Eastern Kyoto Walking Tour: Silver Pavilion, Philosopher's Path and Zen Gardens

We meet at the entrance gates of Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion). Look for your guide holding a Kimasu sign.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring clean socks without holes, as you will need to remove your shoes at Nanzen-ji. We also recommend bringing cash in Japanese Yen for small local shops.

The Philosopher's Path is mostly flat, but several temple entrances, steps, and garden pathways have gravel, stone steps, or raised thresholds that make wheelchair access difficult.

The tour runs in rain or shine. If it rains, we will spend more time under the covered corridors of the temples. Please bring an umbrella or raincoat.

The flat route is safe for children, and they often enjoy watching the large carp in the canal. However, because Zen temples require quiet contemplation, the tour is best for children aged 8 and up.

This is an easy 4-kilometer walk taken at a leisurely pace. There are minor slopes and some stairs near Ginkaku-ji, but anyone who can walk comfortably for a few hours can join.

Yes, cycling is our specialty and by far the absolute favorite of our travelers! We consider it the ideal first activity to kick off your stay. For now, we offer our cycling tours exclusively in Kyoto — and for good reason: it is the most bike-friendly city in Japan. Hopping on a bike from your very first days allows you to instantly get your bearings while covering several very different neighborhoods in a single day. It's enjoyable, fun, and saves you precious time. For example, crossing the city by bus or taxi from the Golden Pavilion to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove can quickly become a logistical nightmare during rush hour. Thanks to our various cycling tours, we cut through local backstreets, avoid the crowds and traffic jams, and access hidden temples completely off the beaten tourist track.

Not at all—if you know how to ride a bike, you are ready to go! Our tours are run at a leisurely pace, mostly on flat ground with frequent stops. Electric-assist bikes smooth out any gentle slopes and long stretches effortlessly. Best of all, all our tours are 100% private, meaning we tailor the tempo entirely to you on the day. Each tour page lists the total distance and terrain details, and we are always happy to chat if you want to double-check before booking.

Electric-assist bikes are our default standard across all tours, and required on select itineraries with longer distances or elevation: Comfort & Ease: E-bikes smooth out inclines and distance, ensuring a relaxed, effortless ride compared to heavier traditional city bikes. Beating the Heat: During warmer months, electric assistance lets you enjoy the ride without straining under the heat and humidity. If you prefer a standard bike on routes where it is suitable, you are more than welcome to choose one—we always adapt the pace to you. Note for younger riders: Rental e-bikes require a minimum height of 140 cm (4'7") to guarantee safety and proper fit.

Absolutely, our bike tours are designed for the whole family! For children up to age 6, we provide bikes fitted with comfortable child seats. Confident young riders aged 6 to 8 and up are welcome on our half-day routes. For full-day rides, our electric-assist bikes require a minimum height of 140 cm (4'7") for safety and ease. Since every young rider is unique, reach out to us so we can tailor the best setup for your family.

It depends on the tour format: expect roughly 10 to 18 km (6–11 miles) for a half-day ride, and up to 25–30 km (15–18 miles) on a full-day itinerary. Exact distances and terrain details are clearly listed on each tour page. Because our tours are 100% private, we continuously adjust the pace, stops, and route to match your energy, preferences, and the day's weather.

While Kyoto's grid layout makes navigation straightforward, don't be fooled: the city is definitely not flat! It features a continuous, subtle uphill slope from south to north, and reaching the famous temples on the surrounding hillsides requires some real legwork. To avoid heavy traffic and find the best riding conditions, look for these areas: - The banks of the Kamo River (Kamogawa): Perfect for crossing the city away from traffic on dedicated pathways, with beautiful open views. - The Miyagawacho district: A much quieter and more peaceful alternative to Gion, ideal for admiring traditional machiya townhouses at a leisurely pace. - The Okazaki Canal: A stunning, spacious route that becomes absolutely magical under the cherry blossoms in spring. 💡 The Kimasu Advantage: Planning the perfect cycling route in Kyoto on your own can be tricky. Between unexpected slopes, hidden one-way streets, and strictly enforced pedestrian-only zones where bikes are banned, it's easy to get stressed. On a Kimasu bike tour, you can just enjoy the ride. Your guide handles the relief, manages the pace, and takes you through secret local shortcuts you won't find on any map.

Japanese society places immense value on the concept of "Kuuki Yomu" (literally: reading the air) — the art of sensing the atmosphere and showing consideration to maintain social harmony. It's this mutual respect that makes traveling here so peaceful! While locals are very forgiving with tourists, here are a few golden rules to follow: • On the street: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while walking (enjoy your snacks right outside the shop where you bought them). Keep your trash with you, as public trash cans are virtually non-existent. • On public transport: Silence is golden. Keep your voice down, avoid phone calls completely, and take off your backpack so you don't bump into other passengers. • At temples and shrines: These are sacred spaces. Never sit on the ground, on temple steps, or on the stone walls of private properties. • Photography in Gion (Geisha district): Strictly respect all no-photography signs. Taking photos in private alleys is illegal and subject to a heavy fine. • At the table: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into your bowl of rice (this mimics a funeral rite) and never pass food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks. Don't worry: Your guides will be right by your side throughout your tours to give you a friendly heads-up and explain the meaning and history behind these customs!

Yes, it happens quite often: at the entrance of certain temples, tea rooms, traditional tatami restaurants, or some shops. Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and make sure your socks are clean and hole-free — it's one of those small details that really matters.

It depends on the format: allow approximately 4 hours for a half-day, 7 hours for a full day, and 3 to 4 hours for an evening tour. As everything is private, the timing remains flexible and can be adjusted to your pace on the day.

Our tours are 100% private, meaning you will never be paired with other travelers. We typically accommodate groups of up to 8 guests. For larger parties, please get in touch—we organize custom tours on request and will gladly provide a tailored quote.

No worries — the charm of Kansai works its magic in any weather! For our walking tours, we'll keep the day going by adapting the route in real time: we prioritize temple interiors, historic covered arcades, or Machiya (traditional wooden houses) to keep you dry. For our cycling tours, we'll do our best to reschedule based on your availability and ours. If no alternative slot is available, the choice is yours: in case of light rain, we can certainly keep the tour going by picking up lightweight ponchos at a konbini. If the weather proves truly dangerous for cycling, we'll immediately switch to a fantastic alternative walking and transport route.

Opt for comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. An important point regarding local etiquette: you will sometimes need to remove your shoes to enter sacred areas of temples, tea houses, or traditional tatami restaurants. Therefore, be sure to wear clean socks without holes. Bare feet are discouraged out of respect for the purity of the places. As for the weather: if you are coming in summer, pack light clothing as the climate is very hot and humid. No need to carry too much water: Japan is a paradise of vending machines (on every corner) and convenience stores (konbini) open 24/7 where you can find everything you might need (sunscreen, umbrellas, wipes) in case you forget anything.

Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to slip off, as you'll frequently need to remove them at temple entrances. Make sure your socks are clean and hole-free. In winter, pack a pair of thick socks in your bag — traditional temple floors can get very cold.

The price includes your private bilingual guide (French and English) and the e-Bike rental. Temple and site entrance fees, meals, and public transportation are not included — giving you complete freedom on the ground. Your guide will inform you of the estimated budget in advance.

No, meals and temple entrance fees are not included in the price. This allows you to maintain control over your choices (and your budget), and your guide will direct you to the best places and sites that are truly worth visiting.

Our policy is clear and fair: 100% refund of tour prices for any cancellation made more than 7 days in advance, 50% refund for cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours in advance, and no refund for cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance — except in cases of force majeure. Booking fees are only refunded if the cancellation is our fault. In practice, we always look for a solution that suits you (rescheduling or an alternative).

Our walking and cycling tours are suitable for a wide range of abilities, and e-bikes are a great help for those seeking a more leisurely pace. For those with reduced mobility, we tailor the experience to your needs: contact us in advance and we'll create a personalized itinerary together.