Arashiyama & Golden Pavilion UNESCO Slow Cycling Tour
Description
Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most popular spots, offers many charming attractions, such as the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove. While some areas can get crowded due to its popularity, a short bike ride will take you to Kyoto’s tranquil countryside. This tour includes stops at several attractions, such as the World Heritage sites Tenryu-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), but is designed so you can enjoy Kyoto by bike at a leisurely pace. A dedicated English-speaking guide will accompany the tour and assist you throughout. ・The cycling pace is leisurely, so even those who aren’t confident in their physical fitness can participate with ease. ・All cycling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to bring anything. ・During the tour, you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals at renowned local restaurants. ・The tour route can be customized to suit your preferences. ・You can also enjoy taking photos with stylish Brompton bicycles.
Tour Options
Itinerary
400-year-old wooden bridge. The mountain scenery is coloured with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.
Arashiyama is one of the most popular places in Kyoto, with the Togetukyo Bridge over the Katsura River and the bamboo forests of Sagano. So there are many tourists, but our navigators, who know the area well, will guide you along quieter paths, away from the crowds.
Tenryu-ji is the most important Zen temple in the Arashiyama area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and has been an important center of Zen culture for nearly 700 years. The highlight is its beautiful Japanese garden, designed by the famous garden master Musō Soseki. The garden is remarkable because it has remained largely unchanged since the 14th century. It also uses "borrowed scenery" (shakkei), incorporating the Arashiyama mountains into the landscape, making nature feel like part of the garden itself. Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and imagine how people admired this same view almost 700 years ago.
Quiet, car-free area with traditional 19th-century timber-framed houses and shops, with woodland views.
The pond is located in a calm countryside setting off Arashiyama. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can feel nature at its best.
It is the head temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect. The spacious grounds are lined with 46 pagoda temples, and visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the grounds.
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) is one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally built in 1397 as the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, one of Japan's most powerful shoguns. After his death, it became a Zen temple. The pavilion is famous for its upper two floors, which are covered with real gold leaf. On a calm day, the building is beautifully reflected in the pond, creating one of the most iconic and photographed views in Japan. Although the original building was destroyed by fire in 1950, the current pavilion was faithfully rebuilt in 1955.
Take the train back to Randen Arashiyama Station. The Randen has a unique local train atmosphere and offers a great view of the city. The Kimono Forest at the station is an art installation of 600 poles decorated in vibrant yuzen, which glow beautifully in the backlight.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Total duration includes travel time.
Reviews(1)
Beautiful scenery and an unforgettable experience! Sightseeing via bicycle is an amazing and very unique way to explore Kyoto. We were able to go to many uncrowded places that were off the beaten path and make the most out of the highly sought out tranquil atmosphere that Kyoto is known for!!
Thank you very much for participating in the Kyoto Slow Cycling Tour! We are glad that you were able to enjoy Kyoto's sights in a quiet atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city, despite the unique atmosphere of the New Year. We hope that you will enjoy our slow cycling tour with us again when you come back to Japan.
