Kyoto (Keihoku): Japanese Scenic Countryside Bike Tour

Exploring the picturesque Keihoku region of Kyoto on a guided bicycle tour offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy the area’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, visiting three significant shrines while learning from an English and Japanese-speaking guide. The tour’s scenic cycling routes through the Japanese countryside provide a refreshing and unique perspective on this lesser-known side of Kyoto. Whether you’re seeking a deeper connection to traditional Japan or simply wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, this 3.5-hour adventure promises to leave a lasting impression. The only question remains – are you ready to discover the hidden gems of Keihoku?

Key Points

• Explore the scenic Keihoku region of Kyoto on a 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour with a maximum of 8 participants, conducted in English and Japanese.
• Visit significant Shinto and Buddhist sites, including Kamo Shrine, Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, and Yamakuni Shrine, with a 30-minute break at a local café.
• Transportation is provided via JR bus departing from Kyoto Station at 6:45 AM, with a taxi option available if the bus is missed.
• Tour includes bicycle, helmet, bottled water, admission to Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, and one drink at the café during the break.
• Participants must be at least 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) in height and have proper travel insurance coverage, and the tour prohibits alcohol and drugs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Getting to the Meeting Point

The best way to reach the meeting point is by taking the JR bus from Kyoto Station. The bus departs at 6:45 AM and arrives at 8:30 AM, just in time for the tour’s start. The fare is 1,080 yen for adults and 540 yen for children, payable in cash or with an IC card.

If you miss the bus, you can take a taxi, which will cost approximately 13,000 yen. Finding the bus stop at Kyoto Station is easy – just arrive early and use the underground passageway.

Tour Details

On this 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour in the Keihoku region, participants are limited to a maximum of 8 people. The tour is conducted in both English and Japanese by a local guide.

The itinerary includes visits to Kamo Shrine, Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, and Yamakuni Shrine, with a 30-minute break at a local café. The tour provides bicycles and helmets, bottled water, admission to Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, and one drink at the café. However, it’s not suitable for people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).

Participants should bring sunglasses, a hat, a towel, additional drinks, travel insurance, and sports shoes, as alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour.

Itinerary

The tour begins at Shimoterada-11 Keihokunshuzancho, where you will explore the region’s cultural and natural highlights. The guide will lead the group to visit Kamo Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine.

Next, they’ll head to Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple. The tour then continues to Yamakuni Shrine, another important spiritual site. After the sightseeing, the group will take a 30-minute break at a local café to recharge. Throughout the 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour, you will enjoy the scenic Keihoku countryside and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions

The tour includes a bicycle and helmet for each participant. Bottled water is also provided to keep guests hydrated during the cycling portion of the tour.

Plus, the admission fee to Jōshō-kō-ji Temple is included in the tour price. At the midway point, guests will enjoy a 30-minute break at a local café, where they’ll receive one complimentary drink.

The inclusions aim to provide a comfortable and convenient experience, allowing participants to focus on exploring the scenic Keihoku region by bicycle without worrying about additional costs or hassles.

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Important Information

Participants should be aware that this tour may not be suitable for those under 4 feet 6 inches (140 cm) in height. It’s important to bring a few essential items, including sunglasses, a hat, a towel, personal drinks, and sports shoes.

Travelers should also ensure they’ve proper travel insurance coverage. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour. The guide will provide bottled water, but participants may want to pack additional hydration.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour through the scenic Keihoku region.

Preparing for the Tour

Typically, travelers can arrive at the meeting point by taking the JR bus from Kyoto Station. The bus departs at 6:45 AM and arrives at 8:30 AM, the tour’s start time. The fare is 1,080 yen for adults and 540 yen for children, payable in cash or with IC cards.

If the bus is missed, a taxi can be taken at an approximate cost of 13,000 yen. Participants should arrive early and use the underground passageway to find the bus stop at Kyoto Station.

For the tour, travelers should bring sunglasses, a hat, a towel, drinks, travel insurance, and sports shoes. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour in the Keihoku region.

Exploring Keihoku’s Scenic Countryside

The guided bicycle tour through Keihoku’s scenic countryside provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the region’s centuries-old shrines, temples, and natural landscapes. The tour starts at Shimoterada-11 Keihokushūzanchō and includes stops at Kamo Shrine, Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, and Yamakuni Shrine.

At Jōshō-kō-ji Temple, participants can admire the temple’s intricate architecture and learn about its historical significance. During the 30-minute break at a local café, travelers can savor a refreshing drink and soak in the serene atmosphere of the countryside. Throughout the 3.5-hour tour, the English and Japanese-speaking guide offers insights into the cultural and natural wonders of Keihoku, creating a well-rounded and enlightening experience for visitors.

Navigating the Bus and Taxi Options

For those traveling to the meeting point, the best option is to take the JR bus from Kyoto Station, which departs at 6:45 AM and arrives at the starting location by 8:30 AM. The fare is 1,080 yen for adults and 540 yen for children, payable in cash or with an IC card.

If the bus is missed, a taxi can be taken, costing approximately 13,000 yen. The bus stop at Kyoto Station is easy to find, and it’s recommended to arrive early and use the underground passageway.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, it’s essential to arrive on time, as the tour has a limited capacity of 8 participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours prior to the start time and receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead?

The tour organizers do not allow participants to bring their own bicycles. All participants must use the bicycles provided as part of the tour package. This ensures a consistent experience for all guests.

Are Photos Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photos are allowed during the tour. The tour allows participants to capture the scenic countryside and cultural sites along the way, though they’re advised to be mindful of others and not disrupt the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour, but it’s not suitable for children under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm). The tour is recommended for participants of all ages who can comfortably ride a bicycle.

Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Café?

Yes, participants can purchase additional items at the café during the 30-minute break. The tour includes one drink, but visitors are free to order and pay for any extra food or beverages they’d like during this time.

Recap

This guided bicycle tour of Kyoto’s Keihoku region offers an immersive experience in the area’s cultural heritage. Participants will visit three significant spiritual sites, learn about local customs, and enjoy the scenic countryside while cycling. With rental bikes, admission fees, and refreshments included, this tour provides a convenient and enriching way to explore the picturesque Keihoku landscape. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or nature lover, this bike tour is an excellent opportunity to discover the authentic charm of rural Kyoto.

You can check if your dates are available here: