Cycling along the Kyoto's Kamogawa river

The Kamagawa River runs in a north-south direction though Kyoto can be compared to the Seine in Paris, or the Thames in London. With your local guide, how about cycling along the Kamogawa River where Kyoto culture flourishes? 

At first, we will cross the city of Kyoto through its oldest temple, parks and gardens, then follow the river upstream towards Shimogamo-jinja.

In downtown Kyoto, you will see the Shijo Kawaramachi district and Gion district which is filled with atmosphere.  
In addition, we will be able to admire the thousand statues of Senju Kannon (a thousand-armed Buddhist statue) that are lined up in the main hall of Sanjusangendo, and the oldest door (sanmon) and the huge main hall of the Tofuku-ji temple (partially burnt out).
You can return your bike near Fushimi Inari, then walk around freely.

* The guide will explain the way back from Fushimi-Inari.
To Kyoto Station by JR Nara line: Inari station - Kyoto station: 5min / 140yen
to the shopping area and Gion by Keihan line: "Fushimiinari station - Gion Shijo station: 10min / 210yen

★You can find this tour also on TripAdvisor and Viator!

Click here to discover our excursions from Kyoto.

We are Japan specialist travel agency, click here to contact our experts for more information about your next trip.
- Travel to Japan with Peak Experience -
1
From ¥26,800

Overview

The Kamagawa River runs in a north-south direction though Kyoto can be compared to the Seine in Paris, or the Thames in London. With your local guide, how about cycling along the Kamogawa River where Kyoto culture flourishes? 

At first, we will cross the city of Kyoto through its oldest temple, parks and gardens, then follow the river upstream towards Shimogamo-jinja.

In downtown Kyoto, you will see the Shijo Kawaramachi district and Gion district which is filled with atmosphere.  
In addition, we will be able to admire the thousand statues of Senju Kannon (a thousand-armed Buddhist statue) that are lined up in the main hall of Sanjusangendo, and the oldest door (sanmon) and the huge main hall of the Tofuku-ji temple (partially burnt out).
You can return your bike near Fushimi Inari, then walk around freely.

* The guide will explain the way back from Fushimi-Inari.
To Kyoto Station by JR Nara line: Inari station - Kyoto station: 5min / 140yen
to the shopping area and Gion by Keihan line: "Fushimiinari station - Gion Shijo station: 10min / 210yen

★You can find this tour also on TripAdvisor and Viator!

Click here to discover our excursions from Kyoto.

We are Japan specialist travel agency, click here to contact our experts for more information about your next trip.
- Travel to Japan with Peak Experience -

Itinerary ↓↓The tour will take you to ↓↓

Itinerary

Kyoto station ー Kyotogyoen - Shimokamojinja(Admission)- Downtown area[Teramachi, Kiya cho, Ponto cho, Gion area(Free time & Lunch)- Toyokunijinja - Sanjyusangendo(Admission)- Toufuku-ji(Admission) - Fushimi Inari (End of the tour, Free time)

★Meeting place:Kyoto station(It can be arranged to meet up at a hotel you stay and deliver a bike to the hotel.)
★Meeting time:9:00
★Duration:approx. 7 hours
★Highlight of the tour (recommended spots):

Shimogamo jinja (the world heritage)

We start pedaling from Kyoto station or stations nearby (transported via undergrounds)

Ride on about 20 minutes inside Kyotogosho then arrive the Shimogamo jinja.The Shimogamo jinja, formal name is the Kamomioya-jinja, one of the most oldest shrine in Kyoto, registered in the world heritage out of 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
The history of the shrine can go back to B.C. 90 as a legend tells that ritual events has taken place before the introduction of Buddhism into Japan.
It is the one of the few prestigious temples which allow to practice Shikinen Sengu, the system of reconstruction, all shrines in the Shimogamo complex are meant to be rebuilt every 21 years. However, the building is no longer able to be destroyed once registered in the world heritage, but able to be renovated partially every 21 years. The present buildings was renovated in 2015; for  such occasions, we can see it in good condition.
The temple surrounded by huge primordial woods where is believed longmai running (feng shui) and it illuminates the spot as the power spot (places with full of spiritual energy).
Also the temple is known as the gods of the beauty that calls for female visitors. The source comes from Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, a woman of great beauty, is enshrined in the main sanctuary of the shrine.
You can recharge by visiting the temple, the leading spiritual temple with full of spiritual energy. 
lunch

Downtown area -Ponto cho, Kiya cho, Kawara cho

After we visit the shrine, keep pedaling along the Kamogawa river and go to the busiest area of Kyoto.
We drop off our bikes then stroll the downtown area, Pnto cho and Gion, and have the lunch.The west bank of Kamogawa river is bustling and modern that contrasts with the east bank whose atmosphere is historical and traditional. 
The first street parallel to the Kamogawa is called Ponto cho Street, which like Gion, is made up of many Ochaya (teahouse where a guest call Geisha for entertainment). 
The street is so narrow that vehicles are not get in. The street survived the fire occurred in the 19th century, and retains its atmosphere of yesteryear where many lanterns lit at night to illuminate shops across the street. It is a popular place for “Instabae” (Instabae means spot is good for taking picture specially for Instagram to make people envious).
The second street of Kamogawa is Kiyamachi-dori. It is a street along the Takasegawa canal where many cherry trees line. The area is popular dating spot since there are many restaurants of various nationalities of your choice along the street.
The third is Kawaramachi-dori, the liveliest street in Kyoto, with department stores, a cinema complex, and a shopping center, it can be called as a financial center of Kyoto.
Besides these streets, many souvenir shops along arcades like Teramachi dori and Shinkyogoku streets attract many foreign tourists. The east bank area is therefore nocturnal and it is easy to find taxis even at midnight that encourages you to go out at the night in Kyoto.

Gion area

The Yasaka Shrine was named Gionsha until the beginning of the Kinsei period (1598 to 1603), the territory of the Yasaka shrine and the city near the shrine are called Gion.
Nowadays, the area from Yasaka Shrine to the Kamogawa river is called Gion; however, there is no precise definition.
Above all, the area of the northern part of Shirakawa, where the Biwa Lake canal sector and the Kamogawa river crossed is classified as the Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. There are many Ochaya established in the Edo period, literally teahouse but actually the place where one dines in the presence of Maiko and Geiko, in the district.The Shijo street starts from Yasaka shrine to Kamogawa river is the center of the Gion area, the northern part of the street  with many multiple-tenant buildings has been developed as a commercial district since Meiji period. On the other hand, the southern part of the street preserves the old landscape and many efforts are made to maintain its conservation. You will find exclusive traditional beauty in Kyoto: such as Ochaya, luxury restaurants, and Kabu-renjyo.
The streets with the slatted doors and the late bamboo blinds give the neighborhood atmosphere a serene elegance.
If you see maikos and geikos during the day, they may be tourists dressed the same way; but, if it's evening, you'll have the chance to see the real maikos and geikos.

Sanjusangendo

After a short stroll of the commercial district and the lunch, we again pedal our bike to go south, passing by the Toyokuni-jinja shrine and the Kyoto National Museum (10 ~ 15min).The Sanjusangendo temple, the main hall of the Rengeo-in temple, whose name comes from the fact that the building with a length of 118 meters and a width of 16 meters and 33 (sanjusan) poles stands. The principal object of worship at the temple is placed in the center of the thousand-armed kannon statues that surround it and fill the room. You will be astonished.
In front of the main hall, a famous archery competition “Toshiya” takes place every year in January to celebrate new adult (in Japan, 20-year-old who has their coming-of-age ceremony within that year). The competitors must have the first dan level of Japanese art of archery as they launch targets placed at the same distance as the length of the hall.

Tofuku-ji

After visiting Sanjusangendo, keep pedaling to south by bike, then we enter grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple.Tofuku-ji temple compounds 25 small temples inside the ground, was founded in the middle of the 13th century. It is one of Kyoto's most important temple, built in a valley full of nature, and very popular among visitors who visit in autumn to admire the changing colours of leaves. 
The main building of the temple (Hondo) and its annex (Kaizando) are separated by the valley and connected by the Tsutenkyo bridge whose pillars are hidden by the trees, which gives it the impression that it floats in the air. In addition, you can admire a painted dragon on the ceiling of the big main building, and on each side of the temple, in the Hojo have been arranged different gardens of styles Karesansui (dry gardens composed mainly of stones). You will also see one of Japan's oldest Zen temple (Sanmon) gates.

Fushimiinari (Free time)

Departures from Tofuku-ji temple, you can return the bike near the Fushimi Inari, then the guide will take you to the shrine and the tour ends. 
Spend your time freely at the shrine, the most popular sactuary for foreign visitors.There is the masterpiece of the thousand torii (front guard frame painted in vermilion) that line up from the main Okumiya pavilion to Okusha, but in reality there would be 800. However, it is said that there are more than 10,000 torii in all sanctuaries dedicated to the god Inari.
These torii are offerings by individuals, companies or families to grant their wishes and such a custom can date back to the Edo period, the number of torii continue to grow until now.
It is possible to access the sanctuary also at night, the site is lighten up all night long which relieves you from worrying closing hours. You can also enjoy a short two-hour hike of about four kilometers, called "Oyama Meguri (a tour of Mount Inari)" for the person who is more athletic.
After returning the bike near Fushimi-inari shrine, the guide will take you to the entrance of Fushimi-inari, then the tour ends. Take your time to the full at the shrine which is the most apreciated by foreign tourists.

Detailed informatiion regarding the way back:
The guide will explain about the way back from Fushimi-Inari.
*For the Kyoto station with JR train: "Inari" station - "Kyoto" station :5 min/ 140yen.
 For the commercial district and Gion with Keihan train: "Fushimi-Inari" station  - "Gion Shinjo" station: 10 min/ 210yen

Click here to discover our excursions from Kyoto.

Where to Go

Itinerary

Itinerary ↓↓The tour will take you to ↓↓

Itinerary

Kyoto station ー Kyotogyoen - Shimokamojinja(Admission)- Downtown area[Teramachi, Kiya cho, Ponto cho, Gion area(Free time & Lunch)- Toyokunijinja - Sanjyusangendo(Admission)- Toufuku-ji(Admission) - Fushimi Inari (End of the tour, Free time)

★Meeting place:Kyoto station(It can be arranged to meet up at a hotel you stay and deliver a bike to the hotel.)
★Meeting time:9:00
★Duration:approx. 7 hours
★Highlight of the tour (recommended spots):

Shimogamo jinja (the world heritage)

We start pedaling from Kyoto station or stations nearby (transported via undergrounds)

Ride on about 20 minutes inside Kyotogosho then arrive the Shimogamo jinja.The Shimogamo jinja, formal name is the Kamomioya-jinja, one of the most oldest shrine in Kyoto, registered in the world heritage out of 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
The history of the shrine can go back to B.C. 90 as a legend tells that ritual events has taken place before the introduction of Buddhism into Japan.
It is the one of the few prestigious temples which allow to practice Shikinen Sengu, the system of reconstruction, all shrines in the Shimogamo complex are meant to be rebuilt every 21 years. However, the building is no longer able to be destroyed once registered in the world heritage, but able to be renovated partially every 21 years. The present buildings was renovated in 2015; for  such occasions, we can see it in good condition.
The temple surrounded by huge primordial woods where is believed longmai running (feng shui) and it illuminates the spot as the power spot (places with full of spiritual energy).
Also the temple is known as the gods of the beauty that calls for female visitors. The source comes from Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, a woman of great beauty, is enshrined in the main sanctuary of the shrine.
You can recharge by visiting the temple, the leading spiritual temple with full of spiritual energy. 
lunch

Downtown area -Ponto cho, Kiya cho, Kawara cho

After we visit the shrine, keep pedaling along the Kamogawa river and go to the busiest area of Kyoto.
We drop off our bikes then stroll the downtown area, Pnto cho and Gion, and have the lunch.The west bank of Kamogawa river is bustling and modern that contrasts with the east bank whose atmosphere is historical and traditional. 
The first street parallel to the Kamogawa is called Ponto cho Street, which like Gion, is made up of many Ochaya (teahouse where a guest call Geisha for entertainment). 
The street is so narrow that vehicles are not get in. The street survived the fire occurred in the 19th century, and retains its atmosphere of yesteryear where many lanterns lit at night to illuminate shops across the street. It is a popular place for “Instabae” (Instabae means spot is good for taking picture specially for Instagram to make people envious).
The second street of Kamogawa is Kiyamachi-dori. It is a street along the Takasegawa canal where many cherry trees line. The area is popular dating spot since there are many restaurants of various nationalities of your choice along the street.
The third is Kawaramachi-dori, the liveliest street in Kyoto, with department stores, a cinema complex, and a shopping center, it can be called as a financial center of Kyoto.
Besides these streets, many souvenir shops along arcades like Teramachi dori and Shinkyogoku streets attract many foreign tourists. The east bank area is therefore nocturnal and it is easy to find taxis even at midnight that encourages you to go out at the night in Kyoto.

Gion area

The Yasaka Shrine was named Gionsha until the beginning of the Kinsei period (1598 to 1603), the territory of the Yasaka shrine and the city near the shrine are called Gion.
Nowadays, the area from Yasaka Shrine to the Kamogawa river is called Gion; however, there is no precise definition.
Above all, the area of the northern part of Shirakawa, where the Biwa Lake canal sector and the Kamogawa river crossed is classified as the Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. There are many Ochaya established in the Edo period, literally teahouse but actually the place where one dines in the presence of Maiko and Geiko, in the district.The Shijo street starts from Yasaka shrine to Kamogawa river is the center of the Gion area, the northern part of the street  with many multiple-tenant buildings has been developed as a commercial district since Meiji period. On the other hand, the southern part of the street preserves the old landscape and many efforts are made to maintain its conservation. You will find exclusive traditional beauty in Kyoto: such as Ochaya, luxury restaurants, and Kabu-renjyo.
The streets with the slatted doors and the late bamboo blinds give the neighborhood atmosphere a serene elegance.
If you see maikos and geikos during the day, they may be tourists dressed the same way; but, if it's evening, you'll have the chance to see the real maikos and geikos.

Sanjusangendo

After a short stroll of the commercial district and the lunch, we again pedal our bike to go south, passing by the Toyokuni-jinja shrine and the Kyoto National Museum (10 ~ 15min).The Sanjusangendo temple, the main hall of the Rengeo-in temple, whose name comes from the fact that the building with a length of 118 meters and a width of 16 meters and 33 (sanjusan) poles stands. The principal object of worship at the temple is placed in the center of the thousand-armed kannon statues that surround it and fill the room. You will be astonished.
In front of the main hall, a famous archery competition “Toshiya” takes place every year in January to celebrate new adult (in Japan, 20-year-old who has their coming-of-age ceremony within that year). The competitors must have the first dan level of Japanese art of archery as they launch targets placed at the same distance as the length of the hall.

Tofuku-ji

After visiting Sanjusangendo, keep pedaling to south by bike, then we enter grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple.Tofuku-ji temple compounds 25 small temples inside the ground, was founded in the middle of the 13th century. It is one of Kyoto's most important temple, built in a valley full of nature, and very popular among visitors who visit in autumn to admire the changing colours of leaves. 
The main building of the temple (Hondo) and its annex (Kaizando) are separated by the valley and connected by the Tsutenkyo bridge whose pillars are hidden by the trees, which gives it the impression that it floats in the air. In addition, you can admire a painted dragon on the ceiling of the big main building, and on each side of the temple, in the Hojo have been arranged different gardens of styles Karesansui (dry gardens composed mainly of stones). You will also see one of Japan's oldest Zen temple (Sanmon) gates.

Fushimiinari (Free time)

Departures from Tofuku-ji temple, you can return the bike near the Fushimi Inari, then the guide will take you to the shrine and the tour ends. 
Spend your time freely at the shrine, the most popular sactuary for foreign visitors.There is the masterpiece of the thousand torii (front guard frame painted in vermilion) that line up from the main Okumiya pavilion to Okusha, but in reality there would be 800. However, it is said that there are more than 10,000 torii in all sanctuaries dedicated to the god Inari.
These torii are offerings by individuals, companies or families to grant their wishes and such a custom can date back to the Edo period, the number of torii continue to grow until now.
It is possible to access the sanctuary also at night, the site is lighten up all night long which relieves you from worrying closing hours. You can also enjoy a short two-hour hike of about four kilometers, called "Oyama Meguri (a tour of Mount Inari)" for the person who is more athletic.
After returning the bike near Fushimi-inari shrine, the guide will take you to the entrance of Fushimi-inari, then the tour ends. Take your time to the full at the shrine which is the most apreciated by foreign tourists.

Detailed informatiion regarding the way back:
The guide will explain about the way back from Fushimi-Inari.
*For the Kyoto station with JR train: "Inari" station - "Kyoto" station :5 min/ 140yen.
 For the commercial district and Gion with Keihan train: "Fushimi-Inari" station  - "Gion Shinjo" station: 10 min/ 210yen

Click here to discover our excursions from Kyoto.
Important to know
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Minimum number of participants required for tour departure is one.

  • A moderate amount of walking is involved; please wear comfortable walking shoes.

  • Please inform us, at the time of booking, about the participation of any person with reduced mobility or suffering from any condition requiring  special needs during the trip.

  • This tour is not covered by insurance.

  • Itinerary order is subject to change depending on traffic, weather and operation hours.

  • In case of traffic congestion or weather or any other uncontrollable reasons that affect the tour schedule and lead to delay in time, schedule change or visit cancellation etc., the tour will not be cancelled or refunded in such cases.  Please be noted in advance.

Additional informations

  • Small groups, 8 people maximum. The tour can be customized in the case if there is no other participant on the day of trip.

  • Please note that public transportation will be used during this tour and seating is not guaranteed.

  • Please  refer to “Travel information” about any useful information.

  • Pictures are used for illustrative purpose only.

Included
  • English speaking tour leader

  • All transportations during the tour ( transportation from Inari station to Kyoto station after the end of tour is not included)

  • Hybrid bike with 8 speeds  → with extra charge: VTC (+200 yen), with electric assistance (+1000 yen), helmet (+300)

  • Bike returning fee at Fushimi

  • Insurance "Breakage and accident" ( theft insurance +300yen)

  • Admission fees to the temples

Not included
  • The travel insurance
  • The personal expenses

  • Meals and drinks not mentioned

  • Transportations,visits and activities not mentioned

  • Transfer by the tour leader from your hotel to the tour starting point and from the tour ending point to the hotel →with additional fees (each service:5000yen / 1group )

  • Gratuities (Voluntary)

Dates & Prices

153