Tours/Kyoto/Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets
Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets
5.0(92)Kyoto4 hours
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(89)
+44 photos
At a glance
Duration
4 hours
Price from
$72 / person
Location
Kyoto, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 92 reviews
Languages
JA, EN
Group
Small group, up to 12
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
SunnyCycleTour
Meeting point
The guide will be at the shop reception. When you arrive, please tell the staff, that you have a Viator booking and provide the lead traveler name.” and we will introduce you to your guide.
Description
This is not a checklist sightseeing ride. It is a local Kyoto e-bike experience through Higashiyama temples and hidden alleys, guided by someone who rides these streets every day.
We start with bike fitting and a clear safety briefing, then ride from the Imperial Palace area along the Kamo River and into Higashiyama. At Nashinoki Shrine, you collect fresh spring water like locals do—your reusable bottle is a gift and becomes your drinking water for the ride. At Shimogamo Shrine, we do the famous water omikuji (included): dip the paper in water and the message appears, a clever tradition and a fun test of luck.
We then visit the quiet Honenin area, continue to iconic Nanzenji, and finish at Heian Shrine. We avoid busy main roads when possible and adjust the route to match crowds and conditions, keeping the ride smooth, safe, and memorable. If you want Kyoto that feels lived-in and authentic, this ride is for you.
Tour Options
Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets
Itinerary
Nashinoki Shrine
20 min
We stop at Nashinoki Shrine, a place locals visit for fresh spring water. You will receive a bottle, fill it at the shrine, and use it as your drinking water throughout the ride.
Kamogawa River
15 min
We ride along the Kamo River, a place where locals relax and spend time in everyday Kyoto. Feel the open air and river breeze as we avoid busy main roads and choose quieter paths and backstreets.
Shimogamo Jinja
60 min
We stop at Shimogamo Shrine, an ancient shrine set in a forested area north of central Kyoto, known for its calm atmosphere and deep historical presence. Here we try the famous water fortune—dip the paper in water and the message appears—an ingenious tradition that feels like a fun test of luck.
30 min
We visit Honenin Temple, a quiet spot in Higashiyama that feels far from the busy sightseeing routes. We approach through local streets and hidden alleys, and take time to enjoy the stillness and the simple beauty of the temple grounds.
Nanzen-ji Temple
40 min
We stop at Nanzenji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous temple areas, known for its grand gate and spacious grounds. We take time to enjoy the atmosphere and capture photos, then continue the ride while adjusting your route to match the day’s crowd levels.
Heian Shrine
15 min
We finish at Heian Shrine, a striking landmark with a wide approach and an impressive vermilion gate. It is a great place for photos and a clear “Kyoto moment” to close the ride before heading back.
What's included
Included
Reusable water bottle (for spring water)
Water omikuji fortune slip at Shimogamo Shrine
E-Bike
Traveller Ratings
5.0
92 reviews
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Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do not recommend this tour for guests who cannot ride a bicycle.
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 Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets take?
Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets cost?
Prices start at $72 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets 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 The guide will be at the shop reception. When you arrive, please tell the staff, that you have a Viator booking and provide the lead traveler name.” and we will introduce you to your guide. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Kyoto: E-Bike Tour - Highlights, Backstreets & Local Secrets offered in?
The experience is available in JA, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(92)
N
natayat2026
September 21, 2026
Best way to see Kyoto
I’m also was a wonderful experience
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
G
guidovW3699FK
September 21, 2026
Beautiful Kyoto secret places
Great tour! Great guide, very safe
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
R
Rjdnd
September 19, 2026
Great ride
We had a great time. Enjoyed biking around Kyoto and visiting the temples and shrines
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
P
petehJ7441WD
September 19, 2026
Bike Tour of Kyoto
Fantastic tour! Kie was a fantastic tour guide. I highly recommend this bike tour. We visited many temples and shrines that would be hard to reach without bicycles.
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
R
Rachel_A
September 18, 2026
Great experience!
Kei was an incredible guide and we would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kyoto! It was a blast!
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
A
angelaaV1167RA
September 17, 2026
Great experience
It was amazing! Always felt safe yet adventurous and our guide Kei was kind,fun, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
J
J6280GTjoeym
September 17, 2026
Amazing cycling tour!
We had a fantastic morning thanks to Kei! We started with a briefing on the bikes and soon set off on our adventure. Although the e-bikes are quite fast, Kei guided us safely through Kyoto’s streets and intersections. This part of the tour didn't last long, as we quickly found ourselves cycling through a quiet, green area of Kyoto—it was wonderful to escape the bustle of the city for a while.
The itinerary included a stop by the river, as well as visits to two shrines and two temples. Every place we visited was truly unique and beautiful and we also participated and learned a lot about rituals. We discovered wonderful spots that we never would have found on our own. Kei is a kind, respectful, and engaging guide who speaks excellent English. Communication with Kei before, during, and after the tour was also fantastic!
Kei-san, arigato gozaimashita!
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
R
rachelaV5089YL
September 17, 2026
Best day ever
This was the best activity we have ever booked! Kei, our guide, was incredible and we will be back to do this again. Highly recommend!!
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
B
B7651SGlaurav
September 13, 2026
Amazing experience you shouldn’t miss.
I loved the experience ! Kay is so kind and respectful , I recommend this experience a lot.
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei
2
226vincd
September 13, 2026
Amazing bike adventure
Kei is a wonderfull leader and we had a amazing time. He showed us not so known shreins. That was really special! Greetings from Germany and Greece
Operator response
Thank you very much for joining the tour and for your kind review. It was a pleasure guiding you around Kyoto, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and I would be more than happy to guide you again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Thank you again for choosing this tour. Kei