Higashiyama Gion Sunset Cycling Tour
This tour starts from your hotel, cycles along the Kamo River at dusk, takes in Kyoto’s most beautiful sunset, explores the elegant Gion district at night, and finishes in the vibrant Kawaramachi area. You can avoid the crowds and experience the mystical Higashiyama area in the cool summer weather.
Duration
2 hours
17:00~19:00
Difficulty
★☆☆☆☆
Mileage
10km (6mi) ▲Flat
Meeting
Start at your hotel in Kyoto
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
Include
Transfer
Available from hotel in Kyoto city*08:30
Admission fee
Admission to all temples and shrines is included.
Private
1 group only
Drink & snack
Water, tea & local sweets
For the people who like
Masuda Kazuki
Let me start by saying that it was my colleague, Komagata, who first suggested doing this tour. He was born in Kyoto and has lived there for over 40 years. That’s why he knew how fascinating Kyoto is at night.
I live in the countryside in the north, so I love watching the sun set over the sea and the full moon sink into the ocean, but I never imagined cycling after dark because it seemed too dangerous. However, when I actually cycled around Kyoto in the evening and at night, I found it to be a very comfortable ride, and I was able to fully experience the city’s unique elegance and mysticism.
However, developing a night tour was extremely difficult. It was not just about finding safe spots to ride, but also places that were beautiful at night and where I could take a break. It took me six months and over a dozen rides from the time I came up with the idea for this tour.
This tour is one of my most ambitious projects, and it turned out to be very interesting.
I especially recommend cycling in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are beautifully lit up, the summer, when the days are too hot, and the autumn, when the leaves are beautiful.
I highly recommend you try it.
Start Cycling or Pick-up from your hotel
A dedicated support vehicle will pick you up from your hotel or station in Kyoto city.
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.
Kamo River at dusk)
The Kamo River at dusk is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, as sung by various poets for 1,200 years.
Especially in spring and summer, it is a popular playground for many locals, who sit and drink on the riverbank. The lights of the many restaurants lining the river are also beautiful.
There is also a bicycle path, making it a great place for practice.
Secret sunset spot
I’ll show you the best spot to get a panoramic view of Kyoto city and watch the sun sink into Arashiyama. It’s a spot completely unpopulated by tourists, so you can enjoy a very quiet time.
A large temple bell will ring at 6 o’clock.
Gion
The Gion area is extremely crowded during the day, but the number of people dwindles dramatically after the evening. Gion is primarily a night town. We will introduce its vibrant culture and streetscape.
Seasonal light-up spots
The Higashiyama area is lit up in different seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The beautifully illuminated temples and shrines have a completely different mystical quality than during the day.
Take a break at a recommended restaurant
As night falls, you’ll probably get hungry. We’ll take a sweet break at a night rest spot recommended by our guide. Of course, if you’re even hungrier, you can also stop by a ramen or kushikatsu restaurant.
Disband in Kawaramachi or transfer to hotel
The finish line is Kyoto’s largest drinking district, Kawaramachi or Pontocho. Here you can leave your bike and be taken to your hotel by car, or you can finish off with a quick beer and then disband. There are trains, buses and taxis available, so you should be able to easily get back to your hotel.
It depends on the guide’s schedule, but so far 90% of our customers have had a quick drink with the guide after cycling and then disbanded at the destination.
