Explore Hidden Alleyway with a Local Expert (Morning tour)
Description
Step off the beaten path and explore the real Kyoto with a knowledgeable local guide who knows every corner of the city. This 3-hour guided bike tour takes you through quiet backstreets far from the tourist crowds, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of Kyoto’s residents. As you pedal through narrow alleyways, each twist and turn brings a shift in atmosphere—the scents, the light, the sounds—immersing you in the city’s hidden charm. Then, just as suddenly, you’ll emerge onto a bustling main street, reconnecting with the familiar Kyoto of guidebooks and postcards. Our guides are professionally trained through our original program, ensuring not only a deep understanding of Kyoto’s culture but also full proficiency in traffic safety, group cycling techniques, and local etiquette. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Join us and experience Kyoto not just as a visitor, but as if you were part of the city itself.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Miyagawacho is the second biggest among five Geisha district in Kyoto. This an alley that is lined on both sides with many Japanese traditional wooden houses. You can feel calm atmosphere of old days of Kyoto.
This is Kyoto! Gion developed as a major Geisha district with Maiko girls and Geiko women in Kyoto. Elegant and refined atmosphere of old times still remains here.
Your heart will be refreshed by the path as it goes along a limped stream. The willows swing in the breeze give you a special feeling about Kyoto.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Now open for public as a national garden with beautiful seasonal flowers. We cycle along the gravel paths there.
You can relax at local residents’ beloved river (Kamo River).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Min. 2 and Max. 6 guests can be accepted per guide (1 person participants are not accepted). In case your group is 7-12 people, an extra guide can be arranged.
- If you wish to cancel the tour, please kindly let us know at least 3 days prior to the tour date (by 18:00; JST) and your tour fee can be refunded.
- Tour can be operaTour will operate in rain. However, the customer can choose from one of the following options: 1) The tour will continue as usual on bikes (with rain poncho; free of charge), 2) Switch to a walking tour using public transportation (bus or metro; included in tour fee).ted even rain. However, in such case, the following to option can be choosen: 1)Tour will be continued as usual, (to be worn rain poncho;; free of charge) 2) Walkingtour using public transportation (bus or metro; included tour fee).
- Children must be at least 10 years old; 145 cm or above; and be able to ride a bicycle safely on the road unassisted.
- IF you wish to change the booking, please kindly let us know at least 3 days prior to the date.
Reviews(75)
We (family of four) had a great morning tour. Mitsuyo (Mitchy) is a very enthusiastic guide. It was great to cycle through Kyoto with her, we learned a lot.
We did a your starting from Kyoto station. The KCPT store is easy to find, 3 minute walk from Kyoto station.. Our guide Makoto Yanai took account of our wishes and previous visits to design our own tour which was greatly appreciated. He added his own twist with his favourite temple. Great explanations and knowledge of buddhism and Japanese culture. The riding pace and breaks were also perfect. The guide provided water and towels, much needed in summer heat. Overall great family tour.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a pleasure creating a personalized route based on your wishes and the places you had already visited. I’m especially happy that you enjoyed one of my favorite temples and my explanations of Buddhism and Japanese culture. I’m also glad the pace, breaks, water, and towels helped your family stay comfortable in the summer heat. Thank you again for joining my tour! Makoto
Friendly welcome even though we were a bit late, good bikes, with as from then Makoto guiding us through Kyoto with a smile. Firstly, he went out of his way to make us feel comfortable by foreseeing water, mosquito spray,… Secondly he was very friendly with the kids, constantly checked if we are ok etc. Thirdly he showed us some great spots. The kids enjoyed the picknick at the water. Arigato!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a pleasure welcoming your family and cycling through Kyoto together. I’m glad that the water, mosquito spray, and regular check-ins helped everyone feel comfortable. Seeing the children enjoy the picnic by the water was especially wonderful. Arigato, and I hope to see your family again someday! Makoto
Makoto was a nice, friendly guide, who knew a lot about Kyoto. He answered all our questions. Nice bike tour that also went along the lesser known places. He took the company (teenagers) into account and adapted this route accordingly.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I truly enjoyed showing your group around Kyoto, answering your questions, and introducing you to some lesser-known hidden gems. I’m especially glad that the route suited everyone, including the teenagers in your group. Thank you again for joining my bicycle tour! Makoto
We had a nice bike tour with Makato, who explained a lot to us about Japan, Kyoto's temples, and the religion. We (family of four) had a lot of fun and can recommend it!
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a great pleasure cycling through Kyoto with your family and sharing stories about Japan, Kyoto’s temples, and Japanese religion. I’m delighted that the four of you had such a wonderful time. Thank you again for your kind recommendation! Makoto
Such a nice experience, and such a good way to see Kyoto. We had the nicest guide Key who was so sweet and well prepared. This is a big recommendation
We went on our way with Makoto. Despite the rain, he made a happy trip of it. What a fun way to get to know Kyoto. We went to the Sanjūsangendō Temple, an impressive place. Makoto also gave us tips. E.g. where we could shop for comics and kimonos, which the kids really appreciated.
Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour despite the rain. It was a pleasure showing you different parts of Kyoto, including Sanjusangen-do Temple, and sharing tips that your kids could enjoy as well. Thank you again, and I hope to welcome you back to Kyoto someday! Makoto
A very nice experience, friendly guide, right mix of stories and cycling. Extra stop for jumping stones in the river. Kaz spoke perfect english which was very much appreciated by my kids! Travelling with 3 teens.
Dear dmakel2024-san, Thank you very much for sharing your experience and leaving a wonderful review! It was a pleasure for me to escort you and your family on the Kyoto cycling tour, and I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you also for mentioning the jumping stone. It sometimes becomes one of the main highlights of the tour, especially for young teenagers. I truly appreciate this review and wish you all the best! Thank you! Kazuhiro Yoshida
We had a fantastic tour through Kyoto. Our guide Tomoko Ishii told us about the interesting history of the places, the temples and shrines we visited. She answered all the questions we had and took us in a safe way through the streets and along the riverside. It was a wonderful experience to get to know Kyoto!
Hello and thank you so much for leaving such a positive review. I enjoyed taking all of you around Kyoto, and was very impressed by Ruben's knowledge of Japan! I hope you all had a great time exploring other parts of Japan. Safe travels! Tomoko
Makoto was an excellent guide and he went out of his way to show us unusual Buddhist temple. We had a very informative morning and learnt so much. .He did not rush us at all and listened to what we wanted to see. Bikes were very good and he was careful as to our safety on the tour with the traffic.Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the unique temple we visited. It was a pleasure sharing Kyoto's history with you, and I'm glad we could explore at a relaxed pace. Thank you again, and I hope to welcome you back to Kyoto someday! Makoto
