South Kyoto Backstreet Bike Tour: Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and More
4.9
108 Ratings
Kyoto
Embark on a captivating bike tour through the enchanting backstreets of south Kyoto. Discover the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine and other hidden gems while cycling along peaceful routes.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cycle Kyoto - Start at our shop, meet your guide and other travellers, get your bike fitted and get ready for the day!
  • Nishi Honganji - Enter one of the least visited religious sites in the city and one of the largest wooden buildings in the entire world!
  • Takasegawa - Follow the serene Takase Canal on two wheels, learn about its place in Kyoto’s history and get some great photos!
  • Gion - Stop off in Kyoto’s famous geisha district, discover the secrets of this hidden world and maybe even catch a glimpse of one these entertainers hidden away!
  • Tofuku-ji Temple - Swing by the spectacular Tofukuji Temple. Enjoy stunning views from the bridge and admire the spacious surroundings of the one of the oldest and largest Zen temples in the country!
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - The most visited attraction in Kyoto can be tough to navigate. Allow our guides to expertly pick a path between the crowds for you to enjoy!
What's Included
  • Use of high-quality ‘Giant’ hybrid bicycle
  • Included helmet for safety
  • Complimentary bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Join us at Cycle Kyoto for an early-day cycling tour covering the southernmost beautiful spots in Kyoto. We ensure your safety by sticking to peaceful backroads, and provide a tour of the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine and several other carefully chosen sites.

Our journey starts with a trip to the central Kyoto temples, following the pathway along the Takase Canal and Kamo River leading to Gion. After navigating through the passage in Kyoto’s renowned geisha and teahouse district, we advance to the stunning Tofukuji Temple for a photo session. From there, we pedal downhill to reach the far side of the incline, leading directly to the Fushimi Inari Shrine (The most popular tourist destination in Japan!). A walk around the iconic orange Torii gates follows before we ride back home.

Location
Cycle Kyoto
Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Walk down the alley and you will see us!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(108 Ratings)
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Gnnadevan_m
Apr 12, 2024
A blissful morning in Kyoto - We had a wonderful time riding through the back streets of Kyoto with a wonderful eloquent guide, Jay. He gave us an extraordinary insight into the culture and history of the Gionn district, the shrines and temples we visited. He has even written a book about his integration into the Japanese culture. The tour was at a nice pace for all ages. Would certainly recommend this.
Review provided by Viator
Ganderite979
Apr 12, 2024
Great start to Kyoto - A great start to my Kyoto stay. Quinn was knowledgeable, interesting and aware of our group at all times. I’d recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenbry2012
Apr 9, 2024
Family cycle tour of south Kyōto - What an awesome trip. We booked a private family tour (with 2 teenagers) and were hugely impressed. Kevin was amazing and kept the whole family engaged all the way round with facts and information. Loved the fact that he took loads of great photos and provided them to us at the end of the tour (no extra cost). Felt perfectly safe on the bikes throughout the tour and kept to quiet side roads and cycle paths. Would highly recommend the team at cycle Kyōto to anyone wanting to see the sights and have a huge amount of fun doing so. 🚴‍♀️👍😁🚴‍♂️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mardym
Apr 6, 2024
Fantastic way to see the city! - What a fantastic way to tour Kyoto! I hadn't ridden a bike in a while, but when I finally figured out the gears, it was fairly easy to navigate the small hills and narrow streets. We got to see a lot more than if you were on a bus tour. Quin gave us a lot of opportunities to take photos and explained a lot of details around town. I would highly recommend seeing the city this way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fawelle
Apr 5, 2024
A fantastic way to discover Kyoto without the crowds - We had one fear when planning our visit of Kyoto: crowds. I told Kevin ahead of time and he tailored the tour for us which was an incredible experience. Kevin took us to beautiful areas that gave us a great overview of the city. He was entertaining, super knowledgeable about the town and Japanese culture, we all loved the tour and didn’t experience any crowds at all even though it is peak cherry blossom season! Bikes were perfect, pace relaxed, all left feeling that it was well worth what we paid for. Thank you Kevin! Travelling with 2 adults and 2 kids aged 10 and 12
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesci3583wi
Mar 29, 2024
Cycling in Kyoto - Fun! - Very nice cycling tour seeing places you will not go like narrow street of kyoto. Cycling form Gion to Fushimi Inari. The tour leader is very nice and the bicycle is very comfortable and well maintain. Water is even provided.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire16465263782
Mar 25, 2024
Amazing cycle tour through kyoto - It was a fantastic cycle tour which showed us stunning sights we would not have otherwise thought to visit and Quinn was an extremely friendly, passionate and knowledgeable tour guide that made the experience unforgettable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sime68roost
Mar 14, 2024
Super interesting Kyoto perspective. - I really liked the nice gentle ride through super interesting back streets, and the coolest temples away from the crowds. Quinn was super informative and revealed he soul of Kyoto.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pangphol
Mar 13, 2024
Highly recommended - Private south of Kyoto tour with young kids aged 3 and 1 - We did a short (4-hr) private south of Kyoto tour with Julian with short stops at Tofukuji and Fushimi Inari Temple. The route Julian took us was very enjoyable - we cycled through local streets, across Kamo river, through train tracks and up some small hills. Julian was very helpful with setting up our bicycles and children seats. He was very encouraging and patient with us as well since we are a group with 2 young kids aged 3 and 1, plus one of our family members doesn’t have strong cycling skills and fell down many times. We all had e-bikes which were super helpful and easy to ride. The kids have their own child seat with 3 year old sitting at the back and 1 year old sitting at the front. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore Kyoto city as it gives totally different vibes than taking the bus/ subway.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karin_l
Feb 27, 2024
Best way to see Kyoto! - Our bike tour was hands down our favorite experience in Kyoto (and probably all of Japan)! We biked on a less-than-perfect day (chilly and rainy), but the provided gloves and hat, and our fabulous guide, Paul, we had an absolutely brilliant time!
Review provided by Viator
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May 2024
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