Kyoto E-Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Golden Pavilion & Zen Temple
Description
The best part isn't the destination. It's everything in between. Ride through towering bamboo groves, peaceful riverside paths, quiet farmland, and iconic temples as you discover western Kyoto on a guided e-bike adventure. Join a small group of no more than 8 guests and explore Kyoto at a relaxed pace on a premium electric bike. Cycle through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, follow the scenic Katsura River, and ride quiet backstreets that most visitors never see. Along the way, discover a slower side of Kyoto before visiting the peaceful Ryoan-ji Temple and its world-famous Zen rock garden. Finish at the spectacular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, where shimmering gold leaf reflects across a tranquil pond. With all fees included, you'll experience more than just the highlights. Your local guide shares stories of Kyoto's history, culture, and daily life, making the journey between each destination just as memorable as the landmarks themselves.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A former villa of a shogun of the 14th century, this villa is also called the Golden Pavilion because of it being covered on two floors with splendid gold leaf covered. Also has a beautiful garden to stroll through.
This is perhaps the most famous dry landscape rock and sand garden in Japan. Simply a joy to sit on the veranda and admire this garden.
Cycle through the streets of the West side of Kyoto city stopping along the way to admire the quaint streets and watching the locals going about their day.
Take a stroll through the breathtaking Bamboo Forest which is a highlight of Kyoto. Feel the mystic energy.
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
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(7)
Exceedingly disappointed with this tour. We registered, received a confirmation notice, and showed up twenty minutes early to the meeting point. We waited, and waited, and I attempted to contact the tour operator using the phone number posted on the Viator web page as well as one I found on the internet…neither number worked. I re-confirmed that we were in the correct meeting location from the info supplied in my registration. Finally, thirty minutes after the tour was supposed to start, we opted to leave. The tour time was supposed to be 1:00pm—which meant we wasted a good part of the day waiting for the tour, and then it was too late in the day to make other arrangements. I’ve filed a claim for a refund, and would not recommend this company for those looking for a tour company in Kyoto.
A fabulous, thoughtful, fun, and highly educational tour graciously delivered by Craig an English professor raised in Australia and now a Kyoto resident for 15 years. He provided an intimate bike tour for 3 of us along the main, terraced Kamo river in Kyoto, pointing out key land markers, urban changes and local activities along its banks. Remarkably, Craig taught us the influences of Shintoism, Buddhism on local shrines and temples, explained their impact on modern Japanese culture and introduced us to the concept of Zen. Craig’s comfort on a bike, intimate knowledge of beautiful Kyoto back streets, attention to our interests and curiosity, passion for finely brewed coffee (shared with us on a rest stop) and love of teaching made this tour shine.
Thanks so much for your lovely review—it truly means a lot!
Great way to see Kyoto. Philippe, our guide, made it interesting and fun for all of us. Love the history he provided. This stands out as a memorable tour for us. Not only did we see the usual tourist spots but we also biked through local residential areas of Kyoto. I highly recommend this tour!
Niall provided us with one of the top highlights of our entire trip. The bike ride tour of Kyoto's Zen Gardens was totally enjoyable and a great way to experience a part of Kyoto. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wishing to visit the popular sites as well as get a glimpse of many traditional neighborhoods in between. Would definitely book a tour again with Niall on my next trip to Kyoto.
We had an amazing time visiting the quieter parts of Kyoto and cruising down the Philosopher’s Path while learning so much about the history! Kevin, our guide, is originally from Canada and has been living here since he was 19! He is so incredibly knowledgeable about the culture, customs, and we learned some interesting fun things along the way! The trip was paced well and we had plenty of time for breaks as desired! After lunch he gave us a great coffee spot recommendation and it was the perfect boost to get us going for the rest of the day! We felt completely safe biking around and we went the e-bike option! I would highly recommend this tour!
We took the East district private bike tour with Philippe and it was fantastic. Our guide was really knowledgeable and nice, the pace was relaxed and the sites were so serene and beautiful. Highly recommend as a breezy and easy way to get to know Kyoto. The tour operator Niall also recommended one of the best restaurants we have visited in Japan - Kiharu, in Gion district. Must try!
Absolutely fabulous gardens and loved that our guided provided the history associated with our stops.
