Top Experiences in Kamogawa River (Kamo River)

You and no more than five others will explore the local foods and entertainment districts of Kyoto on a not-so-standard, all-inclusive walking and eating nighttime tour! You'll mingle with locals, eat regional specialties at two different standing bar restaurants (though we often sit down at one or both), and be given a visual feast of a primer on the various nightlife scenes in Kyoto, from geiko (a.k.a. "geisha") on down. With a native or equivalent English speaking guide at your side, you'll get a clear understanding of what the area is all about. And with some great food and a couple of (included) drinks in you, the merriment will be all the more!

Our tours are very small group (6 or less), which means much more attention and quality for you. Local insight, great food, and good times await.

For those interested in trying some Kobe beef, be sure to choose the option which includes 100g (about 3.5 oz.) of prime Kobe area beef. It's reasonably priced, too!

We will visit during 4 hours Gion, Kyoto traditionnal district. We will the traditionnal architecture of Kyoto Machiya (Kyoto old houses), Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples while chilling near the numerous shops. We could even come across geishas if we are lucky enough!

We are Kyoto ECO Trip, a rental bicycle company based in the heart of Kyoto and our aim is to raise awareness of the brilliance of riding a bicycle in the beautiful Kyoto. Bicycle rides help us find the hidden beauty of Kyoto that most tourists are likely to overlook and we hope this tour helps you see things you are not able to see when you take public transport like subways, buses, and taxis.

The type of bicycle we use on this tour is a 3-speed city cruiser with a basket in front. First, you get to exlpore the famous thousands of the torii gates in Fushimi Inari Shrine. Next, the beautiful Nanzen-ji Temple and the popular Heian Jungu Shrine is also our stop. There are a few of the popular spots you make a quick stop during our stop such as the Gion District and Sanjusangendo Temple.

Ready for a bike ride like no other? Hop in; you are about to discover Kyoto on a bike tour with a local guide.

On this Kyoto bike tour, cycle through picturesque streets and scenic roads as you check out the main spots around town. Pass by the Philosopher's path, and Gion Area, and make stops along the way to hear fascinating stories about Kyoto.

Your local guide is a bike pro and will make this private tour an easy-going ride for you. So, if you are looking for a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to move around Kyoto, this bike tour ticks all the boxes!

Withlocals City Bike Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Kyoto from a unique perspective! Get to know Kyoto on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all!

Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Kyoto at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Gion Area, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka-Jinja Shrine and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included.

Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

Get to know one of the cities where dreams come true, great industries like Nintendo were born, and be part of a great adventure full of colorful landscapes, geishas, samurai, temples, and much more.

During the tour, we will enter HISASHI-YAMA, one of the most historic areas of Kyoto where you will be delighted with fascinating stories of the ancient emperors and samurai warriors (Shoguns).

Finally, we will visit the Koshindo monkey temple and see the gigantic Yasaka pagoda built in the 8th century by Prince Shotoku.

Kyoto is an interesting city, it will fill you not only with history and temples but with a wide variety of cuisine. Once the tour is finished, we will give you recommendations for restaurants and activities to do.

Explore the sights and the sounds of modern day Kyoto with a local.
Admire the beauty of the local community.
Experience the sights and sounds of the local area and explore the local community and see how the local traditional people. still live.

Jump on a bike from our all new e-bike fleet for an early-bird tour of the highlights of south and east Kyoto.
We meet bright and early for a short orientation before heading straight south to enjoy the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive. From here we will catch the splendour of Tofukuji Temple before stopping for a morning coffee at one of our favourite haunts. The next part of our journey takes us up the Kamo river and over to the UNESCO listed Ginkakuji Temple. After Ginkakuji, we will roll slowly south down the iconic Path of Philosophy and into the grounds of Nanzenji Temple (complete with traditional gardens, ornate religious buildings and even a red brick aquaduct). After a sit down lunch (provided), the last leg of our journey takes us south along the Shirakawa Canal and through the streets of Gion before arriving at the gates of Higashi Honganji Temple and finally home to base.

Visit the world-famous Torii Red Gates at Fushimi-Inari Shrine with a knowledgeable and approved English-speaking tour guide. Cycle along the quiet streets of Kyoto down to the magnificent Shinto complex of Fushimi-Inari that is as old as the ancient city itself. Afterwards, have a wander around the shops and stalls that line the
surround the shrine and try some of the local specialities.

Along the way, the tour also stops at Sanjusangen-do temple where you are sure to find inner peace walking through the millenia-old corridors leading to the incredible sight of a thousand Buddha statues.

Get back on the bikes for the ride back to Kyoto station along the serene Kamo river with its nature and wildlife.

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Kyoto due to its numerous alleys and side-streets with less traffic. Enjoy this leisurely cycling tour going at your own pace and a special experience at two sacred sites while skipping the crowds and enjoying the scenery by bicycle.

◼︎Try Kyoto's traditional, seasoned dishes at a hidden restaurant in Gion & Pontocho◼︎
We'll walk around the Gion where many old Kyoto-style buildings can be seen. Our local guide will provide insight into how locals enjoy their nights. We will enjoy simple, seasoned Kyoto appetizers in a traditional atmosphere!
Moreover, you can try 3 different kinds of Sake produced in Kyoto, so you can enjoy authentic Kyoto sake with Kyoto foods!

Vegetalian course is available. You can also book both courses at a time.

◼︎Enjoy more Kyoto food◼︎
We'll walk to the cafe where you can enjoy Japanese local dessert with coffee or alcohol drink!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

※Please inform us when booking if you need vegetarian course meal because we need to arrange it with the restaurant.

This is the best way to enjoy Kyoto's hi-light with a bike view, avoiding the crowd.
We are a team of local Japanese guides based in Kyoto who have a deep love for this city and take great delight in showcasing its stunning views and attractions to foreign guests.

We ride a bike on every single street in Kyoto Since we have been living or commuting in Kyoto for years. Bike touring is our lifework.
20 Mar - 10 Apr: the BEST for Sakura.
Apr-Jun is a nice season with the weather and fresh green.

Kyoto is a very flat city and not big.
We'll take you to many beautiful spots, temples, shrines, riverside roads, universities, hidden local gems, etc in Kyoto's northeast cultural area through an uncrowded scenic route.
The bike is very well-maintained and comfortable.
After the bike, you can enjoy a night walk in Gion's scenic cultural area too.

Explore Kyoto's hidden alleys and delicacies with a local guide. Many people assumes that Japan is famous for dishes such as Tempura, Teppanyaki and Sushi. However in Kyoto you will discover dishes that only the local's enjoy. These areas are very difficult to find at first-sight, but with the help of your local guide you too can become one of the locals. You will be able to spend time with the locals and taste the typical Kyoto delicacy at carefully chosen bistro and local bars.

Discover Kyoto’s iconic landmarks as you see must-visit attractions including the Heian Jingu Shrine, Nanzenji Zen Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Kamogawa River, Biwako Canal, Kyoto University, and more!

Kyoto is renowned for its bicycle-friendly streets, and cycling is a quintessential part of everyday life for locals. Join the ranks of Kyoto’s cyclists as you navigate mostly flat paths with a few gentle slopes as you discover the city’s iconic landmarks and must-visit sights on a “Mama-chari” bike tour!

- Start this historical sights tour by learning about Gion & Geisha and Zen culture in Japan in UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple, Kennin-ji in Gion district. Get ready to feel the world of Zen in traditional Zen temple with Japanese Rock garden called Karesansui.
After seeing the Kennin-ji temple, get ready to cycle again for a nice ride to the Nanzen-ji temple where your guide will give you some insights about Zen and the old days of Kyoto!

- Breeze through beautiful local streets in historical city and enjoy a delicious lunch at a Japanese tea house!

- Enjoy the local Kyoto oasis that is Kamogawa river with a relaxing cycle along it’s riverbanks to finish the tour off!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Join one of our hosts to explore Kyoto after dark. Amble through the wooden alleyways of historic Gion and see the picturesque streets of old Pontocho. Discover sacred shrines hidden in cosmopolitan shopping areas and share small dishes and beers with your host in a traditional izakaya or tachinomiya (standing bar). Kyoto after dark is more a feeling than a place, and with your host by your side, you’ll tap right into that.

Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

◼︎Drink like a local! Bar hopping in the backstreets of Pontocho◼︎

To start this All-in-one bar hopping walking tour that Drinks & Foods are all included, our local guide will take you to an izakaya bar (a local tavern) on Pontocho street, one of the most well known night streets, full of local izakayas. We will be taking you to places only the locals know and recommend, making for a one and only experience!

◼︎Various drink and izakaya food tastings◼︎
We'll continue bar hopping walking around in the backstreets of Kyoto. You can try some authentic izakayas that serve yakitori or sashimi with crisp, cold draft beer. If you're a sake-lover, we will help you navigate through a sake standing bar that serves Kyoto-made sake. You can enjoy the night like a local!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!