Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Combine natural beauty and close encounters with wildlife on this action-packed afternoon tour to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Iwatayama Monkey Park. To save tired legs, and help you get around with ease, bike and helmet rental is included. The trip showcases spectacular views of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain, the natural beauty of the bamboo forest, Sogenchi Pond Garden, and the chance to look out for Japanese macaque monkeys.
- Go to a place known for its freely roaming Japanese macaques
- Visit smaller less-crowded shrines and temples on this tour
- Ride with ease between sites: Bike rental is included
- Access incredible photo opportunities of the Bamboo Forest
What's Included
- Native English speaking bilingual guide
- Bicycle
- Helmet
- Bottled water
- Admission fees
- No hotel pickup or drop off
- Gratuity for your guide (always appreciated!)
- E-bike (We use standard Cannondale city bikes)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Saga-Arashiyama Station11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
Nearest train station - JR Saga Arashiyama Meeting Point is : JR Saga Arashiyama Station, Exit right at the ticket gates (See PDF in your Viator message inbox)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.1:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Monkey Park Iwatayama
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Bamboo Forest Street
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Togetsukyo Bridge
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- E-bikes and youth bikes are available upon request (additional fee may apply)
- *AGE REQUIREMENT: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Please book our "Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour (Infants & Toddlers)" for families with children under 10 years of age.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 327 reviews
Darcie_M, Jun 2026
The bike ride and tour guide were great and easy! Seeing the bamboo forest and monkeys, temples was a great experience!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We’re happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park, and temples by bike. It’s great to know you found the ride comfortable and had an enjoyable experience with your guide.
Thank you for choosing Kyoto Bike Tour, and we appreciate your thoughtful review.
Kind regards,
Kyoto Bike Tour
Maryanne_W, Jun 2026
Great way to spend an afternoon! Bike tour was wonderful with Cass guiding us through streets, parks, and sites. His knowledge was much appreciated. Great way to cover places you’ll want to visit!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for joining our Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots with Cass.
We’re glad you enjoyed discovering Kyoto’s streets, parks, and scenic sites along the way. Exploring by bike is a fantastic way to cover more ground while experiencing parts of the city that many visitors might otherwise miss. We hope to welcome you back to Kyoto again in the future.
Kind regards,
Kyoto Bike Tour
Zev_G, May 2026
Cass was a great guide. Fun dude, very knowledgeable, good sense of humor. Very amiable. The bikes were in great shape, too! Well tuned, and comfortable seats.
Response from Host, May 2026
That is heartwarming to hear! I am so lucky to meet great people like yourselves! I am so pleased that you enjoyed the tour. It was a real pleasure exploring Arashiyama together and great to also hear the bikes were to your liking. Our mechanic will be thrilled to hear that! Thanks again!
Many thanks,
Cass & Kyoto Bike Tour
Christy_B, May 2026
What a great day! Don our guide was so helpful in setting bikes up properly and explaining the route. He always made sure everyone was able to stay with the group and was very patient. He provided so much information bout the sights and local culture. He was also very mindful of everyone’s time and made sure we had plenty of time to make reservations. We were able to see everything on the itinerary with time spent at each stop, and he took many photos which he quickly shared. What a great day- thank you Don!
Response from Host, May 2026
Hey there Christy. Reviews like yours really help me to truly love and appreciate the job I do. You guys were such a blast and seeing how happy you were with the bike tour of Arashiyama just puts a big smile on my face. Please come again!
With kindness,
Don
Annelies_D, Apr 2026
We absolutely loved our bike tour through kytoto. It was a lovely way to see the city and our tour guide, Don, was really informative and fun. One of our favorite family experiences and certainly one we’d highly recommend. We enjoyed each part and learned so much about Kyoto and Japanese culture. Thank you!
Victor_T, Mar 2026
Guide was excellent!!! Able to travel much more distance in a short amount of time and get off the typical tourist track.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the lovely review! I’m happy to hear the tour was a highlight of your trip and that you enjoyed exploring Kyoto together. It was great spending the afternoon riding with you!
Kind regards,
Rob
Lee_Z, Mar 2026
Fantastic afternoon of several Kyoto highlights! Rob was fun and informative. We rated the days as one of out top 3 during our two week stay.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words. It really means a lot.
I’m especially glad the pacing and mix of stops worked well for you.
That balance is something we put a lot of thought into.
It was a pleasure riding with you and sharing Kyoto together!
Kind regards,
Rick
Claudia_G, Jan 2026
Had the most amazing afternoon with Yuki, he was such a fabulous guide, very knowledgeable, personal and all round great conversationalist. The bikes were top notch and easy to ride. We learnt a lot about local customs and culture. Yuki was also took lots of photos in all the best locations. He read our fortunes from a local temple, which was a lot of fun. This tour is definitely the highlight of our trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed learning about local customs and culture while exploring Kyoto by bike. Reading fortunes at the temple is always a memorable stop, and I’m glad it added to your experience. It was great spending the afternoon with you, and I truly appreciate the kind words.
Kind regards,
Yuki
Amanda_C, Jan 2026
Our family went on about four or five tours and this was our favorite. Great way to see beautiful spots and riding bikes was a fun experience and very efficient. Rob was our guide. He was great with both the kids and the adults. We were there during the holiday week of New Year’s Eve. It was extremely crowded but apparently normally some of the spots he takes you to normal empty. Either way, it would be great. We took the afternoon/evening tour. The bamboo forest was not as crowded as it would have been during the middle of the day.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for joining our family-friendly Kyoto bike tour and for sharing such thoughtful feedback. I’m thrilled to hear this was your favorite tour — that truly means a lot. Exploring Kyoto by bike is a fun and efficient way for families to see the city together, and I’m glad the experience worked well for both the kids and adults.
You’re absolutely right that the New Year’s holiday period can be especially busy, but this bike tour often allows us to experience places like the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at its best. Many of the spots we visit are usually very peaceful, and even during peak seasons, biking helps us move smoothly between areas.
Thank you again for riding with me — it was a pleasure guiding your family, and I hope we can explore more of Kyoto together on your next visit!
Kind regards,
Rob
DANIELLA_L, Nov 2025
I enjoyed a wonderful bike tour with Rob, who was extremely knowledgeable, accommodating, considerate and engaging. We managed to visit many places in the 4 hour tour, taking in breathtaking views and beautiful historic sites along the way. Rob constantly provided facts and stories about each place, making it a very unique and special tour. While I would recommend this to anyone, you do need a sufficient ability and baseline fitness to be able to ride for a few hours at a time. Thanks Rob!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for the kind words. I had a great time showing you the beauty of Arashiyama! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the tour. All the best to you!
Kind regards,
Rob
Jaydene_H, Nov 2025
We booked this bike tour to experience Kyoto from a local’s perspective, and Yuki truly delivered. From the moment we met, he made us feel welcome and gave us a great overview of the area before guiding us effortlessly through each stop on the route. His deep knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and customs made every site come alive. Yuki also took the time to share the significance of each place and captured incredible photos we’ll cherish forever. It was an unforgettable way to see Kyoto!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
That is so kind of you. I also enjoyed our morning together and I am happy to hear you had a good time. Enjoy the rest of your travels in Japan!
paul_b, Nov 2025
Our guide Yuki was outstanding, he was very knowledgeable and made the whole tour interesting and more importantly fun. We got to see and learn so much about Kyoto, the Monkeys, the Bamboo forest and the Gardens are a must see.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Many thanks for your kind words. I enjoyed showing you around and I am excited to hear you learned something and had a great time. Best regards, Yuki
Stacey_F, Oct 2025
What a great cultural and educational experience. My wife and I did a morning tour with Peter and enjoyed every moment of our time. We wish we would have scheduled the tour earlier in our stay because it was so educational and helped us appreciate the history of Kyoto more. The bike riding was an amazing way to see the town and was not strenuous at all. We highly recommend this tour to those looking for an active way to explore the city and learn more about the culture at the same time.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks for the lovely review and afternoon together. I am so pleased to hear that you were able to take something with you and overall enjoyed the tour. I had a really good time with you! Thank you again and best wishes. Peter
Tamara_B, May 2025
This was definitely one of my favourite tours in Japan! Yuki our travel guide spoke perfect English and has such a great knowledge of Japanese history and culture.
No, literally was this trip super fun and interesting. I learned quite a bit about so many aspects of Japan and Japanese culture and history.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hey Tamara!
I am truly honored that I was able to give you such a memorable tour! It truly does mean a lot to me and I hope I was able to spark a newfound or further interest in Japanese history and customs within you! Come to Japan again sometime soon, this country doesn't really change much (if ever) so you can pick up your journey through Japan where you left off!
Yuki
Monica_H, May 2025
This was one of my top two favorite activities since being in Japan. Peter is an excellent guide—making it fun and educational. Be ready for a serious hike up to those monkeys, though! I’m glad I did it; it was rewarding at the top. Peter really knows Kyoto and gave the best recommendations for great dinner spots or to grab a treat. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi there Monica,
Wow! Thank you, thank you for this incredible review. I am so pleased to see that this experience was the highlight of your time in Japan. I had a blast cycling with you and sharing as much as I could. I also appreciated your questions and your smiles throughout the tour. Again, I am grateful for your comments and accolades!
Safe travels,
Peter
Jeanne_T, Apr 2025
This tour is unique and fun yet gives insight into Japanese culture and their way of life. Highly recommend doing this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello Jeanne!
We really appreciate you taking the time to send us this review. Your review is certainly appreciated and it truly does help us as a small business. We are happy to read that you had a great time.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again in the future.
Thank you again,
Peter and Ray
Anna_B, Apr 2025
This was a super fun and easy ride around town with history and culture. We loved every minute, it was a highlight of our trip!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi there Anna,
Wow! Thank you, thank you for this incredible review. We are so pleased to see that this experience was the highlight of your time in Japan. We had a blast cycling with you and sharing as much as we could. We also appreciated your questions and your smiles throughout the tour. Again, We are grateful for your comments and accolades!
Safe travels,
Peter and Ray
Laura_R, Mar 2025
Fantastic tour with our knowledgeable guide Rob. Bikes were great and Rob made sure we all made it through the day safe and sound. He knew all of the best spots and managed to navigate a very busy day in Arashiyama. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting get lots of local knowledge on the area. We covered a lot of ground on the bikes. It was a nice change from all of the walking!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to send in this review. It was 100% my pleasure and I am happy to read that you enjoyed the whole experience. Thanks again.
Rob
Katherine_F, Mar 2025
A perfect afternoon exploring a lovely section of Kyoto! Our group included two families with two kids each, plus myself and my teen son. We had a terrific time biking around the area and learning more about each site we visited, as well as enjoying each others’ company. Peter was an excellent guide and made everything really easy. The bikes were in great shape and were comfortable to ride even for those of us who don’t ride often, and the route was flat and easy as well. We ended with a visit to food stalls where everyone got lots of snacks, and then Peter presented us with a sweet parting gift. It was a great way to see and take in more than we would have on our own; I’m a firm convert to bike tours! We all felt very pleased with ourselves, especially as we whizzed effortlessly past crowds of exhausted-looking walkers. Thank you so much; we will be recommending this tour to anyone we know who is visiting Kyoto (and it feels like *everyone* we know is headed to Japan in the next year or so!).
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi guys,
Thank you so much for such an awesome review. It put a huge smile on my face seeing how much you enjoyed the tour. I certainly enjoyed showing you around town and sharing my love for Japan and Kyoto with you. Thank you again and safe travels.
All the best,
Peter
Maxwell_A, Feb 2025
Great experience, Yuki was an amazing tour guide and got to see some local areas not accessible without being in the know.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Many thanks for the perfect afternoon together. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and wish you all the best!
Kind regards,
Yuki
John_D, Nov 2024
Really enjoyed this tour.
Good comfortable bikes, well maintained.
Great way to see alot in a few hours at a nice pace.
Peter our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful and took plenty of pics for us all along the way.
Seeing the monkeys was so nice especially amongst the autumn colours.
Would highly reccomend this tour 🙂.
John and Nicky.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thanks John. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I appreciate you taking the time to send us the review. All the best.
Peter
Colleen_N, Oct 2024
Yukon provided a safe, educational and fun experience! We appreciated his hospitality, enthusiasm and perspective. He was open to all of our questions. Thank you so much!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Wow, thank you Colleen! It was my pleasure.
Yuki
Lia_M, Aug 2024
We highly recommend the tour. Our guide was Yuki and he was awesome!!!. The tour exceeded all expectations. Even on a super hot day, we loved every second and learned so much. Thank you Yuki and Kyoto Bike Tours!!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you Lia for sending this review. I enjoyed meeting you and your family. Thanks again.
Yuki
Karla_W, Jul 2024
Such a wonderful day! Better than we expected. From the temples and shrines to the monkey park and surprises along the way - Ray was incredibly knowledgeable about Kyoto and Japanese culture overall - making the experience one of our best days yet (even in the intensely humid July).
Sybil_H, Jun 2024
Ray was an amazing tour guide! We had a fabulous day. He was easy going and so informative along the entire trip. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thanks so much Sybil and Family! I had an absolutely amazing afternoon out with all of you. I am thrilled that it was memorable for all of you as well. I wish you all the best and hope to cross paths again someday!
Kindness,
Ray
Patryk_K, May 2024
This tour is fantastic. It goes through many unique and beautiful places that are worth visiting. Also, the guide (Ray) is fantastic! I can certainly recommend this trip to anyone! :)
Response from Host, May 2024
Thanks so much Patryk! I had an amazing time with you and the group! It was fun hearing your stories about also living in a foreign country. I am so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to cross paths again in the future!
Kindness,
Ray
AJ_G, May 2024
Very nice tour, well maintained bikes and a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. I had a great time and would recommend this tour to anyone.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thanks so much! We love what we do and are glad it shows! Super happy to hear you had a great time!
Omri_J, Apr 2024
Loved it! Got to see so much of the area this way, with a great group of people. Ray is a terrific guide, clearly knows the area and the history well, and the bikes were high quality.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you, guys, for this kind review. I am happy to read that you enjoyed the day. All the best,
Ray
Sarah_W, Apr 2024
What a fantastic afternoon!! The group was pretty small, and the bikes were well maintained. We saw the beautiful neighborhoods of Arashiyama and incredible highlights of the area. Our guide Peter shared so many great tidbits about Japanese culture and traditions. Definitely one of our favorite activities!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for such a nice review. I am happy you enjoyed the ride through Arashiyama. It is definitely a special place. All the best and safe travels.
Peter
Susan_S, Mar 2024
My two adult sons and I did this tour and it was truly a highlight of our Kyoto stay.
Ray was our tour guide and he was awesome...Super knowledgeable, fun and a
very nice person. We enjoyed riding our bikes through rice fields and local neighborhoods.
Big Mahalo Ray!!!!
Response from Host, May 2024
Mahalo Susan! Thank you for this lovely review and so sorry for taking so long to respond. You guys were a lot of fun to hang out with for the morning. Thank you again for coming along!
All the best.
Ray
From $101.15
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