Best 12 Bike Tours in Kyoto in 2024 (Fun Outing)

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Are you ready to book the best bike tours in Kyoto?

Well, you are on the right site!

Filled with ancient temples, well-preserved teahouses, and tranquil scenery, Kyoto is definitely one of the must-visit Japanese cities. 

And one of the most immersive and enjoyable ways to explore the city is by bike!

Whether you are a new or experienced cyclist or just looking for a unique way to tour the city, Kyoto’s many highly-rated bike tours offer something for everyone. 

So read on and check out the 12 best bike tours in Kyoto that will help you see the city like never before!

1. Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto
2. 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour
4. Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
5. Discover the beauty of Kyoto on a Bicycle Tour
6. Full Day Biking Tour Exploring The Best Of Kyoto
7. South Kyoto: Gentle Backstreet Bike Tour
8. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park Bike Tour
9. Kyoto Bamboo Forest Electric Bike Tour
10. Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycling Tour with World Heritage Zen Temple
11. The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour
12. Guided Kyoto Private Cycling Tour by E-bike

Our Top 3 Picks: Bike Tours in Kyoto

Best Kyoto Bike Tours

1. Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>830  Reviews)    |    🚴 Duration: 5-6 hours    |   🕒  Starts at: 10 am

With over 830 raving reviews and a full 5/5 rating, Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto is undeniably one of the best bike tours in Kyoto.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 5 to 6-hour exciting tour takes you to some of the most important historical sites in the north of Kyoto!

Some of the top stops on the bike tour include Nishi Honganji, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Gion.

Fun fact: Nishi Honganji is one of the least-visited sites in Kyoto, but it is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings!

Despite the cold and wind, we had a fabulous trip. Our guide, Terry, was knowledgeable, funny and personable. He shared the unique history of beautiful Kyoto and some local color. We were lucky to see two geishas in training in Gion. A delicious lunch of sushi was included. 2 big thumbs up! – Victoria (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

You will get to savour the beauty of each place too, as ample time will be given to the participants to move around or take Instagrammable photos.

To make this a truly immersive experience, the friendly guide will also offer insider tips to help you understand the city’s rich history and culture.

You don’t have to worry about renting bike equipment; that’s because the tour organiser provides the bicycle and helmet to every participant for a safe and comfortable ride.

Aside from complimentary bottled water, this North Kyoto bike tour is inclusive of the temple entrance fees and a delicious Japanese lunch.

Pro-tip: Infant seats are available upon request.

Pro-tip 2: Book yourself one of the best Kyoto Food Tours for the ultimate culinary travel experience while exploring the city!

BOOK Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto NOW ➡️

2. 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>160  Reviews)    |    🚴 Duration: 7-8 hours    |   🕒  Starts at: 8.30 am

If you only have one day in Kyoto and would love to explore the city uniquely, this 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour is for you.

Led by a native English-speaking bilingual guide, this 7 to 8-hour personalised small group tour will take you to some of the top attractions of Kyoto.

Apart from getting snacks and bottled water from the organiser, each participant will be provided with a high-quality bike and helmet too.

This bike tour was the highlight of a 2 week Japan trip. We went with our teenagers and it was amazing to cover so much ground in the day and wonderful to get all over Kyoto where you can see neighborhoods and bike along beautiful canals and parks. Even the teens loved it! And Ray was super knowledgeable, made things fun for everyone, was really accommodating and took amazing photos of our family. I would highly recommend you book this tour. It will be your trip highlight. -Wendy (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Covering a distance of 40km, you can expect a fun and informative ride as you take in the breathtaking scenery.

Some of the iconic landmarks included in this tour are Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Gion.

The guide will provide you with insights into the local culture and history along the way, making sure you have an immersive travel experience around Kyoto’s historical sites.

You don’t have to worry about forking out extra money for the temple admission fees either. 

That’s because these are all included in the tour!

And by the end of the ride, the participants will be treated to a delicious light Japanese lunch, making this bike tour truly an unmissable one.

Pro-Tip: Minimum participant age for this tour is 15 years old.

BOOK 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour NOW ➡️

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>130  Reviews)    |    🚴 Duration: 3-4 hours    |    🕒  Starts at: 10 am

Do you want to explore the stunning beauty of Kyoto while having a fun outdoor adventure? 

Well, then this Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour is just what you need!

Conducted by a native English-speaking bilingual guide, this 3 to 4-hour tour takes you through some of Arashiyama’s most iconic sights and hidden gems. 

You will start by visiting one of the oldest temples in Kyoto before getting to some off-the-beaten-path locations that most visitors do not know of. 

Since the Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour starts early, you can also skip the usual crowd and have all the places to yourself and immerse in the tranquil scenery. 

I went with Peter on the 4 hour early bird tour. The biking part was easy and nice to just follow someone around other than having to worry about where to go all by yourself. The places we saw were totally worth it and I would highly recommend the tour! It was such a great way to experience that area of Kyoto and Peter was such a great resource for answering all of our many questions. Also, the tour group was small (in a good way). – Yige (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Especially when you want to have a photo of yourself at the bamboo grove without any strangers in the background!

The small group size of 7 people ensures a personalised experience too, so you can easily get some insider tips from the guide to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto.

To ensure your maximum convenience and comfort, the bike tour is inclusive of temple admission fees, bottled water, and cycling gear. 

This Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour is suitable for all levels of bicycle enthusiasts, so cyclist beginners can join with peace of mind. 

Pro-Tip: Do provide the participant’s height at the time of booking.

BOOK Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour NOW ➡️

4. Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>340  Reviews) | 🚴 Duration: 3.5 hours   |  🕒  Starts at: 9 am or 1 pm

Another Kyoto bike tour that you can consider is the Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour.

This 3.5-hour tour takes you beyond the guidebook, exploring iconic destinations like Kinkakuji as well as hidden gems and backstreets known only to locals.

With a foldable bike, helmet provided and bottled water provided, this e-bike tour is suitable for all participants with varying fitness levels!

Start the tour day by meeting your English-speaking guide and exploring some of the most beautiful sights in Kyoto together without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Our guide, Yuta, was absolutely incredible. We learned more in these 4 hours than we did during the rest of our trip combined. Yuta was knowledgable, thoughtful and got our family to look at Kyoto in an entirely different light. After 9 days in Japan, all 4 of us in our family said this tour was the best thing we did on our trip. -JARED (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

These include Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

You will also get a real glimpse into the local culture as you ride through the less-touristy backstreets and beautiful gardens throughout the bike tour.

To offer an unforgettable travel experience, the Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour will make a stop at one of the traditional Japanese teahouses in Kyoto for the participants to try out the local tea and sweets.

Pro-Tip: Minimum age requirement to participate in this tour is 13 years old. 

BOOK Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour NOW ➡️

5. Discover the Beauty of Kyoto on a Bicycle Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>200  Reviews)    |     🚴 Duration: 5.5 hours    |     🕒  Starts at: 10 am

If you are looking for another highly-rated bike tour in Kyoto, then look no further than Discover the Beauty of Kyoto on a Bicycle Tour!

This 5.5-hour journey will take you through some of the most iconic sites in Kyoto, allowing you to discover its culture and history as well as enjoy its beautiful gardens and architecture.

With multiple stunning attractions including from Heian Shrine to Ginkakuji Temple, Philosopher’s Walk, Gion Shirakawa, Miyagawacho Koan and Nanzen-ji Temple – you are going to have a blast joining this bike tour.  

Since you will be accompanied by an experienced local guide, you can get interesting, more in-depth insights into each site conveniently without referring to a typical guidebook. 

Eric was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable about the history and also filled with fun stories! I highly recommend! – LYNN (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

This bike tour is inclusive of the bike rental and attraction entrance fees too, so you do not need to prepare additional things apart from having lots of fun on the tour day. 

Apart from getting personalised attention from the guide, you will get to meet like-minded travellers in a small tour group of up to six people. 

So if you are looking to know more people, this Beauty of Kyoto on a Bicycle Tour is a great opportunity for conversations and travel tips sharing! 

Pro-Tip: A moderate fitness level is required to join this bike tour.

BOOK Discover the Beauty of Kyoto on a Bicycle Tour NOW ➡️

6. Full Day Biking Tour Exploring The Best Of Kyoto

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>89  Reviews)    |     🚴 Duration: 6-7 hours    |     🕒  Starts at: 9.30 am

Want to explore the stunning city of Kyoto but don’t feel like walking all day? 

Well, consider signing up for this Full Day Biking Tour Exploring The Best Of Kyoto!

Led by an English-speaking guide, this adventurous tour will take you to the wonderful sights in Kyoto while allowing you to immerse in its rich culture and history from a different perspective. 

Giant Hybrid bikes and helmets are provided to all participants, so you don’t have to worry about renting them separately. 

To keep you hydrated and energised throughout the bike tour, a hearty lunch and bottled water are also included in the package. 

Thierry is very knowledgeable about Kyoto and its cultural heritage. He knows the hidden Kyoto streets well and brought us all around. He taught us Japanese numbers 1-99 in a fun and respectable way and he got us delicious lunch. We had a great 9 hrs on the tour. – LILY (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

The first stop that you will visit on this bike tour is a rather lesser-known religious site in Kyoto, Nishi Honganji. But this unassuming temple is in fact one of the largest wooden buildings in the world! 

The guide will then continue bringing you to explore the popular attractions in Kyoto, such as Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Tofuku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. 

If you are thinking about budgeting extra for the temple entrance fee, scrap that thought because the fee is already included in the bike tour!

With a maximum of nine people per group, you can also mingle around with other travellers while getting personalised attention from the friendly guide throughout the ride.

Pro-Tip: There will be plenty of break stops along the way so you can take your time enjoying each site.

Pro-Tip 2: Pamper yourself a warm, private open-air bath after the bike tour by staying at these recommended Kyoto Ryokan with Private Onsen!

BOOK Full Day Biking Tour Exploring The Best Of Kyoto NOW ➡️

7. South Kyoto: Gentle Backstreet Bike Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (>25  Reviews)    |     🚴 Duration: 3-4 hours   |    🕒  Starts at: 10.30 am

If you only have several hours to explore the lesser-known parts of Kyoto on wheels, then consider signing up for South Kyoto: Gentle Backstreet Bike Tour.

With a small group tour of 8 participants, the knowledgeable English-speaking guide will take you on a journey through some of the city’s most charming narrow backstreets as well as the historical sites.

Some of the popular attractions included in the South Kyoto: Gentle Backstreet Bike Tour are Nishi Honganji, Takasegawa, Gion, Tofukuji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

You will get to experience each attraction without having to battle through crowds of people on this bike tour, so you can immerse in its tranquillity and have the places all by yourself!

To make sure the participants are hydrated, comfy and safe during the ride, stuff like bottled water, ‘Giant’ hybrid bikes and helmets will be provided too.

We did this as a couple, with another group, a very friendly American family of 5. I am not a confident cyclist; but Kevin (the tour guide), the Japanese crowd & drivers tolerant attitude made it easier for me to enjoy the experience. Paddling through the crowd & vehicles in narrow streets in Kyoto was not as easy as one might think, but it was a great way to see or go to places that we’ve never seen or been to before. Kevin took us to some of the temples & places; provided us with interesting history and information, highly engaging, and also a good photographer. The last part of our tour was a bit wet, we went to the monthly market, where we got to sample some great local dishes, before we head back to the HQ. My highlight was cycling along the paved river bank with the sakuras waving at us. HQ Location: Easy enough to find as it is a few hundreds meters away from the train station. Price: Good value (experience) for money. Tour: Fantastic locations and information. Service (Guide): Highly engaging and entertaining. Conclusion: Highly recommended especially if you have a limited time in Kyoto. We will definitely do this again in other cities with Kevin’s team. -TRIPADVISOR REVIEWER (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Pro-Tip: This bike tour is suitable for participants with varying fitness levels.

BOOK South Kyoto: Gentle Backstreet Bike Tour NOW ➡️

8. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park Bike Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (34 Reviews)    |     🚴 Duration: 4 hours    |     🕒  Starts at: 1 pm

Not a big fan of waking up early just to join a city exploration tour? 

Or you have something to do in Kyoto at night?

Well, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park Bike Tour is one of the best bike tours in Kyoto that commences in the afternoon. 

Accompanied by a native bilingual English-speaking guide, this bike tour will let you cruise around Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Iwatayama Monkey Park.

It is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and lush greenery of Kyoto while getting up close with the freely roaming macaques! 

We really enjoyed getting to have someone as knowledgable as Ray lead us to some of the most beautiful sites in Kyoto. Each location he chose was thoughtful and historical, and his explanations of everything made the sites even more interesting. Getting to have a little exercise while seeing such beautiful places was the absolute highlight of Kyoto for us! -LORELEI (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

You will visit some of Kyoto’s lesser-known shrines and temples on this tour too, such as the lovely Tenryuji Temple.

There is no need to worry about renting a bike or helmet or bringing water – the tour provider will provide all the necessary bike equipment and bottled water to all their participants. 

You can be assured that all admission fees are included too, so all you have to worry about is having so much fun in this Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour!

Pro-Tip: You can upgrade to an e-bike for an additional charge. 

BOOK Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park Bike Tour NOW ➡️

9. Kyoto Bamboo Forest Electric Bike Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (4  Reviews)    |   🚴 Duration: 4 hours    |     🕒  Starts at: 9 am or 1 pm

Sometimes we are just not in the mood to sweat ourselves out while on a vacation, especially those who sweat easily. 

Like who wants to look as though they are drenched in the sudden downpour while taking selfies at the Instagrammable places in Kyoto?

I feel you – because I’m one of those heavy sweaters. 

And this is where e-bike tours like the Kyoto Bamboo Forest Electric Bike Tour come in handy.

This 4-hour tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning sights in Arashiyama!

Guided by an English-speaking guide, you will get to experience a blend of urban and countryside settings with fascinating views as you ride around.

Absolutely brilliant tour, Ross our guide was fantastic, really knowledgeable and showed us some fabulous sights. E-bikes were a great way to get around and see this beautiful place. Definitely recommend 💯 ❤️- GRAHAM (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

You will also get to visit less crowded temples and immerse in the local culture in a small group of 8 people.

The stops included in this bike tour are Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Giō-ji Temple, and part of The Bamboo Forest Trail.

Tip: Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple is home to 1200 quirky-looking handmade statues that not many people know of. Check out my Kyoto 2-Day itinerary to find out more about this place. 

To complete the 25 km-long bike tour with ease, bike equipment like Panasonic e-bikes and helmets will be provided to the participants. 

Farewell for now, sweat stains!

Like any other best Kyoto bicycle tours in this list, all the attraction fees and bottled water are included in the package. 

Pro-Tip: The minimum participant age for this Kyoto bicycle tour is 15 years old.

BOOK Kyoto Bamboo Forest Electric Bike Tour NOW ➡️

10. Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycling Tour with World Heritage Zen Temple

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (28  Reviews)    |     🚴 Duration: 4 hours    |     🕒  Starts at: 9 am

Are you a sporty history buff that is interested in learning more about historical sites in Kyoto while working out?

Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycling Tour with World Heritage Zen Temple is the best bike tour in Kyoto that you can book! 

Led by an experienced English-speaking guide, this four-hour journey stops at Nijo Castle, Seimei Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple and the Imperial Palace. 

Throughout the ride, you will get to discover the amazing history of each site with in-depth insights and personalised attention from the guide.

You will also have the chance to immerse in the peaceful temple zen vibes and stunning scenic views along the cycling route.  

To offer a safe and convenient travel experience to the participants, everyone will be provided with a rental bicycle, helmet, and bicycle lock. 

This was a fantastic experience. Beautiful temples and great food! The bikes worked well and our guide was super friendly and accommodating. – TRIPADVISOR REVIEWER (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Aside from the included temple entrance fee in the bike tour package, photos will be taken too during the tour by the guide so you can keep and show your travel mementoes to your loved one back home. 

Travel tip: Want to have your travel photos beautifully taken by professional photographers in Kyoto? Then make sure to book one of the best Kyoto Photography Tours!

The Kyoto Historical Cycling Tour ends with lunch at a traditional Japanese teahouse, so you can indulge in the local cuisine and fill your day with cultural exploration activities! 

BOOK Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycling Tour with World Heritage Zen Temple NOW ➡️

11. The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (16  Reviews) 🚴 Duration: 2.5 hours|🕒 Starts at: From 10 am to 4 pm

If you prefer to explore Kyoto on a bike with undivided attention from the guide, then The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike Private Tour is your best bet. 

Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you can have more in-depth insights and knowledge about each attraction from a local on the private bike tour.  

Plus, with a guide who knows their way around Kyoto like the back of their hand, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or missing out on any must-see attractions!

Eiji is the perfect guide for a bike tour because he’s a passionate resident of Kyoto, a safe and skilled cyclist and an enthusiastic communicator of all Kyoto has to offer. We had a spectacular day with him gliding through cherry blossom tunnels, strolling through beautiful gardens and even enjoying a delicious treat along the way. If you enjoy biking, Kyoto is a great city to take in a leisurely ride with Eiji! – A SATISFIED TRAVELLER (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Some of the stops that are included in the 2.5-hour itinerary are Pontocho, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, The Philosopher’s Path and Heian Shrine. 

There is also a coffee break included in the tour, where you can sip on the local coffee and replenish your energy before continuing the ride. 

To give you a glimpse of the local’s life, the guide will be bringing you to the local shopping arcade. You can even buy some snacks like mochi over here too!

The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour will provide bikes as well as helmets so you don’t have to worry about renting any bike equipment. 

BOOK The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour NOW ➡️

12. Guided Kyoto Private Cycling Tour by E-bike

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⭐ Ratings: 5/5 (3  Reviews)    |    🚴 Duration: 3 hours    |    🕒  Starts at: 9.30 am

Looking for the best private bike tour in Kyoto that offers e-bike rental?

Then you can never go wrong with Guided Kyoto Private Cycling Tour by E-bike!

Since it is a private tour, you can explore the sights at your own pace leisurely without feeling the need to rush to keep up with other participants.

The local English-speaking guide will take you through some of the most picturesque parts of Kyoto, including its geisha districts like Gion and Miyagawacho. 

Aside from visiting the majestic Imperial Palace, you will also get to cycle down tranquil streets and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful view of the Kamogawa River.

Guide was super! We wanted to bike along the River and see the Imperial Gardens and he was right on it! -BARBARA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

To ensure your safety and comfort, this private Kyoto bicycle tour provides all bikes and helmets to their participants, along with rain ponchos.

Accident insurance is also included in the package, so you can cycle around with peace knowing that you are well-covered exploring Kyoto!

Pro-Tip: The minimum age to participate in this Kyoto bike tour is 10 years old.

BOOK Guided Kyoto Private Cycling Tour by E-bike NOW ➡️

FAQs: Bike Tour Kyoto japan

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Best Bike Tour Kyoto: Roundup

• Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto
• 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour
• Arashiyama Bamboo Bike Tour
• Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
• Discover the beauty of Kyoto on a Bicycle Tour
• Full Day Biking Tour Exploring The Best Of Kyoto
• South Kyoto: Gentle Backstreet Bike Tour
• Afternoon Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park Bike Tour
• Kyoto Bamboo Forest Electric Bike Tour
• Kyoto Historical Highlights Cycling Tour with World Heritage Zen Temple
• The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike: Private Tour
• Guided Kyoto Private Cycling Tour by E-bike

Kyoto E-Bike Tour: Roundup

• Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
• Guided Kyoto Private Cycling Tour by E-bike

Things to Bring For Bike Tours in Kyoto

• Cap
• Daypack
• Collapsible water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

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Final Thoughts: Bike Tours in Kyoto

If you are looking to explore Kyoto and visit its main highlights and quaint backstreets from a unique perspective, getting a bike tour is the way to go. 

Still unsure what bike tour to book? You can’t go wrong with this Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto!

Here are some of the important things to consider when choosing the best Kyoto bike tour that suits your preference: 

Tour duration: The bike tours in Kyoto can range from 2 hours to 8 hours. Consider your Kyoto itinerary plan and choose the one that fits your schedule.

Fitness level: Some tours require a certain level of physical fitness due to the distance covered. Choose one that is suitable for your fitness level or opt for the e-bike upgrade.

Participants’ age: Some Kyoto bike tours impose a minimum age limit for their participants. Do check their terms & conditions before signing up for the tour if you are travelling with young kids. 

Group size: If you prefer to have a more intimate travel experience or explore Kyoto on 2 wheels at your own pace, consider getting a private bike tour instead. 

And that’s about it. Have fun cycling around Kyoto!