Kyoto: North Kyoto Guided Cycling Tour With Lunch

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, beckons travelers with its timeless allure. One of the best ways to explore the city’s northern regions is through the North Kyoto Guided Cycling Tour. This immersive experience allows visitors to pedal their way through historic neighborhoods, uncovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks. From the grandeur of the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple to the serene Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the tour promises a captivating blend of cultural insight and outdoor adventure. But the real surprise lies in the journey’s unexpected turns, where you’ll uncover the true essence of Kyoto’s captivating north.

Key Points

• This guided cycling tour in north Kyoto includes visits to iconic sites like Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and the Golden Pavilion.
• The tour lasts 6.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• A regional lunch at a local restaurant and the provision of bicycles, helmets, and water are included in the tour price.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The meeting point is a short walk from the JR Kyoto Station, with detailed directions provided.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The North Kyoto Guided Cycling Tour with Lunch is a comprehensive 6.5-hour experience that allows visitors to explore the cultural highlights of the historic city.

Priced from £79.80 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and conducted in English.

With a flexible cancellation policy, it offers the convenience of reserve now and pay later.

Throughout the tour, you will visit renowned sites like Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Gion.

Lunch at a local restaurant and the provision of a bicycle, helmet, and water complete this immersive Kyoto experience.

Key Highlights of the Itinerary

What’re the key highlights of this Kyoto cycling tour’s itinerary?

First, visitors explore the impressive Nishi Hongan-ji Temple with a guided tour.

Next, they visit the historic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

The tour then takes them to the iconic Golden Pavilion for a 50-minute visit.

Participants also get a guided tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

In the lively Gion district, they’ll enjoy a guided stroll.

Along the way, the group will stop at the Kamo River for short visits.

Midway through, the tour includes a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy regional cuisine.

Included Features

Included in the tour price are the entrance fees for the Nishi Honganji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and Golden Pavilion. Participants will also enjoy a regional lunch at a local restaurant, lasting approximately one hour. The tour package includes a bicycle, helmet, and water. Guests can purchase extra drinks and snacks along the way.

Included Features
Entrance Fees	✓
Lunch	✓
Bicycle & Equipment	✓
Extra Drinks & Snacks	✔
E-bike Upgrade	✔

Important Information

Comfortable shoes, a camera, and comfortable clothes are recommended for this tour.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

Mobility-impaired individuals or those under 4 ft 4 in (135 cm) may find the tour challenging.

For those interested in a more leisurely ride, e-bikes are available for a 3000 yen upgrade.

The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in planning.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Meeting Point

Where do participants meet for the North Kyoto Guided Cycling Tour?

The meeting point is located just a short walk from JR Kyoto Station. Participants should look for the following directions:

• Go past the Avanti building
• Cross over one traffic light
• Walk past the Daily Yamazaki convenience store
• Take the first left

This meeting point is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting location for the guided cycling tour of North Kyoto.

Participants can open Google Maps for the exact location before heading to the tour’s departure point.

Exploring Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

After meeting at the convenient location near Kyoto Station, the guided cycling tour begins with a visit to the impressive Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.

This 13th-century Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Participants explore the massive main hall, with its intricate carvings and impressive architecture. The guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the temple’s history and significance.

Cycling through Kyoto’s charming streets, the group then heads to the next destination, eager to discover more of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Next, the group cycles towards the renowned Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Established in 947 AD, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning and academic excellence.

The tour guide leads the cyclists through the shrine’s expansive grounds, pointing out key features:

• Vermilion-lacquered torii gates
• Elaborate structures with intricate tile roofs
• Impressive statue of Sugawara no Michizane
• Rows of plum trees, a symbol of the shrine
• Bustling vendors selling traditional Japanese snacks

After a 45-minute guided tour, the group continues its cycling adventure, heading towards the next iconic landmark, the Golden Pavilion.

Discovering the Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Imperial Palace

From the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the group cycles towards the iconic Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkakuji. The stunning three-story pavilion is covered in gold leaf, reflecting on the pond it sits beside.

After spending time admiring the temple’s beauty, the tour moves on to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. A guided tour takes the group through the palace grounds, where they learn about the history and significance of this former imperial residence.

The intricate architecture and perfectly manicured gardens provide a serene escape from the bustling city streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour provider does not offer luggage storage during the tour. Participants must make their own arrangements for storing any personal belongings or luggage not needed during the cycling tour. Check with the tour provider for any alternate storage options.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for families with young children. Given the duration, distance, and mobility restrictions, it could be challenging for young kids to participate comfortably. Parents may want to consider tours better adapted for families.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Customizing the itinerary is generally possible, but it depends on the tour provider’s flexibility. Many guided tours offer some degree of personalization to accommodate guests’ specific interests and needs, though options may be limited.

Do I Need to Be an Experienced Cyclist to Join the Tour?

The guided cycling tour is suitable for cyclists of all levels, as it aims to accommodate participants’ abilities. The tour provides bicycles and safety equipment, making it accessible even for those with limited cycling experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

While the standard tour duration is 6.5 hours, some tour providers may offer the option to extend the tour for an additional fee. Participants should inquire about any available extension options when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This guided cycling tour through North Kyoto offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the region’s iconic landmarks, including Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and the Golden Pavilion. The tour also includes a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and a regional lunch, providing a well-rounded exploration of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. With the option to upgrade to an e-bike, this tour caters to a range of fitness levels, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable day for all participants.

You can check if your dates are available here: