Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Kyoto, Japan
- 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most visited attractions so it can get pretty busy. Avoid the crowds by taking an early morning bicycle tour. Enjoy the forest and temples at their most serene, and take photos without strangers getting in the way. Get active while on vacation and visit some other Arashiyama highlights throughout the morning.
- This early-morning tour is perfect for those who want to beat the crowds
- Enjoy a personalized experience on a private tour
- Get insights into local culture and history from your guide
- Family-friendly tour is suitable for kids aged 10 and above
What's Included
- Native English speaking bilingual guide
- Bicycle
- Helmet
- Bottled water
- Gratuity for your guide (always appreciated!)
- Hotel pick up or drop off
- 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.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Bamboo Forest Street
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Arashiyama
2 hours • 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
- Most travelers can participate
- Please provide heights of all guests at time of booking
- All guests will be required to sign a liability release waiver prior to the tour
- *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 is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
David_K
The best thing about this tour is your tour guide. Rob is an interesting, witty and caring person who is anxious to share his keen insights into various aspects of Japanese culture, religion and history. He makes the ride so much more than a pedaling experience. You will learn a lot - - including how to interpret the ah and um of Japanese communication - - and have fun doing it. This is a highly recommended five star experience.
Reviews
5.0
based on 719 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Michelle_H, Jul 2026
What a beautiful way to explore parts of Kyoto! Don was generous with his time and knowledge all while leading us on a cycling adventure through countryside and to temples and shrines. We had the best time! Great experience for our family with teens.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We’re so pleased your family had such an enjoyable time exploring Arashiyama with us. The Early Bird Tour is designed to combine Kyoto’s iconic sights with peaceful countryside, temples, and shrines before the crowds arrive, and we’re glad it became a highlight of your trip.
Thank you as well for your kind words about Don. Sharing Kyoto’s history, culture, and hidden corners is what our guides enjoy most, and we’re delighted he helped make your family’s experience so memorable.
Thank you for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Kyoto again in the future.
Kind regards,
Kyoto Bike Tour
Sarah_E, Jun 2026
Wonderful, knowledgeable tour guides. They had a great pace and gave plenty of time for exploring and taking pictures. I loved that they took pictures of our group for us so we could focus on the experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review.
We’re glad you enjoyed the relaxed pace of the tour and having time to explore each stop along the way. It’s especially nice to hear that you appreciated the photos taken during the experience, allowing everyone to stay present and enjoy the moment together.
Thank you for choosing Kyoto Bike Tour, and we’re pleased you had such an enjoyable morning in Arashiyama.
Kind regards,
Kyoto Bike Tour
Kelly_D, Jun 2026
We had a great tour with Rob this morning. We got to see all parts of Arashimaya and avoided the crowds. The ride was not difficult and we got to see a good amount of the countryside.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind review.
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Arashiyama with Rob and were able to experience the area before the crowds arrived. It’s great to know you enjoyed both the countryside scenery and the relaxed pace of the ride.
Thank you for choosing Kyoto Bike Tour, and we hope to welcome you back to Kyoto again in the future.
Kind regards,
Kyoto Bike Tour
Tommy_L, Jun 2026
Wow – what a highlight of the trip.
We set off early in a small group from the train station with our guide, Rob, and he was absolutely fantastic. He shared loads of relevant, fascinating information throughout the ride, took brilliant photos of us on his phone (so we could just enjoy the experience), and even treated us to a drink and some snacks at the end – such a nice touch.
I’d gone into this thinking the bamboo forest would be the main event, and while it is incredible to see, it was actually everything else that made the tour so special. The shrines, temples, and especially cycling through the rice fields ended up being the real highlights.
It was such a great way to experience the countryside and learn more about Japan at the same time. The early start was also a bonus – it felt like we’d really made the most of the day and still had plenty of time left for other things in the afternoon.
Definitely a must-do if you’re visiting Kyoto.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review.
We’re pleased to hear that the tour was such a highlight of your visit to Kyoto. It’s especially nice to hear that some of the quieter parts of Arashiyama, including the rice fields, temples, and shrines, ended up being just as memorable as the Bamboo Forest itself.
We’re also glad that Rob’s insights, photos, and attention to detail helped make the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Creating a relaxed and immersive way to experience the area is exactly what we aim for.
Thank you for your recommendation, and we’re delighted that the early start helped you make the most of your day in Kyoto.
Kind regards,
Kyoto Bike Tour
Melissa_V, Jun 2026
Very peaceful and beautiful. One of our favorite experiences we have had in Japan. Our guide was fantastic.
Wendy_L, Jun 2026
Great experience for our whole family! Our tour guide, Cass, was superb and did a great job explaining the history of the sites to us. Highly recommend it.
Jana_S, May 2026
Super fun morning with Don!
We learned so much about Japanese culture and he took us to the bamboo forest shrine Temple and rice fields finally ended at The Bridge. It was a wonderful morning. I highly recommend it with a highlight of our time in Kyoto. We loved being off the beaten path as the rest of Kyoto is overcrowded.
Kristina_E, May 2026
This was an amazing way to sight see! We got to see all different aspects for Kyoto, and I never felt like the ride was too difficult or strenuous. I felt safe and cared for in the streets, and I learned so much about the culture!
Special shout out to my your guide Don who was so knowledgeable and so wise. He even gave me places to eat afterwards and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was the only foreigner there for my delicious meal! Many thanks!
Response from Host, May 2026
This is wonderful to hear! I am so pleased the ride was enjoyable and you left learning so much. Happy to hear the recommendations were helpful as well. Thank you again!
All the best,
Don
Amanda_R, May 2026
Such a lovely change from the walking tours we’ve done. A beautiful way to experience Kyoto. The bikes were high quality and our guide was so knowledgeable. The temple he took us to was a highlight of the trip.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks so much for the kind words!
The early morning ride through Kyoto has a really peaceful atmosphere, especially before the crowds build up. Glad you enjoyed the experience and thrilled to hear it became a highlight of your trip!
HeatherCB, May 2026
We had a great time. Highly recommend. Cas, our guide was really enjoyable and knowledgeable! He also was very communicative and helped us find him.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such a fun morning. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure to show you around.
Kind regards,
Cass
Peter_H, May 2026
Very good tour guide was great - Viator was excellent when we had r to change tour dates could do it direct on site
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks for the 5 stars! Glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and booking was seamless.
Ben_J, Apr 2026
We had an incredible time on our Kyoto bike tour! Our guide, Ray, was fantastic—extremely friendly, professional, and had a deep knowledge of the area that kept everyone engaged.
It was the perfect activity for our family. Our 10 and 12-year-old boys absolutely loved it. The tour offered a great balance of active riding and time off the bikes to explore a diverse range of sites. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a different perspective.
Highly recommended for families looking for an informative and fun adventure!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks again for such a lovely tour together! I really enjoyed our morning together and I am thrilled that you gained so much from it and had a good time. You all were a blast! Enjoy Japan and safe travels!
Kindness,
Ray
Lynda_B, Apr 2026
A fantastic cycle trip around Arashiyama
Our guide, Ray, was outstanding. Such an interesting area of Kyoto
Would thoroughly recommend
Heather_W, Apr 2026
Don was an amazing guide! Our family of 5 (3 adult boys) had a blast. Great way to see many things. We learned so much along the way. Best suited for those that are very comfortable on bikes and somewhat fit as there are a few hills. Loved it!
Annie_W, Apr 2026
This a great mix of insta, culture, getting right into the lanes of Kyoto and contrast with the farming area to cycle through. Our guide Yuuki was fantastic and engaged with everyone to ensure they had a wonderful experience.
Kimberly_C, Apr 2026
Our bike and walking tour around the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto was easily one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we started, it felt like we had stepped into a completely different rhythm of Japan — peaceful, scenic, and deeply connected to nature.
Biking through the countryside was absolutely breathtaking. We rode past quiet streets, lush greenery, and picturesque fields that you just don’t get in the busier parts of the city. It was the perfect balance of activity and relaxation, and a fantastic way to experience Kyoto beyond the typical tourist spots. The walking portion through the bamboo grove itself was just as magical—towering stalks swaying gently in the breeze, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
What truly made the experience exceptional, though, was our guide, Yuki. He is incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much insight about the area, the temples, and local culture in a way that was engaging and easy to follow. Beyond that, he was genuinely fun and kind, bringing such a warm, positive energy to the tour. He was especially wonderful with our young teens—keeping them interested, entertained, and involved the entire time, which is no small feat.
This tour struck the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and beauty. If you’re visiting Kyoto and want a more immersive and memorable experience, this is absolutely the way to do it. Highly, highly recommend!
Albert_H, Mar 2026
Our family had a great time. Going in the morning is definitely the way to go as Arashiyama can definitely get busy quick. We went in the spring so it was a bit cold during the beginning part of the ride, but gloves are provided. Don, our guide, was very knowledgeable of the area and Japanese culture. Our kids had a great time. Would definitely recommend for families with kids.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! I’m happy to hear your family enjoyed the ride and that the early start helped you experience Arashiyama before it got busy. It was great spending the morning riding with you all!
Kind regards,
Don
Lisa_C, Mar 2026
Yuki, Our tour guide was amazing and full of lots of great information. The sites were also amazing. I particularly liked doing the meditation tracing the Japanese characters.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for joining me on the half day Kyoto bike tour and for sharing your experience. I’m glad you enjoyed exploring the sites along the route and that the meditation tracing of Japanese characters stood out as a memorable experience. I think those kind of moments of cultural immersion often add a deeper layer to the visit, allowing you to connect more closely with Kyoto’s traditions and atmosphere.
Thank you again for riding with me and I wish you a wonderful time in Kyoto and Japan!
Kind regards,
Yuki
Samuel_R, Mar 2026
We rode with Ray and did the early in the day tour (def would reco as it gets supppper busy). Our bikes had everything we needed: a helmet, water, gloves. Ray was an excellent guide - kind and knowledgeable and made everyone feel right at home. We loved every bit of this tour and it felt like such a unique experience and perfect way to explore a piece of Kyoto.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining me on the early morning Kyoto bike tour and for the kind words. feedback. The early start really does make a big difference and allow you to explore the area before it becomes busy. I am so happy you were able to experience that and enjoy the tour! I’m also glad the bikes and equipment helped make the ride smooth and comfortable. We will be sure to pass off your praise to the mechanic. Thanks again for such a great morning and I hope you enjoy the rest of your travels in Japan!
Kind regards,
Ray
Ronda_L, Mar 2026
Yuki was a great tour guide. He was knowledge and thoughtful. Gloves and water are provided. He even brought Pokemon cards for our kids.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing such kind feedback. I’m delighted that you felt comfortable and enjoyed exploring Kyoto by bike together as a family.
Making sure everyone has what they need for a smooth and enjoyable ride is always important, especially when riding with children. I’m really glad your kids had a great time as well.
Thank you again for riding with me. It was a pleasure guiding your family, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Kyoto!
Kind regards,
Yuki
Michael_D, Feb 2026
We had the best time on this tour. Ray was great - so interesting, considerate, funny, kind, and intelligent! All the qualities you could ask for in a guide! We loved every minute of our tour. It was awesome. We got to see behind the scenes areas. He took us to special places. He knows the area so well it was a really unique and wonderful experience. So thankful for today’s trip with Ray!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Michael,
Thank you for joining Kyoto bike tour and for sharing such generous feedback. I had a fantastic time with the two of you. It was so much fun chatting, sharing the sights with you and I was thrilled to hear your heartfelt feedback. That gives me inspiration to keep on studying and sharing what I know with great guests like yourselves.
I’m delighted that you enjoyed exploring some of the behind-the-scenes areas and special spots around Kyoto. Cycling through quieter neighborhoods and hidden corners really allows you to experience the city in a more personal and authentic way.
It was truly a pleasure guiding you and sharing stories, culture, and a few laughs along the way. Thank you again for riding with me, and I hope we can explore more of Kyoto together on your next visit!
Kindness,
Ray
Terren_S, Feb 2026
Our cycling tour through Arashiyama was the highlight of our Kyoto trip! Rob was amazing; incredibly knowledgeable about Japanese culture, Shintoism, and the shrines we visited along the way. He was so engaging and fun that the whole morning felt less like a tour and more like exploring with a friend - complete with a stop for a crème brûlée doughnut! He also took some wonderful photos and videos for us along the way. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! I’m happy to hear the ride through Arashiyama became a highlight of your Kyoto trip and that the mix of culture, stories, and fun stops made the morning memorable. I’m also glad the photos and videos helped capture the experience. It was a pleasure riding with you and I await your return :)))
Kind regards,
Rob
Ashlee_L, Jan 2026
A very enjoyable tour and Milo was a great guide! The tour was early enough that the bamboo forest wasn’t crowded.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the kind review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the early timing and being able to experience the bamboo forest without the crowds. It was great riding with you, and I appreciate the feedback!
Kind regards,
Milo
Khang_N, Jan 2026
Yuki is an awesome guide—very knowledgeable, easy to follow, and actually fun to learn from. Makes everything feel relaxed and enjoyable. He took a ton of photos at each of our stops for our group. Had a great time on the bike tour seeing temples, bamboo forest, and other hidden gems. Big recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for joining Kyoto bike tour and for sharing such kind feedback. I’m delighted that the relaxed pace, stories, and explanations helped make learning about Kyoto fun and enjoyable. Exploring temples, the Arashiyama bamboo forest, and some of the quieter hidden gems by bike is a great way to experience the city, and I’m glad the photos added something extra to your day. Thank you again for the strong recommendation — it was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope we can ride together again on your next visit to Kyoto!
Kind regards,
Yuki
Lara_P, Dec 2025
Great way to spend a morning with teenage boys. We all learnt a lot in the engaging and fun tour. Definitely recommend for other families.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are happy to hear the morning tour was a great fit for your family and that everyone learned something along the way. Creating engaging experiences for families is important to us, so we really appreciate the recommendation.
Brian_C, Dec 2025
We loved the bike tour of Arashiyama. Rob was awesome and very knowledgeable; we learned a lot and had fun riding around areas of Kyoto we wouldn’t have gone to without a bike. The bikes were in great shape and easy to ride, and communication before and after the tour was easy.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for the wonderful review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed riding around Arashiyama and discovering parts of Kyoto that are best seen by bike. I’m also glad the bikes felt comfortable and that communication before and after the tour was smooth. Really appreciate you joining the tour!
Kind regards,
Rob
jdiazhouston15, Dec 2025
This was one of the last few items to cross off my bucket list for Kyoto and it did not disappoint. I had Ray as my tour guide accompanied by Dawn. The guys were highly knowledgeable about the locations we visited. Ray is a sweetheart and kind souls, really felt leaving like I bonded with a friend in the short time. Highly recommend. Book it now!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks so much Jesse! It was just awesome to meet you let alone get a chance to explore Arashiyama together. I am overjoyed that you feel the same way and had a great time. Be sure to drop by the next time you are in Kyoto! Thanks again for such a wonderful tour together and I look forward to your return :)
Kindness,
Ray & Don
Allison_M, Nov 2025
We loved this break from the Kyoto crowds. Our guide Milo was amazing. Funny, kind, patient, and knowledgeable. Tour included a ride through the rice fields in addition to temples and shrines. Our 11 year old loved it as well.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
I had a brilliant time with you. It was so lovely to meet you and chat with you. Cheers for such a memorable tour! Kind regards, Milo
Chris_J, Nov 2025
Ray our guide was full of information and knowledge. Was a great way to see the back streets of Kyoto.
Biking was easy and not difficult.
Entry to the sites was easy with Ray taking the lead.
We learnt so much and it was a great way to see the sites and a change from walking.
Totally recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much Chris! I really enjoyed our morning together! You all were great fun to explore Arashiyama with. It really is a beautiful area and I am overjoyed to hear you all had a memorable morning as well. Best wishes to you all!
Kindness,
Ray
Precious_W, Oct 2025
We enjoyed every minute! The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience so much fun. I hadn’t ridden a bike in quite some time and was a little nervous, but they immediately put me at ease. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Awesome to hear that! It was our pleasure showing you around. Thanks so much for the fun morning and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you all the best!
From $101.02
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