Kyoto:Three Gardens Bike Tour

Kyoto’s picturesque gardens have captivated visitors for centuries. Now, you can explore three of these iconic sites on a guided bicycle tour led by an award-winning landscape historian. Pedal through serene landscapes, discover hidden gems, and learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage. With flexible booking options and local food snacks included, this tour promises an enchanting experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Kyoto’s secrets.

Key Points

• 1-hour guided bike tour through Kyoto, showcasing three renowned gardens and historical sites like Shimogamo Shrine and Heian Jingu.
• Suitable for all abilities, with a relaxed pace and mainly flat terrain.
• Includes bike rental, garden entrance fees, and local food snacks.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, allowing for last-minute changes.
• Tour led by an award-winning landscape historian, providing engaging insights into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Tour Overview

The Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and stunning gardens.

This 1-hour tour is priced from €76.60 per person and is suitable for all abilities. Guests will be guided by an award-winning landscape historian, who’ll share insights into Kyoto’s past as they cycle from Shimogamo Shrine to the Imperial Palace and Heian Jingu.

The tour features a relaxed pace, mainly on flat terrain with short public road sections. It’s not suitable for children under 18.

Bike hire, garden entrance fees, and local food snacks are all included.

Booking and Cancellation

Guests can reserve their spot on the Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour without any upfront payment. This "reserve now & pay later" option allows travelers to secure their place on the tour, which features an award-winning landscape historian as the guide.

Flexibility is key, as customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This free cancellation policy provides peace of mind for those with unpredictable schedules.

Whether guests need to change plans or confirm their participation, the booking and cancellation process is straightforward and hassle-free.

Experience Highlights

Though guided by an award-winning landscape historian, the Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour maintains a relaxed pace suitable for all abilities.

The mainly flat course with short public road sections allows riders to comfortably discover Kyoto’s history from Shimogamo Shrine to the Imperial Palace and Heian Jingu.

Margot Robbie participated in this tour in 2024, praising its friendly and entertaining insights into the city’s rich past.

Local food snacks and included garden entrance fees enhance the overall experience, making this a well-rounded and accessible way to explore Kyoto’s renowned sites by bicycle.

Included in the Tour

As part of the Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour, guests enjoy the convenience of included bike hire, garden entrance fees, and local food snacks.

The tour package provides:

• Bike rental for the duration of the tour
• Admission fees to the three featured gardens
• Tasty local snacks to fuel the cycling adventure
• All necessary equipment for a comfortable and carefree experience

These thoughtful inclusions ensure that guests can focus on seeing the rich history and serene landscapes of Kyoto without worrying about logistics or additional costs.

Notable Mention

Notably, the Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour has welcomed a renowned celebrity, with Margot Robbie participating in the experience in 2024.

The tour’s friendly and entertaining insights into Kyoto’s history have captivated visitors, including the acclaimed actress. Robbie’s involvement in the tour further highlights the unique and memorable nature of this experience.

Guests can expect to be guided by an award-winning landscape historian, who provides engaging commentary as they explore Kyoto’s iconic gardens and historical sites.

The tour’s relaxed pace and suitability for all abilities make it an accessible and enjoyable way to discover the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located along the Kamogawa River in northern Kyoto. Founded in the 6th century, the shrine is dedicated to the Kamo kami, a pair of deities believed to protect the city.

Some key facts about Shimogamo Shrine:

1. Designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
2. Known for its ancient forest, which is one of Japan’s three "power spots".
3. Hosts the annual Kamo Shrines Grand Festival, one of Kyoto’s most prominent Shinto festivals.
4. Offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, with serene walking trails and centuries-old trees.

Imperial Palace and Hiean Jingu

From the serene Shimogamo Shrine, the Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour takes riders to the majestic Imperial Palace and the impressive Hiean Jingu.

The tour explores the palace grounds, where the Emperor once resided, showcasing its stunning architecture and lush gardens. Nearby, the Hiean Jingu shrine impresses with its grand vermilion torii gates and ornate buildings.

Riders learn how these sites played pivotal roles in Kyoto’s history as the cultural heart of Japan. The tour’s comfortable pace allows ample time to appreciate the sites’ tranquil beauty and gain deeper insights from the knowledgeable guide.

Cycling Through Kyoto’s Gardens

As the Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour winds its way through the city’s lush greenery, riders are treated to a delightful exploration of some of Kyoto’s most captivating gardens.

The tour highlights include:

1. Shimogamo Shrine, a serene Shinto sanctuary nestled amidst towering trees and tranquil ponds.

2. The Imperial Palace, with its meticulously manicured gardens that showcase the refined aesthetics of traditional Japanese landscape design.

3. Hiean Jingu, a Shinto shrine renowned for its exquisite gardens, featuring winding paths, ornamental bridges, and vibrant floral displays.

4. Opportunities to sample local food snacks and gain insights from the tour’s award-winning landscape historian guide.

Things To Know

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely small to medium-sized to provide a personalized experience. The guided nature of the tour suggests an intimate group setting suitable for all abilities.

Are Electric Bikes Available for the Tour?

Electric bikes are not mentioned in the tour overview. The tour specifies bike hire is included, suggesting standard bicycles are provided. However, it’s best to confirm availability of electric bikes when booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Bike Instead of Renting One?

You can’t bring your own bike for this tour. The tour provides bike rentals as part of the experience, so using your personal bike isn’t an option. Renting a bike is included in the tour price.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour provides regular restroom breaks along the route, allowing participants to comfortably explore Kyoto’s gardens at a relaxed pace. Guides ensure everyone’s needs are accommodated throughout the 1-hour cycling experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, according to the tour overview, the tour duration is fixed at 1 hour. There’s no option to extend the tour length. The tour has a set schedule and doesn’t offer the flexibility to lengthen the experience.

Sum Up

The Kyoto: Three Gardens Bike Tour offers a captivating way to take in the cultural heritage of Kyoto. With an expert guide, guests can explore iconic sites, enjoy local snacks, and cycle through enchanting gardens, all while benefiting from flexible booking and cancellation options. This 1-hour tour is accessible to all abilities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a leisurely yet enriching experience in the heart of Japan’s historic capital.