Arashiyama Hidden Bamboo Temples & River Tour
Umino Kyoto E-BikesThis tour will take you through the hidden and most beautiful bamboo forests,temples and rivers of Arashiyama, an ancient summer resort for aristocrats.
Duration
3 hours
*9:00~12:00/ 13:00~16:00
Difficulty
★☆☆☆☆
Mileage
10-20km (6-12mi) ▲80m
Road Situation
Old paved road in back alley
Tour Style
Private, 1 group only
Transfer
Available from hotel in Kyoto city*08:30
Available Bikes
E-Touring Bike
4-500Wh, Range 90km~
E-City Bike
3-500Wh, Range 60km~
E-Kids Bike
300Wh, Range 50km~
Guides
Local English-speaking guide
Eji
Masuda
For the people who like
Why we recommend this tour
Because we love all types of bicycles
We love all types of bicycles, whether electric or non-electric, including MTBs, road bikes, and city bikes. Every bicycle has its own way of being enjoyed and its suitable field. We rode this Arashiyama course on a variety of bicycles and chose the tool that would allow us to enjoy this area the most.
Because we love bicycles more than any other bicycle shop, we can confidently recommend this tour.
Because we love Kyoto and live in Kyoto
There are many guide companies in Kyoto. However, we are the company that knows the area best and is integrated into the local community. Our owner is a family that has lived in Kyoto for generations, and we drive around Kyoto every day, and many of our friends tell us about their favorite places.
Kyoto is one of the most difficult areas in Japan, and we feel that it is impossible for people who are unfamiliar with the area to convey its charm.
Because we love cycling
We love all types of cycling, from long rides of over 1000km, downhill rides over 1000m, and city rides through the backstreets.
We don't reject cycling that just moves from famous place to famous place, as other companies do.
But it's precisely because we love our hometown and cycling that we wanted people from abroad to enjoy the real thing, and so we designed this tour course.
Masuda Kazuki
The most difficult part of designing this tour was to find a way to concentrate on the beautiful scenery without stress in this chaotic traffic environment of Kyoto. I have ridden and participated in tours in many European countries, but the cycling environment in Japan is very difficult for foreigners to understand. In particular, Kyoto is clearly divided into heaven and hell depending on rider's knowledge.
Arashiyama is now in a hellish state. People are flocking to the bamboo forest in front of the station, and that quiet and mysterious atmosphere has disappeared.
However, 1 km away, there is a completely deserted, truly beautiful bamboo forest and a mysterious temple based on it.
While focusing on this area, we designed a route to maximize the beautiful river and nature of Arashiyama, which developed as a summer resort for aristocrats, without showing it off, even for families. Furthermore, by combining the latest E-Bikes and car transfers, we designed it to be a tour that allows you to enjoy the highest quality Kyoto that other companies cannot.
I think that, along with the Fushimi course, this plan is the one that best brings out the mysterious side of Kyoto among my works. It is also recommended because it is cool in the summer. Please experience it.
Pick-up from hotel or station
A dedicated support vehicle will pick you up from your hotel or station in Kyoto city.
Pick-up from your hotel usually starts at 8:30.
If you're taking an afternoon tour, the tour will depart from Saga-Arashiyama Station or Randen-Arashiyama Station.
Fitting & Instruction
We will teach you how to use the E-Bike and the basics of cycling in a spacious and safe place.
If the size of the bike doesn't fit your plan, we will stop by our base to adjust the size.
Jizo-in (Bamboo temple)
This is a beautiful Zen temple surrounded by bamboo forests, and the garden is also beautiful with a carpet of moss. It was built in 1367.
The best thing about it is that it's far from the station and not well-known, so there are hardly any people there.
It's great to listen to the sound of the bamboo rustling in this quiet space.
Saihoji River
It is one of the most beautiful and sacred rivers in Kyoto, and has preserved the pristine scenery from thousands of years ago. You can even cool down in the river in summer.
Historic Preservation District
Cycle through a preserved area that has remained unchanged since 1000 years ago.
Nenbutsu-ji
We will stop at Nenbutsu-ji Temple, famous for its 1200 stone statues.
Katsura River
Katsura River (Hozu River) is a beautiful river that represents Arashiyama. You can enjoy the harmonious scenery of the valley and old buildings.
Stop at a coffee*
If you get tired, we will stop at a teahouse to have tea and a light meal. Food will be charged separately.
Disband at the station or mokey park
We will drop off at the station that is most convenient for you to get to your next destination, which will usually be Saga-Arashiyama Station, or if you want to go to Monkey Park after the tour, we can drop off near there too.
