Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city on this half-day tour. See the golden pavilion of Kinkakuji, the sublime rock garden of Ryoanji, then take a leisurely cycle through the Sagano countryside to Arashiyama, home of the famous bamboo forest.
Kyoto Golden Tour
From the gold of Kinkakuji to the green of Arashiyama
The main areas of Kyoto to explore on this cycling tour
Tour Course
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Waratenjin-mae bus stop (Kyoto City bus)
Meeting Point:
Waratenjin-mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
After meeting-up, the tour guide will take you to the bicycle parking area. (about 2 min on foot from the meeting point)
Waratenjin-mae Bus stop (Kyoto city bus) -
Kinkakuji Temple
World-renowned Kinkakuji (Golden Temple) was first established as a villa in 1397, and was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. Today its gold-leaf-covered pavilion, reflected in the surrounding pond, is one of Japan's most beautiful sights.
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Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji is most famous for its Zen rock garden, considered one of the finest examples of the kare-sansui (dry landscape) style. With a history dating from 1450, the temple has long been a place to relax and reflect.
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Hirosawa Pond
The Hirosawa Pond area is the scenic gateway to Sagano-Arashiyama. The pond is especially pretty when cherry blossoms scatter on the water. Here also is Kannon Island, where an eleven-faced Kannon statue is enshrined.
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Path of bamboo (Arashiyama Bamboo Forest)
Passing through Sagano, once a resort town for Heian-era nobles, you'll arrive at the bamboo forest of Arashiyama. This atmospheric grove is one of Kyoto's most photogenic spots.
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Arashiyama Togetsu Bridge
Togetsukyo, the 'moon crossing' bridge, stretches 155 meters across the Katsura River. The nearby tree-covered hills come alive with red maple leaves in autumn and cherry blossoms in spring, and create a picturesque scene year-round.
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Arashiyama Sightseeing Parking Lot
The tour ends in Arashiyama. From here you can explore the local shops or continue sightseeing. If you are heading straight back to central Kyoto, your guide will be happy to escort you to Kyoto Station.
Tour Detail
- Tour type
- Private guided tour
- Meeting location and time
- Meeting Point: Waratenjin-mae Bus stop (Kyoto city bus) After meeting-up, the tour guide will take you to the bicycle parking area. (about 2 min on foot from the meeting point) Morning tour: 9:00 Afternoon tour: 13:45
- Ending location and time
- Arashiyama Sightseeing Parking Lot Morning tour: 12:30 Afternoon tour: 17:15
- Time required
- About 3.5 hours *Please note that traffic conditions and/or weather conditions may cause the cycling tour to finish later.
- Distance
- About 12 km
- Price per person
- 17,500 yen (for groups of 3 people or more) 22,000 yen (2 people) 32,400 yen (1 person) Solo visitors welcome!
- Inclusive of
- Guide fee, rental bike fee, admission fee, liability and accident insurance, helmets, rain gear, original cycling map
- Recommended for
- People who want to go beyond central Kyoto, nature lovers Note there are some uphill sections, but regular bike riders shouldn't have a problem
- Notes
- ・Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear, according to the weather and temperature of the day. We recommend wearing sunglasses and using sunscreen in summer, and wearing gloves in the winter. ・For an additional charge of 500 yen per bicycle, bike rental before or after the tour is available during business hours (from 9:00 to 18:00).