Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

4.9 / 5
29 reviews
700+ booked
JAPAN
Enhanced Health & Hygiene Measures are being implemented for this activity. Please check the activity highlights below for more details
  • Ride through Miyagawacho, the second biggest entertainment district in Kyoto
  • View the machiya (traditional merchant houses) along the narrow streets of Gion
  • Visit Yasaka Shrine and Heian Jingu Shrine, and gaze upon the gorgeous willow trees along the Shirakawa River
  • Coast through the giant red torii gates

What to expect

Hop on a bike and cycle through the back streets of Kyoto with a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. Experience the narrow streets of Miyahawacho, the second biggest entertainment district in the city. Ride past the vibrant Yasaka Shrine and nod to geiko women and their maiko (apprentices) as they stroll through the stone laden streets of Gion adorned in delicate kimono. Cycling through these traditional districts offers an unmatchable perspective of Kyoto. Break away from cliché tours and feed your inner adventurer!

Kyoto Backstreet Cycling
See Kyoto from a whole new perspective
Kyoto Backstreet Cycling
Visit Kyoto's streets; witness everyday life in the beautiful alleys and backstreets
Kyoto Backstreet Cycling
Ride through backstreet in Kyoto and see the cultural highlights at street level!

Reviews

4.9 / 5
Fantastic
29 reviews
Guide
5.0
Itinerary
5.0
Quality of transfer
4.8
Value for money
5.0
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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

The biking experience was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! The route was beautiful, well-planned, and enjoyable from start to finish. A special thanks to Rich, our tour guide, who was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. He made sure everyone was safe and comfortable throughout the entire tour, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this activity to anyone looking for a fun, memorable, and well-organized biking adventure. Definitely a highlight of my trip! 🚴‍♀️🌟

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

The meeting point is at the B1 underground tunnel of the AVANTI building opposite the Kyoto Station building. It is a bit difficult to find. The tour guide Mr. Rich explained carefully. He first discussed with us whether we had visited the scenic spots that we wanted to exchange outside the standard itinerary. He also explained the rules of cycling in Japan. Through his vivid explanation, we learned about the history of Higashi Honganji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion... In addition to the scenic spots listed in the itinerary, at our request, we also took the Kamogawa River on the return trip and completed the turtle jumping as we wished. It was really a wonderful experience experience.

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling (From 1 Jan 2019)

My partner and I had a great morning seeing the quiet backstreets of Kyoto as well as temples and shinto shrines. All though you can rent your own bike and look around, it was great to have a knowledgeable local guide to show hidden spots and explain meaning to what you were seeing. Thank you Rich for a great day

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

We had a great morning exploring Kyoto. Our guide, Tetsu, was so knowledgeable and friendly and made the experience unforgettable. The whole family enjoyed it! I highly recommend this trip!

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

This experience was fantastic and the guide, Yoshimi, was wonderful. She was kind, friendly, and knowledgeable about the locations we visited. Yoshimi altered our site itinerary slightly, to accommodate other participants who had been to one of the planned sites already. This was very kind of her to do. Yoshimi guided us well, taking time to ensure our comfort and safety. The sites were beautiful, the information shared was interesting, and the bikes were comfortable. The ride back along the river was beautiful and we took a couple breaks to enjoy the scenery. I loved this tour and will take another with the company, and will seek out Yoshimi as a guide.

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

We had a lovely time on this bike ride! Our tour guide was kind and professional, spoke English very well, and was very patient. He even brought a small notebook with visual aids to explain some of the historical sites and significant historical moments of Kyoto's history. We had a total group size of 6 people (including our party of 2) which felt appropriate for the cost/value of the experience. The bikes were well maintained, have about 7 gears available, and were fun to ride! The bike ride often has you riding on narrow streets, on sidewalks, and through the occasional crowd of people. I never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable, but one other member of our group struggled with this quite a lot, so if you anticipate having any concerns with that, you may want to consider a different activity.

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

Traveling around Kyoto by bicycle is an unforgettable memory. The tour guide KAZ is professional and patient. For example, he explained in detail the characteristics of Kyoto geisha (what makes them different from other places). On the way back, we passed through the Kamogawa River, but due to time constraints we were unable to stop and enjoy it, which was a pity.

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Review for: Kyoto Backstreet Cycling

Kaz our host and guide is really nice. His cycling route is top notch and his historical explanations are interesting. Frankly, I recommend it with great pleasure. It fully deserves these 5*

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Review for: 自行車穿梭京都(2019年1月1日起)

A very special itinerary. You know Kyoto in a different way. The tour guide introduced it in detail. It also cooperated with us to adjust the speed of cycling. It is highly recommended that everyone participate!

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Review for: 自行車穿梭京都(2019年1月1日起)

This is a way to see the beauty of Kyoto from different angles. It is recommended for people who want to travel around Kyoto slowly.

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Good to know

Insider Tips:

  • Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes that you can cycle i

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