Kyoto, Japan’s religious and cultural hub, attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world. There are so many things to see and do that one could easily spend a month here and just scratch the surface. So to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto, here are some of the top attractions and activities Grasshopper guests have enjoyed during visits.

As one of the best-preserved cities in Japan, Kyoto is the unofficial cultural capital, and you can take a walk through history at its many UNESCO heritage sites and observe Japan’s rich traditions. The city is home to thousands of ancient temples, shrines, Zen gardens, beautiful historic old towns and Geisha districts, making it visually fascinating at every turn. While a great place to visit any time of the year, we’ve discovered that spring or fall are ideal seasons, with the local flora providing a scenic backdrop of bright cherry blossoms or warm hues of red & orange from the maple trees.

Let’s check out this list of unforgettable things to do and see in Kyoto!

Visit temples & shrines

Kyoto is world famous for its sacred ancient temples and shrines. There are literally thousands of in the city and nearby countryside, so choosing a few to see on a short visit can be daunting. But here are the top 4 must-visit temples and shrines in Kyoto:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Located in eastern Kyoto, atop a hill overlooking the city, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is recognized in the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site listing.

With a history that dates back 1200 years ago, the temple holds the sacred Eleven-headed Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva, which is faithfully worshipped by the locals. The architecture of the temple’s Main Hall is marvelous, built on a steep cliff using a traditional Japanese method of construction. The assembled collection of pillars and rails firmly supports the whole structure and makes it highly earthquake-resistant.

Overhanging the hall is the Kiyomizu Stage which is also supported by wooden pillars and rails. This traditional wooden structure continues to support the building and the stage, and the breathtaking views mean it is always bustling with visitors year-round.

While you visit this temple, don’t forget to check out the Otowa Waterfall. Legend has it that those who drink this sacred water are able to have certain wishes granted. Split into three streams, one grants love, another knowledge and the third fortune, but you should not drink from all three, so pick wisely!

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most impressive and memorable sites in Kyoto, and probably the most photographed. Indeed it can be said that one hasn’t really been to Kyoto without visiting Fushimi Inari-taisha. A scenic stroll up this mountain-top shrine can easily consume half a day, if you would like to explore it with the Grasshopper team make sure to check out our Kyoto Explorer Tour Extension.

As an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari-taisha is dedicated to the god of rice, Inari. The complex is Kyoto’s most iconic treasure, famous for its intriguing network of 10,000+ bright vermilion Torii (shrine gates). The main shrine sits at the base of Mount Inari while the hiking trail which runs through the torii gates spans 4km up the mountain, with many smaller shrine checkpoints along the way. Expect amazing views of Kyoto at the Yotsutsuji Intersection, roughly half-way up.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji is a Zen temple which is adorned in gold leaf and beautifully reflected in the water of the Mirror Pond it overlooks, this is also probably one of the most well-recognized images of Kyoto.

Originally built as a retirement villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the site was soon converted into a Zen temple after his death. Kinkaku-ji temple has an impressive structure which each floor using a unique style of architecture. The walk around the impeccably manicured grounds can be quite peaceful if fortunately timed, yet because this is one of the most popular sites in Kyoto you can expect it to be packed with visitors at most times.

Ryoanji Temple

Nearby is another popular Zen temple, Ryoanji Temple, famous for its magnificent Zen-style rock garden. The temple and its garden were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Unlike standard Japanese gardens which often contain ponds and streams, a Zen rock garden features a dry-landscape of rock, sand and gravel which is carefully raked into patterns that represent the ripples of water. Zen gardens are carefully designed to evoke tranquility and beauty.

What’s particularly fascinating about this Zen garden is that there are 15 stones in different sizes placed in just such a way that only 14 can be viewed at one time from any angle!

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Groves

Along with Fushimi Inari and Kinkuki-ji, maybe the most picturesque site in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which rounds out a trio of iconic Kyoto’s sites.

The emerald bamboo stalks soaring high in every directions create a cool and rejuvenating atmosphere. Photos or words can’t fully capture this alluring place, so you’ll have to go there to really appreciate it.

A path cuts through the groves making for a leisurely walk or you can even try hiring a rickshaw operator. The place can get pretty busy during the day, so try to visit early in the morning when you can have the place mostly to yourself and hopefully catch some magical photos.

Spot Geiko in Gion

Kyoto is considered the most authentic city in Japan for Geisha (Geiko) and Tea Houses, with four districts where traditional customs are still intact. Gion is perhaps the most famous of these.

Gion is filled with small shops, restaurants and ochaya (traditional wooden teahouses), where geiko & maiko (geisha apprentices) entertain and perform tea ceremonies. The most popular area of Gion is Hanami-koji street. Here the alleyways are lined with long and narrow traditional wooden townhouses or ‘machiya’ of which many now serve as restaurants and small shops.

Visitors often come to Gion in a hope to catch sight of geiko or maiko as they rush their way too and from work in the evening. However, if you spot one, please act respectfully and make sure not to block their way. If you are lucky to visit Kyoto in April you can watch the annual Spring Dances (Miyako Odori) performed by geiko at the historic Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater.

Step back in time at Higashiyama District

Higashiyama is another well-preserved historic district in Kyoto.

Walking through the narrow streets of Higashiyama is like taking a step back in time. The streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, many dating back centuries, that house merchant shops, cafes and restaurants, catering to both locals and tourists.

Taste the authentic Japanese cuisine

No visit to Kyoto would be complete without feasting on the city’s best food treats.

From cozy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall street stands in Nishiki market, Kyoto is heaven on earth for foodies, with tastes to delight every palette.

Kyoto is also highly rated for vegan-vegetarian dining, from traditional Buddhist vegan cuisine to yudofu (tofu hot-pot), there is a never-ending list of dishes to entice the non-meat eaters during a visit.

Cycle around the city

Whether on tour or traveling independently there’s no better way to explore Kyoto than on a bike.

With a predominately flat landscape, riverway bike paths and bike rental shops in every district, city cycling is an easy and convenient way to explore Kyoto. While the city has a good transit system, a bike offers you a chance to explore further and faster, with plenty of small alleyways where it seems there’s something interesting around every corner.

Enjoy your cycling adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun to the fullest – Our Kyoto Explorer Tour Extension allows you to discover more of this fascinating city, and for more independent travels our Kyoto to the Coast Self-Guided Tour is an ideal option.

Photo credits: thanks to friends and staff at Grasshopper for sharing their photos.

First time multi-day tour guest Naome shares her 7-day journey through Sri Lanka on a bicycle tour and her unexpected experiences in the country.

I’ve been on various cycling tours before, but just Day Tours. I find the challenge quite rewarding, so feeling ready for my next adventure, I booked a bike tour in Sri Lanka which was my first multi-day cycle tour ever, and although I wasn’t prepared for what awaited me it sure was one hell of a ride.
Disclaimer: I’m not really a “cyclist”. I only learned how to cycle three years ago, and clearly, I didn’t know I would enjoy it this much.

Stunning scenery alert!

This is the first time I’d been to Sri Lanka, and I loved every part of this island country.

From the scenic tea plantations to the beautiful old town of Ella, lush pine forests and rolling green farmland, complete with grazing cows, thrilling vantage points along mountain roads and the stunning contrast of the dry savannas. Sri Lanka is not beautiful, it is INTOXICATING, and the best thing about cycling through this scenery is that we could stop anytime to bask in the beauty and grab a couple of photos.

The country has such a display of flora & fauna. I have travelled a bit but never seen an ecological system this diverse. You’d also be especially pleased to see they take very good care of it, especially the National parks.

Caution: hills ahead!

While it was mostly downhill, it wasn’t all downhill, because where’s the fun in that? There were some steep uphill rides and undulating ones which were always rewarded with a descent that had me smiling from ear-to-ear 😀

I found it challenging yet thrilling riding on the diverse terrain Sri Lanka has to offer. There were flat roads, gravelly roads, sandy, muddy, rocky and of course, bumpy roads. I don’t think I would have appreciated touring around Sri Lanka quite as much if I wasn’t on a bicycle.

Beware of the locals

They’re warm, friendly, and a bubbly bunch. Not speaking the same language doesn’t seem to be the issue here, many people speak English and before you know it you’ve already made new friends.

What I admired the most was seeing the people enjoy their country and commit to taking care of their environment. At a train station in Colombo, I saw a kid place his trash on top of a bin, an older vendor sitting nearby called the boy back and asked him to put it IN the bin instead. The boy heeded and proceeded. If that isn’t environmental commitment at its grassroots level, I don’t know what is.

Watch out! Wild animals on the loose

So I’m a city girl and I’ve been to a zoo, but Sri Lanka’s national parks were a different experience. This small island country has thousands of acres of protected & restricted forests so wildlife and communities can coexist in harmony.

We stayed at the Jetwing Hotel in Yala, which rests at the foot of Yala National Park and it was a jaw-dropping experience. Coming back from our dinner I happened to gaze down from the balcony and saw what I thought was an anteater feeding from the ground. Turns out, it was a mother and baby boar. Meanwhile later that night, my partner apparently had a stand-off with a monkey-slash-mongoose creature on our balcony (the true species was never concluded). The next morning, sitting at the breakfast table we watched a pack of wild boars crossing a small clearing, so I guess this is just another day at Yala National Park.

Coastline attention!

In my homeland of the Philippines, marine life is abundant. I’ve been to islands only locals can access and it was paradise. I didn’t anticipate the same for the beaches in Sri Lanka, for some reason I thought it would not be impressive, but I was wrong! I have two words for Sri Lanka’s shorelines: In Love.

We took the Sea Train which runs along the coast from Galle port to Colombo, and this turned out to be a sweet & scenic 3-hour ride that took my breath away. We timed it so the sun was setting out over the water, and the beams of light scattered through the coastal palms as the train rolled by. Locals clearly do a good job in taking care of the beaches as it was clean everywhere and I wished we had a few more days to cycle this area too.

Weather warning!

Just as you’re getting pretty comfortable in your shorts and tank tops, the mountain mists at Nuwara Eliya and the central highlands throw in an ice-cold breeze that could bend your will. So, if you’re ever stopping by Nuwara Eliya, make sure you bring extra warm clothes.

But don’t forget your sunscreen up here! The cool temperatures in the central highlands can be deceiving, you think that you’re fine, but the sun will get to you if you don’t take care.

About 19 years ago, I worked out that I love cycling and I love travel. I love lots of activities, but these two top the list. And as anyone who has done both at the same time will know, they are complementary activities. In the saddle, at handlebar height, I’ve experienced the story of hundreds of cities/towns and probably 50 odd countries, but one that’s in the top of my list is Japan.

I’ve also had friends regale me with their adventurous tales and I’ve read an endless stream of reviews from Grasshopper customers (sorry, blatant plug) and it has only left me more eager to return. So I thought it would make an article to explain my reasons to cycle Japan again and why it’s in my top 5 favorite destinations.

1. The scenery

Japan is acclaimed for its abundant natural beauty, be it the famous “Sukura” Cherry Blossom season, iconic snow-capped volcanoes, tall timber forests, diverse coastlines, stunning crystal clear lakes or exquisitely manicured gardens, you can find it all here. One particularly understated time of year is Autumn, when the towns and countryside are covered in warm hues of red and gold, and the bonus is you will not have the crowds that flock here for the spring Cherry Blossom season. Japan is also a volcanic place, so hot springs bubble to the surface across the country, and believe me, there is nothing better than soaking in one of these after a fantastic day’s ride.

Should I go on? Scenic amazement can also be found in the megacities with their neon signs, old and new architecture living side-by-side, and pop culture displays everywhere.

2. The Food

Who doesn’t love Japanese cuisine? The adherence to tradition, the simplicity, the minimalist style, and the ritual manner in which it is consumed, are all reasons for its success internationally. Oh to be in the home of this amazing food! There is a brilliant mix of traditional, modern, and admittedly, some strange.

Anyone who rides daily — as I do — will either ride to eat or eat to ride. I subscribe to the former. I sometimes think that I ride in order to nurture a healthy appetite and I’ve succeeded there. This also extends to something else that Japan does well, and that’s craft beer.

It started appearing in convenience stores a few years back. An IPA, a Stout, a Red Ale, and even a Bonito Flake Beer. Convenience stores along the road have slight variations on the seasonal range, so watch out, for many this may be one of the best reasons to cycle Japan! Oh, then there is Sake, a whole story on its own.

3. The connection with ancient tradition and culture

My standard modus operandi when traveling to new places is to do the basic, topline research on culture and tradition, then stumble through it on arrival, thereby learning it by being in it.

As I travel I want to know the “WHY” as much as the “WHAT” and while it’s a heap of fun just diving in and working it out, having a guide is a big way of connecting in a meaningful way, with people and culture, learning a great deal about history and national psyche and achieving all that in a compact period of time.

So, as you can guess, when I do make it to Japan, I’m going on a bike tour with Grasshopper because I know that I’ll leave Japan satisfied. I’ll have learned more than I would by reading a few guide books and I’ll have experienced connections that just aren’t possible when traveling independently. Only thing is, I ask a LOT of questions, so poor guide.

4. The modern infrastructure

Regular Trains and the Bullet train make covering long distances and extended transfers a breeze. On self-guided tours, Grasshopper provides bike bags that are more like soft covers. They fold up and whenever you want to board a train, you just take the front wheel off, put the bag over the bike and get on the train. The bags are so small they fit in the bottle cage. If it’s me, I’ll have one of those craft beers in hand as I watch the scenery scoot past at 300km an hour.

When investing in roads, the Japanese have often replaced the old one with a new one running in parallel. This leaves the quiet old road (still well maintained) as a perfect route for cyclists.

These almost deserted, hot mix roads take you up climbs over deserted cols (mountains), and down descents with more switchbacks than Alpe d’Huez. Many of the roads have low-speed limits of 40-60 km/h, so even when there is traffic it goes at a sensible pace. A safe and comfortable riding environment is accessed most easily with the help of Grasshopper Guide or Self-guided tours.

Then there is the Shimanami Kaido, a world-famous cycling route taking in a collection of span bridges that connect a scattered archipelago between Shikoku Island and the Hiroshima area. Stunning views out over the islands and again, great quality roads and bikeways, mostly away from any traffic to speak of.

5. The diverse landscapes and terrain

As an avid cyclist, this may be one of my top reasons to cycle Japan again. I love a challenge, conquering mountains, rugged coastlines, epic bridges connecting islands, while also enjoy casually pedaling along stunning coastlines, through World Heritage National Parks, cycle-friendly rural roads; farmlands, caldera lakes, volcanoes. Japan has it all, a true cyclist’s paradise!

6. The accommodation hospitality and respect

This is an aspect I’ve become far more aware of since my transition into the travel industry. A comfortable bed in anything from modern to historic is a true treat at the end of a rewarding day in the saddle. Japanese modern hotels are short on space but high on amenities. The real experience is in the traditional Ryokan accommodation, with tatami mat floors, futon beds, shared natural onsen thermal bathes, and Yukata wearing residence.

Respect in Japanese culture is an aspect I feel you must experience to fully appreciate. It is felt at all levels of the community.

7. The pleasure of bicycle touring

I’m an extremely curious person by nature. I love to experience the authenticity of local life as often possible on my travels. In my mind, there is no better way to immerse yourself in a new region than exploring by bicycle. You are traveling on your terms if you see something of interest you can just stop and explore. The other wonderful benefit is that locals seem so much more open and approachable to a stranger on a bike. Often they are as inquisitive as you about the situation, and the uniqueness of the encounter is often shared. You are a traveler, not a tourist, and in Japan, you are welcomed. This is only more amplified thanks to the Japanese culture.

Well there you have it — those are my 7 reasons to cycle Japan. Perhaps this article should be titled 700 Reasons I want to go bike touring in Japan, as within each reason there is an array of ingredients that make the destination so appealing. I can’t wait to get there again in the future.

Bringing your family along for the ride is now even easier – We say Weehoo!

Grasshopper Adventures now officially offer Weehoo Turbo Bike Trailers for our family bike tour in Sri Lanka. Founded in 2008 by a cycle-enthusiast dad who wanted a bike trailer for his kids to enjoy riding, Weehoo is now well-renowned for providing safe, comfortable bike trailers, empowering parents to enjoy outdoor adventures together with their kids.

Engineered to high standards, Weehoo commits to producing top-notch products while still keeping it comfortable and fun for the kids to engage in the ride. The unique design allows your child to pedal if they wish or just sit back and enjoy the views. The superb balance and weight distribution of the Weehoo, combined with its easy coupling system means that the adult can also still enjoy a very satisfying ride with a young one in the back.

Adam, Grasshopper Adventures CEO (pictured), has been a big advocate of WeeHoo trailers for a few years, using the popular WeeHoo TURBO with his son, Ian, to explore Cambodia and surrounding countries. “It has enabled us to get so much more riding and exploring done than before. Ian gets to have a pedal, have a coast and sometimes a bit of a sleep, all while being more protected than he would be in a bike seat or a conventional tag-along”, he added.

What is the Weehoo Turbo Bike trailer?

Here are a few main features which make Weehoo Turbo a sturdy and reliable trailer system for your kids

• Adjustable seat fits kids from 2 to 7 years old
• An enclosed drivetrain is safe and allows kids to pedal
• Hand grips and armrests on both sides allow kids to sit back and relax (or even sleep)
• An adjustable harness with a buckle is both comfortable and safe
• Plenty of storage space and pockets provide room for kids snacks and handy items
• Safety flag on the back provides good visibility

Kids say weehoo!

We are excited to welcome more and more families with kids to experience a cycling adventure in ways they never thought possible before.

With the availability of these cleverly engineered tag-along style trailers, kids on Grasshopper Adventures rides will have a more fun & carefree journey than ever before and parents will have the confidence of a stress-free experience riding with their children.

Cycling in Taiwan is an amazing experience. Many people only know Taiwan for its manufacturing and geography (a hilly island nation). What they don’t know is that Taiwan is a land of Temples, hot springs, night markets and amazing food. And more than that it is one of Asia’s most spectacular cycling destinations. What makes Taiwan an ideal bike tour destination? All of the above, stunning scenery, well-developed paved roads and warm friendly atmosphere that respects both cyclists and foreign visitors.

To avid cyclists, Taiwan has long been renowned as ‘The Bicycle Kingdom’, thanks to billions of dollars worth of bikes being exported from world’s largest bike manufacturer, Giant. Today dozens of companies manufacture bikes on the island. However, it was less than 20 years ago that the government started promoting efforts from homegrown manufacturers and providing significant investment, giving birth to a bike culture and “cycling fever” that soon spread all over the country. The hit local movie in 2006, “Island Etude”, chronicling a boy’s voyage of self-discovery during a solo cycle around Taiwan’s coastline, also contributed to the rapid rise of interest in cycling among local Taiwanese.

Find out firsthand why Taiwan is attracting more and more cyclists from all over the world on the Taiwan E-bike Tour.

Taiwan offers unlimited natural beauty and a large variety of landscapes, ranging from lush forests to rice paddies and steep mountains to rugged coastlines. With changing views and topography at every turn cycling trips never get boring here, and the two-wheeled adventurer is well rewarded with views of the seacoast, mountains and interior valleys that rival anything you’d experience from the seat of a bus or train.

Hugging the east coast from Hualien to Taitung is Taiwan’s most scenic roadway, Highway 11, with the Pacific Ocean to one side, mountains to the other and dozens of interesting highlights dotted along its path. The road itself is in good condition and relatively flat, with enough ups and downs to wake up the legs, but not enough to distract from the views.

If you want something more challenging, the East Rift Valley is the place to go. Running from the same start and finish points as Highway 11 (Hualien to Taitung), the East Rift Valley is another option for exploring Taiwan’s east coast. The valley lies between central mountains on one side and Coastal range on the other, with stunning views in every direction. The climbs offer more of a challenge, but the wind-in-your-hair descents and panoramic views are ample reward for your effort.

Everyone in Taiwan loves cycling, you can easily find local riders from die-hard enthusiasts to casual cruisers everywhere you visit, as cycling has become a fast-growing part of Taiwan’s culture. This strong connection is backed by the government, with a plan to triple the bike lane network in the next decade. In big cities like Taipei, the bike-share program YouBike is popular and supports this new cycling culture. Visitors can easily rent a Youbike to get around the city in a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly way.

The accommodation was fantastic. We had three nights of camping where our tents were set up for us. The on-road crew had some impressive culinary skills – I am not sure how they always seem to whip up 3-course meals. I was first concerned that there was not enough food on the trip, but was wrong… We were well fed and well hydrated. Our campsites were in really peaceful areas, also the most amazingly scenic night sky. The hotels we were placed in on other nights were also comfortable and clean.

Blair, our guide, was excellent! He was receptive to our needs and made sure we were always comfortable and enjoying ourselves. The expedition crew as I mentioned before, were exceptional. There were always two support vehicles, and if you felt you couldn’t ride anymore there was a spot on standby for you in the air-conditioned SUV.

Looking back I actually wish we had more riding and camping days, these were highlights!

What were your best memories from your trip?

Hands down, riding through the mountainous terrain and camping in beautiful spots where we could appreciate the peace and tranquility… Simply Amazing!

What would you say to someone who was contemplating a trip there?

If you like mountain biking, want to see places that are not your conventional “touristy” sort of sites and experience a culture that you’ll rarely see in your own circles, then this trip is highly recommended.

Magdalen Lim is a Singaporean who has been living in Australia for over a decade. She classes herself as an intermediate cyclist who enjoys riding every type of terrain and style – road, mountain biking or bikepacking. Magdalen joined Grasshopper Adventures Uz-biking-stan tour as a full paying guest in 2017.

Interview and photos were courtesy of Magdalen Lim and we’d like to give her a big thanks for volunteering her time.

More and more people are taking to bicycles to explore the world. Touring a new country or area on two-wheels provides both a physically and emotionally rewarding experience, that goes beyond the cookie-cutter travel offerings. We take an in-depth look at what factors you should consider when seeking the bike tour of your dreams.

Whether you are planning your first bike trip or getting ready for another one, you will most likely be looking through tour websites or even talking to an experienced travel planner to craft out the perfect itinerary. While going through this process it pays to give some thought to the following questions to help navigate between options and find your ideal tour.

Are you a mountain person or beach person? Are you happy to go off-road and challenge your legs with lots of climbs, or would you prefer flat terrain and paved bike paths to cruise along while fully enjoying the scenery? Maybe a mix of both?

Consider what you are comfortable with. If you are a flatlander and don’t want to rule out hillier adventures with your friends, choose bike tours with an e-bike option.

Searching for something less physically demanding? You can always go for tours with an e-bike option so as not to exhaust yourself and still have the energy to enjoy the views and stops along the way. This is also a good choice when it comes to traveling as a group where there is a variety in ability levels and endurance among members.

If you want to jump between destinations and have a bit more flexibility then mixing and match trips with different activities could be the way to better fit your tastes. Alternatively, find a cross-border tour that takes in more than one country and offers a variety of sights and activities. This is especially good if you are short on time.

Now that you have an idea of what to consider when looking for a bike tour you may be able to hone-in better on your destination and start searching with a more accurate vision of what fits your style. If you need any input or advice with your planning, we are here to help. Chat with us on our website or drop an email to our Travel Planning Experts.

Still having trouble finding a trip that fits you perfectly? Design a bespoke itinerary to avoid compromising on your next adventure.