Kyoto Small-Group Bike Tour

Kyoto Small-Group Bike Tour

Grab your bike and get set to explore Kyoto from the ground up. On this small-group bike tour, you’ll unearth the real Kyoto while cycling the narrow lanes and charming back streets of this former imperial city.

Start your small-group bike tour of Kyoto by cycling along the Kamo River, passing the many traditional restaurants that dot the waterfront. You’ll get great views of the downtown area along this route.

Then, cycle to Heian-Jingu Shrine, a spiritual center of Japan. Note its impressive bright red torii (a sacred gate) and replica buildings of the old Kyoto Palace.

Make your way along the quaint canals to the Nanzenji Temple, a classic example of Zen Buddhism, and admire its stunning smaller temples. Take some time to sit and contemplate the natural beauty before heading down the Path of Philosophy.

Flanked by hundreds of cherry trees, the Path of Philosophy was named by Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. Then return to Kyoto Station.

Please note: this tour covers about 9 miles (15 kilometers) by bicycle, and can be quite strenuous for travelers who are not used to cycling. This tour is recommended for guests with a medium level of fitness.