Bento and Bicycle Tour of Hidden Kyoto with Local Guides

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)

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

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.

(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.

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.)

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.