Private Tour
Kyoto Satoyama Cycling with Lunch and English Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This is a special private e-bike tour for adventure lovers who want to explore the traditional Japanese countryside, historic shrines, a Japanese castle, and the birthplace of Super Mario in Sonobe, Kyoto. Friendly local guides, born and raised here, will guide you in English.
Only 30 minutes by train from Kyoto City, Sonobe offers a peaceful Satoyama landscape where you can hear birds singing and the river flowing.
Enjoy a western-style lunch course made with local ingredients in a traditional Japanese house restaurant, with one drink included. Vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly meals are available on request.
Optional cultural experiences are available:
⭐︎ Koto (traditional Japanese instrument) 2,000 yen per group
⭐︎ Traditional tea ceremony 1,000 yen per person
Please pay in cash on-site on the tour day.
A perfect chance to enjoy authentic Japanese culture and countryside life.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total duration of the tour includes the travel time by bicycle. The travel time between each point is approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Depending on the options you choose, some activities may take a bit more time. For example, exploring Mt. Komugi, the birthplace of Mario, may extend the tour past 2 PM. Please be aware of this possibility.
Additionally, you can choose two or three extra experiences from the options , which are included in the tour price. Please let us know at the start of the tour. Castle(visit), Shinto shrines (worship), Drinking Spring water(over a small mountain), Taking a photo in a Kimono, Playing the Koto(Japanese traditional installment), Mario Mountain Exploration
In case of cancellation due to bad weather, we will notify the reservation holders by 5:00 PM the day before. At that time, you can either transportation by car or reschedule for another date or cancel your reservation. No cancellation fee will be charged.
Participation Fee: 15,000 yen for one person
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine
Sure, here is the English translation: This is the oldest Tenmangu Shrine in Japan. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and many people visit to pray for success in their exams. For those who wish to visit, a guide will provide a tour in English. Amulets and other items are available for purchase.
The ruins of Sonobe Castle
This is the last castle built in Japan. It is currently used as the main gate of Sonobe High School. The remaining structures include the main gate, castle walls, turrets, and guardhouse. Depending on the schedule, it may be possible to enter the gate. Please consult us if you are interested.
What‘s Included
Bottled mineral water, lunchtime drinks
Lunch
Use of bicycle
Use of high-quality helmets with built-in headphones and microphones
Restroom on board
Options
古民家でのランチコース
Duration: 4 hours: This includes travel time by bicycle. Western-style lunch set : It's a delicious Western-style lunch made with fresh vegetables grown by local farmers. The meal includes a drink and dessert Explore Mt. Super Mario: This small mountain is where Mr. Miyamoto Shigeru was born and raised. He got the idea of Super Mario from this place.
Kyoto Satoyama Cycling in Nantan with the Electric Assist Bike
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour
zmxn38475,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I led a school group from the US to participate in this bike tour. I'm from Kyoto, but it was my first time visiting Sonobe and making soba on my own. The nature in Sonobe was so beautiful and my friends told me that the view looked like a Ghibli movie. The tour day became a refreshing and fun time for us because we stayed in Kyoto city which had too many people. The tour became unforgettable memories. I definitely recommend this bike tour.
An Amazing Experience!
Paradise58367432799,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it; especially for larger groups. We traveled with 16 people: 12 high school students, 2 adults, and my two children. This tour provided the exact experience of Japan that I was looking for. We explored the countryside, learned how to make soba noodles from scratch, and visited a beautifully historic home that has been transformed into a tea room, where we enjoyed amazing strawberry filled parfaits . At the end of the day, Maki, our tour guide, played traditional Japanese music and even invited everyone to try playing the koto. As a high school teacher planning an educational trip to Japan, this tour checked every box. The guides were incredible! Maki was waiting for us at the train station with everything ready to go. I truly felt they went above and beyond and we really felt special. While we were in Japan, we visited many incredible places, but when we returned home to New Hampshire, my two children said the bike tour was their favorite part of the entire trip.
Fresh and enjoyed cycling tour in Sonobe, Kyoto!
Coastal13888339462,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Along the countryside road, with fresh environment and air, views of mountains, fields, Japanese houses, shrines, and trees, cycling becomes even more enjoyable. We had a wonderful cycling tour, exploring the area and learning about Japanese culture. We also enjoyed a delicious and filling lunch at Kaeruno Oyado for just 1,500 yen. It was an amazing cycling tour experience in Kyoto, and I would highly recommend it!
If you come to Sonobe, this cycling tour is a must! Able to relax and enjoy while cycling at the same time.
Maps09461539384,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a wonderful experience. With a friendly tour guide and electric bike, I was able to enjoy the sights of sonobe. Sonobe is really beautiful in the view from cycling. Also, the tour agency informed us in advance what to wear in forecast of weather and prepared full of Safety equipment.
Sonaba trip with local guide
FarAway18680270754,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very Nice place, The atmosphere in sonobe city so fresh The trip very amazing and warmly The providing lot activities to do. I would recommend one day trip in here. Not far from Kyoto city Let's try to explore a new experience in Kyoto.
Communicate with the scenery,
Camper39988567354,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I lived in Kyoto, but there was a long, quiet landscape that I didn’t know, and I learned about Sonobe once again. It was also a great opportunity to communicate with the international students I was participating in, not only with the scenery, and I think I got a bit of a deeper memory of speaking in English myself. I'm glad I spoke positively, even if my grammar was mangled.
Beautiful place, delicious food, wonderful guide
Go59286110951,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have a wonderful experience with this tour. I get to experience rural part of Kyoto with its beautiful view and delicious food. Our guide, Maki san, also provide valuable information about the local place and local culture. Her energy and enthusiasm also make the tour more enjoyable.
The cycling tour
shahruhi,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I definitely recommend this tour, it is very interesting, the weather and the countryside was amazing, also highly recommend to have lunch in Kaeyuno Oyado restaurant.
Amazing trip)
jamak2025,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and great company made the Sonobe cycling trip unforgettable. The delicious lunch was a perfect bonus to an already amazing day. Highly recommend!
Beautiful countryside cycling tour
Tour35796408849,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First of all, the staff and tour guides were very enthusiastic and friendly, making me feel as comfortable as being with friends and family. The tour was well-designed, with ample time and stunning scenery, providing a very relaxing and peaceful experience. Moreover, the restaurant's food was delicious and the atmosphere was cozy. It was an unforgettable trip, and I highly recommend trying it out.
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Operated by Kyoto Satoyama cycling tour