Kyoto Spotlight
Experience Magical Kyoto
*This tour extension was previously called: Kyoto Explorer Tour Extension
Japan’s cultural epicenter encompasses more than just history, temples and tradition, which it has an abundance of. From the mighty Imperial Palace to the Golden Pavilion shimmering against the lake on which it sits, the city is packed with cultural gems that draw visitors here in ever greater numbers. But lesser-known, is that it also happens to be a fun and fascinating city to explore on foot and by bike. A UNESCO world heritage site and hub for Japan’s dynamic modern art scene, there are charming alleyways to wander, often lined with delicious traditional and modern food stalls for you to savor the country’s world-class cuisine as we go.
This specially designed guided tour extension is designed to supplement a longer tour in Japan, so you can also make the most of a visit to Kyoto. We have ensured there is quality time to explore this fascinating city both by e-bike on our guided cycle tours and on your own. You are certain to leave spellbound by Kyoto’s many mesmerizing sites.
Activities
Ride / Walk
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Price From
US$990
Day to Day itinerary
Day 1
Meals: D
Arrival Day in Kyoto
Welcome to the sublime fusion of modern vibrancy and time-honored traditions that define our Stunning Shikoku. As our adventure together concludes, we’ll whisk you away to the tranquil elegance of Kyoto.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, you will take a quick and easy 5-minute taxi ride to the enchanting comfort of Takkasegawa Bettei, your ryokan-style haven.
After checking in, let’s amble over to Kyoto Beer Lab, a hop and a skip away, quite literally. Here, amidst the clinking glasses and merry chatter, your guide will be ready to share tomorrow’s excitement with you, all while you savour the local craft creations.
But wait, the evening has just begun! This evening, we’ll convene in the ryokan’s inviting lobby, where new friends and flavors await. Together, we’ll indulge in a delectable dinner at one of Kyoto’s culinary gems, followed by tour briefing.
Day 2
Meals: B
Explore Kyoto by e-Bike & Foot
Kyoto is such a great city to explore by e-bike. Wide roads and shared pathways everywhere, considerate and careful drivers, and little alleyways along canals. So, you are in store for a typically fun riding morning in this cycle-friendly country.
You’ll kick off your day with a quick taxi ride to the cycling starting point, nestled just a stone’s throw from the regal Imperial Palace. As a former two-time capital of Japan, Kyoto has gracefully preserved its heritage amidst modernization. Today, you’ll ride with the past, tracing the river to the northern reaches of the city, where the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and, at certain times of the year, the cherry blossoms await our arrival.
Then, we continue our morning ride onto Ryoanji in the east, famous for its UNESCO-listed zen-style garden. But before your morning ride draws to a close, let’s pause at Kinkakuji for a sweeping view over the city and sample its delightful traditional sweets. With content sighs and beaming with wonder, we’ll meander to our hotel along the calming banks of the Kamo River.
As twilight descends, toast to an evening of freedom and indulgence. The city’s myriad of dining options lie open before you, and your guide, ever eager to share their culinary treasures, offers an abundance of recommendations waiting to tantalize your taste buds.
Day 3
Meal: B
Morning in Kyoto
Your final morning in this captivating city offers a blank canvas, inviting you to craft your own unique adventure, with your guide on hand until mid-day to offer assistance with the following activities
For the early birds who enjoy the quiet whispers of dawn, we highly recommend a serene walk through the sacred spaces of Shimogamo-Jinja, another one of Kyoto’s seventeen UNESCO World Heritage jewels. Tucked about 5 kilometers north of our hotel, an easy taxi ride brings you to a world of emerald tranquility in the Tadasu no Mori Forest surrounding the shrine complex. As you tread along winding streams, don’t miss the petite shrine, where some pray for beauty. With grounds opening as early as 6 a.m., an early start is within easy reach.
For those seeking something a little more active, there’s the Fushimi Inari Shrine, arguably Kyoto’s most famous attraction. Here you’ll find hiking trails that wind up the side of the mountain, with some fantastic views over the city. What makes it even more special are the unending tunnels of iconic red tori gates that accompany your ascent and descent. Open around the clock and without an entry fee, this magical hike is a dawn’s delight and a great way to dodge the bustling crowds. A full circuit can take up to 3 hours at a leisurely pace, but you are free to walk as far as you wish and turn back.
There are, of course, a multitude of alternative sights to choose from in Kyoto. Though we can’t list them all here, your guide’s treasure trove of local insights can reveal alternatives to making your last day as enriching as you desire.
For those traveling onward by train, a taxi to Kyoto Station is easily available, and the hotel is happy to assist.
Tour inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation
- Meals: Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 1
- Expert Guide
- Entry fees
- E-bikes and equipment on day 2
- Snacks & water when riding
What’s not
- Personal expenses
- Extra snacks and drinks
- Unlisted meals
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Tour Package
This tour extension comes with all inclusions outlined above and is designed as an extension option for our longer tours in Japan. The extension package is priced at US$990 p.p twin share, and for single travelers there is a surcharge of US$400.
Bike Tour Kyoto’s Highlights & Backstreets
Free Time to Explore on Your Own
How to book an extension?
This package is available as an extra when booking any one of our applicable tours.
You will find the option to add the extension within the online booking form. Alternatively, get in touch with our team to discuss adding this extension option to your tour booking.
Please note: If you are traveling solo, you must also select the “Single Supplement”.
