Bento and Bicycle Tour of Hidden Kyoto with Local Guides

4–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Kyoto Bento and Bicycle Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ride Around Kyoto's Hidden Gems — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover a slower, more personal side of Kyoto on this small-group bento and bicycle tour. Begin your day with a hands-on bento-making class, preparing a traditional lunch of tamago-yaki, onigiri, and octopus sausages, packed in eco-friendly furoshiki. Vegetarian and vegan options available with notice, or receive a discount if you skip lunch prep.

Then hop on a comfortable bike and explore Kyoto’s quiet backstreets, riverside paths, and peaceful spiritual sites — far from the crowds. The tour is led by a warm older couple: a Japanese local woman and her German husband, a veteran Kyoto cycling guide who speaks four languages.

Choose from two routes:

Route A visits Yoshida Shrine, Philosopher’s Path, Nanzenji, and Heian Shrine, with lunch in Okazaki Park.

Route B heads north to Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and Kamigamo Shrine, with lunch among the flowers.

Both end with an optional sake tasting and a café wind-down.

Mountain Bike Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Sake Tasting Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 4–6 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: German, Japanese, English, French
Operated by: Adventours Kyoto

Ages: Adults (15–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bicycle use: Electric or Standard Quality Bicycle and Helmet
Included: Japanese traditional Bento Box made at the start of day. Discount available if you want to skip the bento and bring your own lunch.

Not included

Not included: Bottled water: Please bring your own water bottle. There are places to fill up clean Kyoto water along the way.
Not included: Sunblock

Itinerary

Stop 1

45 min Admission included

Bento-Making Workshop (Optional for Both routes)

Begin the day with a hands-on Japanese cooking experience. You'll prepare your own traditional bento lunch featuring tamago-yaki (rolled omelette), onigiri (rice balls), and playful items like octopus sausages. Everything is packed in reusable, plastic-free containers wrapped in colourful furoshiki cloth. This activity takes place indoors before heading out on the bikes.

You can also swap your bento to German food and/or German beer after the tour. There may be a small price difference charged depending on your choice (from 1,000yen)
Stop 2

10 min

(Route 1 only)

Ride through the peaceful grounds of Yoshida Shrine, a quiet Shinto sanctuary hidden in the hills behind Kyoto University.

It’s a perfect first stop to ease into the tour, with time to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take a few photos among the trees and stone lanterns.
Philosopher's Walk

Passing by

(Route 1 only)

Cycle along the iconic Philosopher’s Path, a stone-lined walkway that runs beside a quiet canal. This stretch is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom, but the leafy green of summer and red maple in autumn also make it a highlight.
Nanzen-ji Temple

Passing by

(Route 1 only)

Take a short walk through the impressive grounds of Nanzenji, a major Zen temple known for its towering Sanmon gate and beautiful red brick aqueduct. It’s a great place to pause and feel Kyoto’s historical depth, with time to explore the shady temple paths.
Heian Shrine

10 min

(Route 1 only)

Pass beneath one of the largest torii gates in Japan as you cycle past Heian Shrine. This bright vermillion landmark marks the entrance to a shrine complex with spacious courtyards and gardens. Guests may stop briefly for photos and a look around depending on group pace.
Kamogawa River

Passing by

(Route 1 only)

After lunch, the ride continues south along the Kamogawa — Kyoto’s iconic river — with a flat, open path and beautiful views of city life blending with nature. This final stretch back toward the starting point offers time to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the breeze before the tour wraps up.
Kamogawa River

15 min

(Route 2 only)

Start the ride by heading north along the scenic Kamo River. This peaceful stretch is popular with locals and full of natural beauty — the perfect introduction to Kyoto by bike.
Shimogamo Jinja

40 min

(Route 2 only)

Spend time exploring Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto’s oldest and most spiritual places. Nestled in the ancient Tadasu no Mori forest, this UNESCO World Heritage site feels untouched by time. Guests can walk through its wooded paths, take photos, and enjoy the calm, sacred atmosphere.
Kamigamo Shrine

30 min

(Route 2 only)

This UNESCO-listed shrine is known for its spacious grounds, peaceful riverbank setting, and strong connection to Kyoto’s historical priesthood. Visitors stroll the serene paths, take in the shrine’s architecture, and soak up the quiet charm of Kyoto’s northern edge.
Stop 10

40 min

(Route 2 only)

Tucked between the Kamo and Takano rivers, this charming arcade has been a local hub for over 100 years. Lined with family-run shops and retro storefronts, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into Kyoto’s postwar Shōwa-era shopping culture.

You'll find handmade side dishes (惣菜 sōzai), seasonal sweets, tsukemono (pickles), tea shops, and even a few tiny eateries. Locals come here daily, and the vibe is delightfully unfussy — a contrast to the city's more touristy districts.

The arcade sits right near the Kamo River Delta, making it a natural stop for picking up snacks or sides before your picnic. While not formally designated as a cultural property, it's beloved as a piece of Kyoto's living history.
Stop 11

30 min

Kamo River Delta – Riverside Picnic at Kyoto’s Natural Crossroads (Tour 2 Only)

This iconic spot, where the Kamo River and Takano River meet, is locally known as the Kamogawa Delta. With stepping stones shaped like turtles and birds crossing the shallow streams, it’s one of Kyoto’s most beloved outdoor spaces.

Surrounded by willows, soft grass, and a view of the northern mountains, the delta is a natural gathering place for families, students, musicians, and artists. It has a relaxed, almost festival-like atmosphere—especially on sunny days.

For your tour, it’s the perfect place to spread out your handmade bento, enjoy the fresh air, and experience Kyoto not as a tourist, but as a temporary local.

It's also culturally significant as a traditional meeting point, often depicted in literature and film. Few places capture the everyday beauty of Kyoto better than this.
Kamogawa River

Passing by

(Both routes)

After Kamigamo, enjoy a relaxing, mostly downhill ride back toward Sakura Sari along the Kamo River. This gentle stretch is perfect for winding down, chatting, and enjoying the open space and seasonal colours before the tour ends.
Stop 13

30 min

After returning your bike, feel free to stick around for a local Japanese or German beer at Sakura Sari, or enjoy a light snack. A nice way to unwind and reflect on the day’s journey. (Drinks not included.)
Matsui Sake Brewery

45 min Admission not included

Optional (Both routes)

Near the end of the tour, guests may stop at Matsui Sake Brewery — a small, family-run sake maker dating back to 1726. Those who are interested can enjoy a short tasting and learn about Kyoto’s brewing traditions.

Optional sake tasting not included in tour price.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Look for a small street and half way down (50m) you will see the Sakura Sari Restaurant sign.

End point

Look for a small street and half way down (50m) you will see the Sakura Sari Restaurant sign.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
キャンセルポリシーと天気
Bookings must be made at least 3 days in advance. Same-day cancellations are non-refundable (100% charge). The tour starts on time, and late arrivals may not be able to join. There is a short but steep hill at the beginning of the tour. Electric-assist bicycles are provided to make the ride easier. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition The tour operates in light rain.
In case of heavy rain or unsafe weather conditions, the tour may be cancelled for safety reasons. In such cases, we will contact you via the Viator messaging system. （大雨や安全に支障がある天候の場合、安全のためツアーを中止することがあります。その場合はViatorのメッセージでご連絡します。） As this tour includes outdoor cycling and a picnic lunch, weather conditions are important. （このツアーは屋外でのサイクリングとピクニックランチを含むため、天候が重要となります。） In case of rain, we will contact you in advance via the Viator messaging system to discuss whether to proceed or reschedule. （雨天の場合は、Viatorのメッセージシステムを通じて事前にご連絡し、催行するか日程変更するかをご相談させていただきます。） Our priority is to ensure you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience. （お客様に快適で楽しい体験をしていただくことを最優先に考えております。）
予約は 3日前までにお願いします。Please make your reservation at least 3 days in advance
Not recommended for children under 15. Adult sized bicycles only available.