Kyoto by bike — temples & backstreets

A half-day cycling loop in eastern Kyoto

We start our 3.5-hour cycling tour at the Kimasu Cycling Base, which is a three-minute walk from Sanjo Station. Our route covers 11 kilometers of mostly flat terrain and involves about 1.2 kilometers of walking inside temple grounds. We keep our groups small, with a maximum of eight participants, to ensure we can navigate the narrow streets of Kyoto safely.

Gion backstreets and Shirakawa Canal

After a quick bike fitting and safety briefing, we ride into the quiet alleys of Miyagawacho and Gion. We pedal along the Shirakawa Canal where weeping willow trees line the water. Here you see traditional wooden merchant houses called machiya. To respect the local residents and working geiko, we walk our bicycles in private alleys and follow local photography rules.

Shinto traditions at Yasaka Shrine

We park our bikes at a designated area and enter Yasaka Shrine on foot. This Shinto site features a large vermilion entrance gate and a central stage decorated with paper lanterns. From the shrine, we walk into Maruyama Park to see the central pond before returning to our bicycles.

Nanzen-ji and the brick aqueduct

Our route goes north through the flat residential streets of Okazaki. We reach Nanzen-ji, a large Zen temple complex located at the base of the Higashiyama mountains. We walk through the wooden Sanmon Gate and visit the Suirokaku aqueduct. This red-brick Roman-style structure was built in 1890 to carry water from Lake Biwa.

Riding the Philosopher's Path and Kamo River

We ride our bikes along the Philosopher's Path, a stone trail next to a canal lined with cherry trees. We make a brief stop at the rustic gate of Honen-in Temple. To end the tour, we head west past the 24-meter-tall gate of Heian Shrine. We then ride down onto the gravel paths next to the Kamo River. This car-free path leads us directly back to Sanjo Bridge.

Practical details for your ride

Please wear closed-toe athletic shoes. Sandals and high heels are not allowed for safety reasons. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid long skirts. Standard tours are open to riders aged 13 and older who are at least 145 centimeters tall. Families with younger children can book a private tour with child-sized equipment.