Kyoto Shogun Cycling Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on a cycling adventure that takes you back to the era of the Shoguns. Pedal through the historic streets of Kyoto and uncover its majestic past on this easy downhill route suitable for everyone.
The Golden Pavilion Temple is one of the most iconic sites in Kyoto and lined with gold, it was once the centre of government for the Ashikaga Shoguns.
Cycle on to the tranquil Toji-in Temple, the resting place of the Ashikaga. Immerse yourself in the quintessential Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi - a form of Zen minimalism. Take a moment in the temple hall, where Zen masters once would have contemplated the world, gazing at the groomed garden and the quaint teahouse.
Nijo Castle is a magnificent fortress that signified the beginning of the end of the Shogun era. Serving as the residence in Kyoto for the final Shoguns it was the scene of many a historical event that shaped the Japan's destiny.
Join us for a cycling tour that blends history, culture and the breathtaking city of Kyoto.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Min. 2 and Max. 6 guests can be accepted per guide (1 person participants are not accepted). In case your group is 7-12 people, an extra guide can be arranged.
If you wish to cancel the tour, please kindly let us know at least 3 days prior to the tour date (by 18:00; JST) and your tour fee can be refunded.
Tour will operate in rain. However, the customer can choose from one of the following options: 1) The tour will continue as usual on bikes (with rain poncho; free of charge), 2) Switch to a walking tour using public transportation (bus or metro; included in tour fee).
Children must be at least 10 years old; 145 cm or above; and be able to ride a bicycle safely on the road unassisted.
What To Expect
Kinkakuji Temple
Visit the Golden Pavilion Temple with your guide and walk through the beautiful gardens that surround the temple building.
Toji-in Temple
Your guide will take you through the interiors of the quiet and historic temple, renowned for its garden and quaint tea house.
Options
Kyoto Shogun Cycling Tour
What‘s Included
Helmet
Rainwear
Use of bicycle
Matcha service
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kyoto by bike with guide Makoto Yanai
liesw2026,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ask for Makoto Yanai to be your guide! It was an incredible experience. He explained a lot and we had a marvelous time seeing the hidden gems of Kyoto. My son (15y) also loved it. We did 10km but it is not very hard to do the biking and it is very safe. Even for inexperienced bikers. The best way to see Kyoto 💕
Kyoto cycle tour with Seiya
Z6830AGjamesg,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time with Seiya. He was incredible knowledgable and knew Kyoto really well. We visited four different districts including Shrines, Temples, Geisha district and palace and gardens. His English was brilliant and he was able to entertain a 12 old boy as well which is a challenge in itself. We would highly recommend Seiya on this cycle tour.
Cycling through Kyoto with Bag is top
D8317ODpaulinev,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zak is a great tour guide. His knowledge is great and the stories are very interesting. Other than that, he speaks great English. Nice way to get to know the city.
Great tour, great guide, 10/10 would recommend
mattkitson76,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Yanai-San!!! The cycle tour was beautiful and we visited some very pretty temples & shrines. Makoto is very personable and knowledgeable and made the experience soo much fun.
An unmissable part of our holiday!
willwC3952MB,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was informative and spoke perfect English allowing us to seamlessly absorb the knowledge he gave us! He was the best guide of our trip by miles.
Bike ride
R8951OAlindap,May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing day, we saw some beautiful things. The bikes were fine and te tour guide was so so sweet. He made us feel really comfortable. So thank you for today
Superb bike tour through Kyoto
G3505GCdanielleo,May 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We truly loved our private cycling tour through Kyoto by Yutaka Kaneda. The guide took us through small streets along different nice spots like the emperor palace, the river side with turtles, geisha districts, bamboo forrest and many more. He was so kind and made it a very nice experience for everyone. I can really recommend to take this tour. You will not regret!
Great tour
M4439ZDannev,Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with Makoto was really niice, we saw beautiful locations and learned history about these places. He was a niice guide and even made some extra time because of a local festival that was happening on one of the locations! Thank you very much Makoto for this day!
Exciting cicles tour through Kyoto
498ralphr,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cycle tour with Yasunobu Yagyu as guide was very varied, exciting and full of insider tips. His knowledge of the city of Kyoto, the people and the history amazed us. We see the city, the people and their culture in a new light. We wish him all the best and a long life. Sincerely Ralph & Karin 🚵🏻♀️🚴♀️
A fantastic bike tour - highly recommended
mikefN134BB,Feb 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic trip this was. There were nine of us in our group and we did the Golden Tour in the morning from 9 to 12.30pm. Kaz and JJ were both fabulous guides and great sense of humour. The bikes were easy to ride and the scenery and locations were amazing. We had lots of fun and learnt a lot while enjoying a lovely ride and beautiful scenery. Highly recommend this tour. Thanks Kaz and JJ
Related Experiences
Operated by KCTP