1. Getting started · Tour meeting points · Baggage · Language

Is it safe to cycle in Kyoto?

To ensure safe cycling, our tours have a maximum of six guests per guide (larger groups will be divided up into several smaller groups where necessary). Our guides are very knowledgeable about Kyoto and will always choose the best and safest routes according to your cycling ability and fitness. Where possible, guides will also select routes considering scenery, seasonal events, traffic and terrain so that you may participate with peace of mind.

Where is the meeting place for tours?

Meeting place for tours are as follows:

* Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal: Kyoto Back Street Tour, Fushimi-Inari Tour, Kyoto World Heritage Tours (East and West), 

* Waratenjin–mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus): Kyoto Golden Tour, Shogun Tour

* The Gran Resort Elegante Kyoto: Kyoto Silver Tour, Riverside Tour

For more details visit Location of our cycle terminals

What is the best way to get to the meeting place?

* Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal: 3 minutes’ walk from JR Kyoto Station Central Exit (north side).

* Waratenjin–mae bus stop (Kyoto City Bus): From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City Bus route 205 (towards Kitaoji Bus Terminal via Kinkakuji Temple) or 50 (towards Ritsumeikan Univ). Get off at Waratenjin-mae bus stop.

* The Gran Resort Elegante Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City Bus route 9 (towards Nishigamo Bus Terminal via Nijo Castle) or 50 (towards Ritsumeikan Univ.). Get off at Horikawa-Nakatachiuri bus stop.

Where does the tour end?

Tour end locations are as follows:

* Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal: Kyoto Back Street Tour, Fushimi-Inari Tour, Kyoto Silver Tour, Shogun Tour and Kyoto World Heritage Tour East.

* Kyoto Station: Kyoto World Heritage Tour West

* Arashiyama Sightseeing Car Park: Kyoto Golden Tour

* The Gran Resort Elegante Kyoto: Riverside Tour

For more details visit Location of our cycle terminals

Can you store my baggage?

Luggage can be stored free of charge for any tours starting at Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal. However, storage of valuables, fragile items, and fresh food are declined.

Tours starting at other locations cannot be stored so please ensure that all luggage can be carried while cycling or placed in the bicycle basket.

What language does the guide speak?

Tours are conducted in Japanese or English. French- and Spanish-speaking guides are also available so please let us know your preferred language at the time of booking and we will try to accommodate your language preferences. Please note that tours are conducted in English or Japanese in general.

What are the terms and conditions for the tour?

Please see our reservations and cancellations policy

2. Fitness/skill level · Bicycles · Helmets · Age limits · Children

Do I need to be very fit to participate in the tour?

Tours follow relatively flat roads and travel at a leisurely pace, so if you’re used to riding a bicycle you should be able to join any tour without any problems. If you are not confident in your physical fitness, we recommend taking a half-day tour. In particular the route for the Back Street Tour is mainly flat roads. There is also an optional upgrade to an electric-assisted bicycle (additional fee apply) so that you can participate in our tours without having to worry about getting tired.

What kind of bicycles do you offer?

We use our original bicycle the “Ginrin.” (26-inch, city cycle with an internal 8-speed transmission and automatic light). For taller cyclists, we have larger size “Ginrin” bikes or mountain bikes. For shorter cyclists, we have Mini Velo bikes and children’s mountain bikes. Electric-assist bicycles are also available. See the full details of our bicycles

Can I use my own bicycle?

Sorry, due to insurance concerns we cannot allow participants to ride on our tours using personal bicycles.

Is it necessary to wear a helmet?

In Kyoto, helmets are optional for participants that are 13y.o. or above. However, we lend helmets for free for anyone who wishes to use one.
For under 13s, helmets are mandatory.

Is there an age limit on your tours?

Children can participate from age 10 and over, and there is no upper age limit. People of all ages must be able to comfortably cycle on public roads during the tour. See below for more info regarding children.

Can children participate?

Children are very welcome to join our tours, however there are some additional guidelines. Children must be aged 10 years or older; be at least 120cm (4ft) tall; and able to ride their own bicycle comfortably without assistance in order to join a tour. If on the day of the tour a child does not meet the above requirements, the cycling tour will be changed to a walking tour (at the discretion of the tour guide) or cancelled (please note that the cancellation policy will apply).

Which tour is recommended for families with children?

We highly recommend the Kyoto Back Street Tour. All our tours can be enjoyed by families, but this tour is particularly popular with groups including young children because it is a half-day tour with mainly flat roads, and in the summer you can enjoy a stop along the Kamo River.

Which tour is recommended for people that are not confident cyclists?

The Riverside tour is particularly good for nervous cyclists. This route avoids cycling on public roads as much as possible and is centred around the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and the Kamogawa Promenade, where there are no traffic lights or vehicular traffic.

3. Tour details · What to bring · Food · Bike rental

How many people can join a tour?

All our tours are private. We can cater for a wide range of parties from larger groups to solo travellers. To ensure safety, we allow a maximum of six people per guide. Larger groups will be divided into smaller groups of not more than six persons. * If you have a group of seven people or more, please contact us separately. We will increase the number of guides and get back to you.

Are there any breaks during the tour?

We regularly take small breaks to check that everyone is comfortable during the tour. In particular, during the summer we take care to make sure everyone is hydrated, and guard against heat stroke by cycling and pausing in the shade. In winter we do our best to make sure everyone keeps warm.

Can we finish the tour early?

You can end the tour at any point you wish. However, please note that partial refunds are not possible for customers who choose to shorten their tour. We can arrange customized tours to suit your particular needs, so please contact us when booking.

What should I bring?

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for the temperature and weather. We recommend wearing sunglasses and sunscreen in the summer and gloves in the winter. Helmets and raincoats are provided free of charge.

What kind of lunch do you offer?

Lunch is typically at a Japanese restaurant featuring local cuisine. Your guide will choose a lunch spot based on the meal and atmosphere of the place. Please let us know in advance if you have food allergies, special diets, or a particular lunch request. (Only for full-day tours)

Do I need extra money?

Everything you need on the tour, such as admission fees and lunch, is included in the tour price. The only additional money you need is enough to buy a drink if you get thirsty and for any shopping along the way.

Can I rent a bike before or after the tour?

Yes, you can. For an additional charge of 500 yen per bicycle (1,000 yen for electric-assist bicycles), rental is available during business hours (from 9:00 to 18:00) on the day of the tour.

4. Booking a tour

Do I need a booking?

Yes. Please make your online booking requests at least two days in advance. Early reservations are recommended, especially during the busy cherry blossom season in March/April, and the autumn leaves season in October/November.

How can I book a tour?

Please submit a booking request via our website at least two days before your desired tour date. You can choose your tour and preferred date via the booking form. For reservations on the day before or same day as your requested tour, please call (+81-75-354-3636), email or visit the Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal in person. Business hours are 9:00 to 18:00.

How far in advance can I book?

We accept reservations up to one year in advance.

6. Cancellations

What is your cancellation policy?

We charge a cancellation fee as a percentage of the tour price:

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations on the day or no-show: 100% Cancellations less than a day before the tour: 50% Cancellations less than 2 days before the tour: 40% Cancellations less than 10 days before the tour: 30% There is no cancellation fee for cancellations made 11 days or more before the tour.

Who do I contact to cancel a tour?

Please call us (+81-75-354-3636) or, email. For cancellations on the day of the tour, please call us. Business hours are 9:00 to 18:00.