Guided cycling tours of Kyoto

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Pandora Walking Tour ~East Route~

Stroll through the historic Higashiyama district and embark on an enchanting journey through the timeless charm of Kyoto.

Starting at Higashiyama Station, this walking tour takes you through quintessential Kyoto landscapes, including Yasaka Shrine, Nene-no-Michi, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Kiyomizu Temple, showcasing the beauty of the Higashiyama district. Crossing the Kamo River, you’ll explore Pontocho, known for its geisha culture and traditional machiya houses, and Honnoji Temple, a pivotal site in Japanese history. Along the way, enjoy a matcha tea break in Gion or indulge in shopping at Shinkyogoku Street. This tour is designed to maximize Kyoto’s charm, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

The main areas of Kyoto to explore on this cycling tour

Tour Course

  1. Metro Higashiyama Station

    Meet at Higashiyama Station

  2. Yasaka Shrine

    Yasaka Shrine, famous for the Gion Festival, is one of Kyoto's highlights. The surrounding area includes Shijo Street and Maruyama Park.

  3. Kodaiji Temple

    Kodaiji Temple, located along the shop-lined Nene-no-Michi, is known as the memorial temple of Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. With its beautiful gardens, historic halls, and tea houses, it is a renowned Kyoto landmark where visitors can enjoy the seasonal charm throughout the year.

  4. Yasaka Pagoda

    The five-story pagoda of Hokanji Temple, a symbol of Kyoto commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda, is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Its graceful appearance blends seamlessly with the historic streetscape, offering a stunning view. A popular photo spot, strolling along the surrounding stone-paved paths allows you to fully experience the charm of Kyoto.

  5. Kiyomizu Temple

    Kiyomizu Temple, famous for its "Kiyomizu Stage," is one of Kyoto's iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. The breathtaking view of the western horizon from the stage and the temple’s seasonal beauty are its highlights, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves creating particularly stunning scenery.

  6. Ponto-cho District

    Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most iconic geisha districts, featuring a narrow, stone-paved alley lined with traditional ryotei restaurants and eateries.

  7. Honnoji Temple

    Honnoji Temple is a historic site known for the "Honnoji Incident," where Oda Nobunaga met his end at the hands of Akechi Mitsuhide. While it has since been relocated from its original location, it still houses a memorial tower dedicated to Nobunaga, offering a sense of historical intrigue. Visitors can also explore the treasures of the Sengoku period, such as samurai armour and famed swords, displayed in the Taihoden Hall, bringing the atmosphere of the Warring States era vividly to life.

  8. Metro Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station

    End at Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station

Tour Detail

Tour type
Tour type
Meeting location and time
Metro Higashiyama Station
Morning tour: 9:00
Afternoon tour: 13:45
Ending location and time
Kyoto Station
Morning tour: 12:30
Afternoon tour: 17:15
Time required
About 3.5 hours
Distance
5.5km
Price per person
14,600 yen
Inclusive of
Guide fee and rain gear
Recommended for
Those that want to explore the iconic Higashiyama and Gion districts of Kyoto. By travelling on foot you can visit some of the smaller streets and traditional shops more flexibly.
Notes
・Please wear comfortable clothes and suitable footwear, according to the weather and temperature of the day. Gloves, warm headwear and scarves are highly recommended since there is the possibility of very cold temperatures and snow.
・Luggage cannot be stored during the tour. Please ensure that any personal belongings can be carried on your personal throughout the walk.

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