Higashiyama | Kyoto: Sakura Season Private Rickshaw Tour

Exploring the enchanting beauty of Higashiyama during sakura season is a must-do experience for visitors to Kyoto. This private rickshaw tour invites travelers on an intimate journey through the city’s iconic landscapes, allowing them to marvel at the delicate cherry blossoms and traditional architecture. Guided by a knowledgeable host, the tour promises an unforgettable culture, complete with scenic photo stops and a souvenir postcard to capture the memories. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing stroll or a deeper dive into Kyoto’s rich heritage, this tour offers an accessible and comfortable way to uncover the city’s stunning riverside views.

Key Points

• Experience a private rickshaw tour through historic Higashiyama in Kyoto during the cherry blossom season.
• Explore traditional architecture, visit the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, and capture the essence of Kyoto’s riverside views.
• The tour is available in English and Japanese, with a duration of 70 minutes to 2 hours.
• The tour is priced from £104.08 per group and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour accommodates up to 2 adults and 2 children under 5, with accessibility for those with mobility constraints.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Higashiyama | Kyoto: Sakura Season Private Rickshaw Tour" offers visitors a 70-minute to 2-hour private rickshaw experience exploring the historic Higashiyama neighborhood during the cherry blossom (sakura) season. Priced from £104.08 per group (up to 1), the tour is available in English and Japanese. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Highlights include seeing pink and white cherry blossom clouds, stopping for photos at scenic spots, and visiting the World Heritage Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. The tour includes a private rickshaw, guide, entrance fees, and souvenirs.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can explore the historic Higashiyama neighborhood during cherry blossom (sakura) season, marveling at the pink and white cherry blossom clouds.

This private rickshaw tour offers the opportunity to:

• Stop for photos at scenic spots along the way, capturing the essence of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and riverside views.

• Admire the timeless charm of the area’s historic sites, including the World Heritage Kiyomizu-Dera Temple.

• Immerse oneself in the distinctive atmosphere of the neighborhood, where wooden townhouses and cultural traditions coexist harmoniously.

Tour Details

According to the information provided, the Higashiyama Kyoto Rickshaw Tour includes several key details.

The tour includes a private rickshaw, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees to attractions. Photo stops and a souvenir postcard and sticker are also provided.

The tour excludes food, drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities.

The rickshaw has a maximum capacity of 2 adults and up to 2 children under 5 who must sit on an adult’s lap.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, and selfie sticks aren’t allowed.

Tour Capacity and Accessibility

While the Higashiyama Kyoto Rickshaw Tour accommodates up to 2 adults, it also allows for up to 2 children aged 5 and under to ride along, though they must sit on an adult’s lap.

The rickshaw itself is 21.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide, providing a comfortable ride for each passenger.

Plus, the tour is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it accessible for those with mobility constraints.

However, it isn’t recommended for expecting mothers in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy due to the nature of the rickshaw ride.

• Rickshaw capacity: up to 2 adults, with up to 2 children (5 and under) allowed to ride on an adult’s lap
• Rickshaw size: 21.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide for a comfortable individual experience
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly, but not recommended for expecting mothers in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cherry Blossom Bloom

Although the exact bloom dates for cherry blossoms can vary each year, the Higashiyama Kyoto Rickshaw Tour is timed to coincide with the typical sakura season in Kyoto. While full bloom cannot be guaranteed, the tour give you the best possible views of the iconic pink and white flowers. To help guests plan their visit, the following table provides historical bloom information for the past three years:

Year	Bloom Start	Peak Bloom	Bloom End
2022	April 5	April 15	April 25
2021	April 1	April 10	April 20
2020	March 27	April 5	April 15

Guests are advised to check local forecasts and bloom updates prior to their scheduled tour.

Important Considerations

Prospective guests should consider several important factors when booking the Higashiyama Kyoto Rickshaw Tour. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems, and selfie sticks aren’t allowed.

While the tour is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, it isn’t recommended for expecting mothers in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Additionally:

• The cherry blossom bloom dates are based on previous years, and full bloom isn’t guaranteed.
• The rickshaws are 21.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide, so individual rickshaws may be more comfortable for each passenger.
• The tour includes entrance fees to attractions, but excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.

Customer Feedback

The Higashiyama Kyoto Rickshaw Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.

Based on 3 reviews, the tour boasts a perfect 5/5 rating. Guests praise the knowledgeable and communicative guides, who provide insightful commentary on Geisha culture and the historic sights.

Reviewers describe the experience as a highlight of their Kyoto visit, with the scenic cherry blossom-lined streets and riverside views leaving a lasting impression.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers can book the Higashiyama Kyoto Rickshaw Tour directly through the provider’s website.

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for full refunds. This flexibility enables travelers to adjust their plans without penalty.

The tour package includes:

• Private rickshaw tour
• Knowledgeable guide
• Entrance fees to attractions
• Photo stops
• Souvenir postcard and sticker

This comprehensive offering provides an immersive experience, ensuring customers can fully enjoy the beauty of Higashiyama during the cherry blossom season.

FAQ

Can I Visit Other Temples/Shrines During the Tour?

Visitors can typically visit other temples and shrines during the tour, though the specific itinerary may vary. It’s best to check with the tour provider to see what additional sites can be included in the experience.

What Should I Wear for the Rickshaw Ride?

For a rickshaw ride, it’s best to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that allows easy movement. Avoid loose or flowing garments that could get caught in the rickshaw. Wear closed-toe shoes for safety and stability during the ride.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no strict age restrictions for the tour. Children 5 and under can ride with adults, though they must sit on their lap. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, or individuals with back problems.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Rickshaw Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the rickshaw tour. The tour is designed for a maximum of 2 adults and up to 2 children under 5 years old, who must sit on an adult’s lap. Bringing pets would not be permitted.

Is There a Minimum Number of Passengers Required?

No, there is no minimum number of passengers required for a private rickshaw tour. The tour can accommodate up to 2 adults, with the option to include up to 2 children under 5 years old.

Sum Up

Experiencing Kyoto’s enchanting Higashiyama district during sakura season is a must-do with this private rickshaw tour. Guests can marvel at the stunning cherry blossoms and traditional architecture while visiting iconic sites like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a souvenir postcard, this tour promises an unforgettable culture in Kyoto’s scenic riverside views.

You can check if your dates are available here: