Kyoto Rickshaw Tour
Description
Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. Explore the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
tour operator for Higashiyama area
landmark of Higashiyama
Geisha district and traditional wooden town houses
small bridge in traditional district
beautiful temple with garden
impressive temple
large shrine in Gion area. worth a visit during new years, before or after the rickshaw tour!
feel the history as you travel on the old cobble stone street
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Adult pricing applies to age 6 and over
- Children 5 years and under may sit on an adult’s lap (one child per adult)
- A maximum of 2 adults per rickshaw. Up to 2 children, 5 years and under, can ride with 2 adults (children have to ride on an adult's lap)
- While rickshaws are able to fit two adults, each rickshaw is 29.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide, and it is sometimes more comfortable to book individual rickshaws for each passenger. For passengers of size, we recommend booking a rickshaw for each participant to ensure a comfortable ride. Passengers who do not both fit in one rickshaw but wish to participate in a tour at the same time will be required to purchase an additional rickshaw, which may not be available on the date of the tour with an English-speaking guide if not booked in advance. Those customers who do not purchase an additional rickshaw at the time of booking cannot be guaranteed availability
- Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly
- This tour can be customized depending on your interests
- If a child (5 years and younger) will be using one of the two seats of the rickshaw, it must book as an adult.
- The amount of time you will be late will be deducted from your tour duration (delay of 10min or more results in automatic cancellation)
- Any time changes/rescheduling requests sent after 5pm the day before your tour can not be accommodated
- our tours take place, rain or shine.
- This tour does NOT include the bamboo forest in Kyoto Arashiyama
- finishing locations other than our rickshaw stand may be subject to an additional drop-off fee (payable on the day of the tour)
- not all landmarks on the itinerary can be covered by shorter tour options. Please discuss options in advance or directly with guide
- The voucher/ ticket can only be used at our Kyoto Higashiyama branch. It is invalid at our Kyoto Arashiyama branch.
Reviews(215)
We had an awesome experience in Kyoto! This was such a unique way to see a lot of areas in the city. Our tour guide, Fumi, was so knowledgeable about the shrines and everything we passed and very entertaining during our tour. Fumi also took a lot of fun pictures of my husband and I during the tour, which was awesome. We did the 70 minute tour and felt like it was a good amount of time. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
This 90 minute ride was a highlight in Kyoto. Shiro was amazing as our guide. Beautiful intro to lovely Kyoto! Wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
This was an excellent way to see Gion! We had Ichi as our rickshaw driver and he was knowledgeable, funny and a good photographer. We learnt so much about the district and would highly recommend the tour and Ichi.
Fantastic experience. Fumi and co were so knowledgable, professional and polite , great at showing us the main sites and taking photos. Definitely a highlight and would thoroughly recommend.
We had an excellent experience with our rickshaw driver! He was personable, cheerful, full of information, and just made the whole experience delightful! We really appreciated his personality and kindness. It was a relaxing and entertaining way to see the city.
We had an amazing time on this tour! Much more than we could have ever expected. Our guide was super knowledgeable about the area, and he made sure that we saw many things that we would not have seen by ourselves.
A highlight of our trip. I unexpectedly found myself in a wheelchair unable to walk lots so this was a way to see the city still and it turned out to be one of our best Japanese experiences. We had Fumi and Kai as our guides and they were funny, knowledgeable, chatty and incredibly fit! We saw so much in our 2 hours with time to explore various areas.
We thoroughly enjoyed our rickshaw experience. I understand why other reviewers called it a must-do experience while you're in Kyoto. Your actual route will depend on the length of tour you opt for at booking. We booked 2 hours and our guide / driver asked us what we had already seen and what we were interested in seeing in the area. Our "driver" was friendly and entertaining and we were tucked cozily under warm blankets on a cold day. We really got a sense of Kyoto and enjoyed seeing numerous points of interest along the way, including Kennin-ji Temple (Kyoto's oldest Zen temple), Maruyama Park, and Chionin Temple where we made stops. Our guide also shared information on the places we visited, tips on what we may want to check out later on our own, and took great pictures for us (also showing us good photo spots). 2 hours flew by and we had a great time! Highly recommended!
Ebisu rickshaw tour is an absolute must for first-timers in Kyoto and was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s the perfect way to experience the Higashiyama district’s ancient alleys, architecture, and shrines such as Yasaka and Kodaiji, while truly understanding the history and culture behind them. Our experience was made exceptional by Mr Fumi and Mr Moto. Mr Fumi guided my husband and me, sharing rich historical insights with fluent English, warmth, and humour. He was jovial, polite, and incredibly knowledgeable, stopping at scenic spots to take beautiful photos and even creating a lovely edited video at the end—a wonderful keepsake. Mr Moto was the rickshaw guide for our two teenage kids. Young, caring, and eloquent in English, he connected effortlessly with them by chatting about anime and modern Japanese culture, tailoring the tour perfectly to suit teenagers. Our kids absolutely loved the ride and couldn’t stop raving about the experience. We’ve done rickshaw tours in other countries, but this was by far the best. Thoughtful, professional, and memorable—thank you Mr Fumi and Mr Moto for making our Kyoto trip so special. Overall, this is a very big must-try—especially if you have limited time in Kyoto. It gives you a wonderful glimpse into the city’s culture and history, and you appreciate it even more after seeing it for yourself: the atmosphere, daily life, and everything happening as you glide through the alleys.
Best way to see the old town and learn about the culture, conventions and folk lore. Our operators speak great English and take beautiful photos.
