#Location Kneeling man statue at the SouthEast corner of Sanjo Ohashi intersection.When coming by subway, it's quicker to exit to the surface first and then look for the place.Google Map https://maps.app.goo.gl/mRpprzv5L16yngoV7
Description
This is the best way to enjoy Kyoto's hi-light with a bike view, avoiding the crowd.
We are a team of local Japanese guides based in Kyoto who have a deep love for this city and take great delight in showcasing its stunning views and attractions to foreign guests.
We ride a bike on every single street in Kyoto Since we have been living or commuting in Kyoto for years. Bike touring is our lifework.
20 Mar - 10 Apr: the BEST for Sakura.
Apr-Jun is a nice season with the weather and fresh green.
Kyoto is a very flat city and not big.
We'll take you to many beautiful spots, temples, shrines, riverside roads, universities, hidden local gems, etc in Kyoto's northeast cultural area through an uncrowded scenic route.
The bike is very well-maintained and comfortable.
After the bike, you can enjoy a night walk in Gion's scenic cultural area too.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Next available
Thu, Oct 22
Adult (ages 18–80)
$78
Child (ages 7–17)
$78
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $310.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 2:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:01 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
【Private】Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll
Cycling tour
Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll
ツアー
Itinerary
Kamogawa River
Admission included180 min
1: Bike Part
Lovely 3-5 speed gear bike take you to hi-light of less touristic deep spots Kyoto, very efficiently, feeling the wind and the air of Kyoto like a living people.
Begin with peaceful Riverside cycling road, feeling nature and open sky. Dropping hidden shrine and try pure natural spring water. We’ll go through the huge Imperial Palace and famous Zen-temple. Through some university campuses and peaceful residential areas, We’ll go to Shimo-gamo Shrine(UNESCO World Heritage) and enjoy its primitive forest and beautiful buildings.
Next, We’ll go down to unique river junction point, then go along the lighted up scenic and refreshing riverside to back.
Gion
30 min
2: Gion Walk Part
After Bike returns, we’ll start strolling the beautiful entertainment area of Gion. We'll explain the unique culture and system of Gion and Maiko (My research theme in the university was this). If you are lucky, you may see beautiful Geisha. This relaxing night walk wraps up the day.
Pontocho District
Pass by
3 Dinner or Lunch recommendation
In the walking part, We will introduce many good restaurants and bars according to your requests in the authentic foodie area.
Sanjo Bridge
10 min
We provide Japanese sweet snacks and Japanese tea at the traditional snack shop.
What's included
Included
Japanese tea at the traditional snack shop.
Any entrance fee of temple or shrine, which you go as alternative plan in raining day.
Japanese sweet snacks at traditional snack shop.
Use of bicycle
Not included
Child seat and helmet : 12 month old to 6 y.o. (5000 JPY)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5
8
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Kyoto
Starting price $78 is 36% below the typical $121 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,631 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests are required to be able to ride a bike.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll take?
Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll cost?
Prices start at $78 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $310. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
How much does Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll cost for children?
Children aged 7–17 pay from $78, adults from $78.
Can I cancel Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is #Location Kneeling man statue at the SouthEast corner of Sanjo Ohashi intersection. When coming by subway, it's quicker to exit to the surface first and then look for the place. Google Map https://maps.app.goo.gl/mRpprzv5L16yngoV7. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Cycle Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Gion Stroll worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 8 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Japan Exploration Tours JIN-仁.
Reviews(8)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A
Arabelle P
March 6, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
With KO - Excellent bike Kyoto bike tour!
KO was an excellent guide. Despite the drizzle, we pedaled along the Kamogawa river as he explained it's rich history and first inhabitants. We entered the lush palace grounds, he got special permission for us to visit and meditate in a zen garden. We also drank from a water shrine and enjoyed coffee and nice conversation in a local shop. I highly recommend this bike tour!🙌
Operator response
Thank you so much for your good review and for sharing the limited time in Kyoto with me.
Kyoto will always welcome your visit! Ko
J
John_P
December 4, 2024 · via Viator
We were able to see the...
We were able to see the Imperial Palace. It is only open a few days in a year. The fall colors were just incredible.
G
George_S
November 9, 2024 · via Viator
Perfect way to spend a morning in Kyoto!
Honoka was a fantastic guide!
This tour let me see areas of Kyoto I definitely wouldn't have seen otherwise. Particularly enjoyed the stepping stones.
A brilliant way to spend a morning, fully recommend.
T
Ted_F
November 4, 2024 · via Viator
Fun
Great tour to shinto shirne and coffee. Taught how to make an offering. Guide had great English. Could have ridden bikes a bit longer
J
Jonathan_D
November 2, 2024 · via Viator
Fantastic afternoon tour
A fantastic tour through the heart of Kyoto at a perfect pace. Plenty of novel information and fascinating insights. I can’t recommend highly enough.
1 people found this helpful
U
UdayDesai
May 21, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic bike tour with Satsuki
I did the bike tour with Satsuki. It was a fantastic experience.
The route that Satsuki had chosen was very scenic, easy and very less crowded. He took really good care of everyone in the group.
We really saw the hidden gems and thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour. I really enjoyed the quiet spots in Kyoto.
I would love to this tour again.
Thanks a lot Satsuki. Best Wishes.
H
Heli S
April 14, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
A really enjoyable biketour!
We really enjoyed the biketour, which took us to lovely parks and peaceful tempels and shrines. The quiet streets were easy to bike and the hanami picknick was great. Our guide was very nice and shared us interesting inside knowledge about life in Kioto. Heli, Finland
N
nebraskaeit
January 2, 2020 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful personalised experience!!!
Kenji took us on an informative and delightful NYE tour. But the really super special part is that he helped me plan a way to surprise and propose to my girlfriend just after the tour! He was so thoughtful with the process, even down to helping to get roses and finding the perfect spot. Kenji is a very sweet guy and Kyoto will always have a place in our hearts because of him!
Operator response
Thank you very much for such a great review. That was really my pleasure. Thanks to a lovely couple, I could end 2019 with very heartwarming feeling. Very appreciated.
We always welcome your next visit!
Kenji
