoto, which is known for its beautiful temples, gardens, and bamboo forest. The tour begins with a visit to the Tenryu Ji Zen Temple, followed by a short hike up to Iwatayama Mountain for a panoramic view of the city. The tour also includes a visit to the Iwatayama Monkey Park. The tour is expected to last 4-5 hours and includes a bilingual native English-speaking guide, bottled water, a helmet, a bicycle, and admission fees. This tour is suitable for people of all fitness levels and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Arashiyama and learn about its history and culture.

The tour company also offers private tours and specialized bikes such as e-bikes and child bikes, but advanced notice is required and there may be additional fees for these options. The four-hour tour can be availed for $115 USD from Kyoto Bike Tour.

5. Bamboo Forest Cycle Tour

Our next option on this list of guided bike tours is yet another one that goes through Arashiyama area of Kyoto. It is particularly known for its bamboo forest which this tour will focus on. The tour begins with a meet-up at the rendezvous point to ensure that participants are fitted properly on a multi-speed Cannondale bicycle. The tour includes a visit to one of Kyoto's oldest temples, a ride through a scenic backstreet in a preserved historical landscape, and a visit to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

The tour also includes stops at local hotspots off the beaten path, and admission fees are covered. The route is suitable for all levels of bicycle enthusiasts and is expected to bring big smiles, incredible photos, and lasting memories of an amazing day. The tour is suitable for people of all fitness levels and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Arashiyama area and learn about its history and culture. The nature bike tour can be availed for $102 USD from Viator.

6. The Best of Kyoto Bike Tour

Take this full-day guided bike tour of Kyoto to get a glimpse of these beautiful highlights. It takes you to several of the city's most famous landmarks and temples, including the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the Golden Pavilion, the Kiyomizu Temple, the Gion district, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Along the way, tourists have the opportunity to see beautiful gardens, temples, and shrines, and enjoy scenic panoramas along some of Kyoto's finest waterways.

The tour covers a distance of approximately 40 kilometres and is expected to last 8-9 hours, depending on the pace of the group. It is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness who have basic bicycle riding skills and a sense of adventure. The tour includes a bilingual native English-speaking guide, bottled water, a helmet, a bicycle, admission fees, a light lunch, and an amazing adventure. This tour is suitable for people 13 years of age and older and is a great way to see as much of Kyoto as possible in a single day. The eight-hour tour can be availed for $184 USD from Kyoto Bike Tour.

7. Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

Using this hidden bike tour of Kyoto you will get to see a mix of both well-known and lesser-known sights in the city. It is a great way to explore the city and see some of its most famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and shrines, such as Kinkakuji and Kitano Tenmangu Temple.

The tour also goes beyond the typical tourist attractions and allows you to discover some of Kyoto's more intimate spaces, lesser-known side streets, and quiet Zen gardens. This is a great opportunity to go beyond your guidebook and experience a different side of Kyoto. E-biking is a convenient and eco-friendly way to see the city, and this tour is a great way to do it. This is a great opportunity to see more than just the typical guidebook attractions and discover some hidden gems in Kyoto for $80.50 USD from Viator.

8.The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour

Opt for this private guided bike tour of Kyoto as way to see some of the city's most famous sights and also discover unknown sights customized to your interests. You will be able to visit traditional streets and shops that they might not be able to access on a bus tour, and the guide will be able to enrich their knowledge of the city's history. Some of the sights one will see on the tour include the Pontocho District, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, The Philosopher's Path, and Heian Shrine. It is also convenient that tourists be able to take breaks along the way to rest and explore. This tour is a great way to see the city at a leisurely pace and discover some of its hidden gems. The eight-hour tour can be availed for $140 USD from Viator.

9. Kyoto Hidden Gem Bike Tour

A biking tour helps you to see the city and avoid crowds. In this tour, you will explore the city's famous sites as well as discover some hidden gems that only locals know about. The tour includes bike rental and a guided night walk around Gion, so one can combine both activities in one day. The tour is limited to a small group of 8 travelers for a personalized experience.

The tour covers some of the city's most scenic spots, including the Shimo-Gamo Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Imperial Palace, and the Zen temple. One can also be able to enjoy a relaxing night walk through the beautiful entertainment area of Gion, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a beautiful geisha. The tour includes a dinner recommendation and Japanese sweet snacks and tea at a traditional snack shop. This sounds like a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Kyoto for $53 USD from Viator.

10. Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycle Tour

The historical highlights bike tour is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Kyoto in a more intimate and personalized way. By cycling around the city, tourists will be able to avoid the crowds and lines that can often come with sightseeing in popular tourist destinations.

The tour also covers some of the most well-known temples and shrines in Kyoto, including the World Heritage site Kennin-ji Temple and the highest rank of Zen temple in Japan, Nanzen-ji Temple. In addition, the tour includes a stop for lunch at a restaurant where you can taste and learn about Kyoto's unique cuisine. Overall, this tour is a great way to see the city and get a taste of its culture and history. The historical highlights bike tour can be availed for $77 USD from Magical Trip.

How to Prepare for a Cycle Tour? Do's and Don'ts

Here are some suggestions for preparing for a cycle tour in Kyoto:

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You will be cycling for several hours, so it is important to wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and allow you to move easily. Avoid wearing clothes that are too loose or baggy, as they can get caught in the pedals or wheels.
  • Bring water and snacks: It is important to stay hydrated and nourished during the tour, so bring a water bottle and some snacks to keep you fueled up.
  • Protect yourself from the sun: If you are visiting Kyoto during the warmer months, be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Follow traffic rules and be mindful of pedestrians: As with any form of transportation, it is important to follow traffic rules and be mindful of pedestrians when cycling. Stay on designated bike paths and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
  • Bring a camera: Don't forget to bring a camera to capture all of the beautiful sights and experiences you will encounter during the tour.
  • Be mindful of cultural norms: When visiting temples and shrines, it is important to be mindful of cultural norms and follow any rules or guidelines that are in place. For example, you may be required to remove your shoes before entering certain buildings.
  • Have fun: Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun during your cycle tour! Enjoy the sights, sounds, and experiences that Kyoto has to offer.
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From our editorial team

Conclusion!

You can avoid some of the more dangerous threats to bike riding safety by using recreational paths. Choose roads that are extremely wide or have dedicated bike lanes. Opt for quieter neighborhood roads over high-traffic ones Learn to patch up your own flat tire. Know the weather forecast before planning your bike tour.

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