Top Kyoto Outdoor Activities

Kyoto's bamboo forest is one of the city's most visited sites but you can avoid the crowds by joining the early morning bicycle tour. Enjoy the forest and temples at their most serene and also venture to a few off-the-beaten-path spots nearby.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

Fans of samurai and ninja history won’t want to miss wielding a real katana sword while in Kyoto. From the Heian period through the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate, samurai and ninja roamed Kyoto’s streets. Get an immersive tour of these heroes’ history as a professional guide leads you through the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Your hands-on experience includes wearing samurai armor, wielding katana and ninja stars, and posing with replica swords.

Pedal through the historic streets of Kyoto as you visit its magnificent temples and shrines by bike during this small-group tour limited to 9 participants. Take a spin down the Path of Philosophy on this Kyoto tour that gives you an overview of the city while using a mode of transport preferred by locals: the humble bicycle. See shrines, temples and mountains — this is an enlightening escape from the city.

* we provide interesting tours !! * If you want to explore Kyoto, you should choose the Biking tour because a bus or walking tour takes much longer time to arrive at your destinations.By riding bikes with us, you will be able to visit some famous spots within relatively short period of time because we use some back streets. You may think this 3 hours bike ride is too long for you ,, but we will guide you with a lot of descriptions of Japanese and Kyoto culture so you will not become bored with us.Also visiting a real temple and trying real Green tea will be one of the most memorable experiences in Kyoto! Let's enjoy riding bikes and take great photos to maximize your Kyoto trip! Jump on a bicycle and enjoy the unique sights of Kyoto.Pedal through temples, stroll among shrines, and sip green tea while viewing exquisite hidden gardens.In addition we will take you to see some delightful unexpected sights.

There are many samurai-themed attractions in Kyoto but this tour lets you feel like a real samurai. Wear traditional clothing or armor and use a real samurai sword to cut tatami mats—a traditional way of testing sharpness and swordmanship.

Prepare for battle as you learn the skills of the samurai during this 1- or 2-hour class studying the basic techniques of these ancient Japanese warriors. Take the 1-hour session, providing an introduction to the basics of the samurai art, or choose the 1.5-hour course, practicing more complex movements using a sword and folding fan. When your class ends, enjoy a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion.  This samurai session also includes an English-speaking guide and instructor and a 'tenugui,' a traditional Japanese towel.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.

In this tour, I will capture the best moments of your trip in Kyoto. The tour route is Hanami-koji⇒Yasuikonpira Shrine⇒Ishibekoji⇒Maruyama park. The main reason why you should choose this tour is that I'm not only good at taking beautiful photos of you, but also I'm very familiar to these area so I will take you to the hidden and secret spots that are less crowd, and do photo session there. I'm very good at taking photos of solo-portrait, couple, honeymoon and family. I will take photos of you one by one, group by group. So I would like you to wait for minutes while I take photos for another group. I will suggest spots, poses, and angles. But you can also tell me your preference. After tour, I will send the photos by data via Email on the SAME DAY or NEXT DAY of the tour. In addition, I will also tell you about local culture, good spots for food and fun, and some tips that help you enjoy Japan more. I will really do my best to capture the beautiful moment of you into the photography.

This private cycling tour of Kyoto is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors and see many of Kyoto’s beautiful sites in one day. Bicycle and helmet hire is included, and you’ll have a guide to accompany you, making it the ultimate hassle-free tour. See shrines, temples, and mountains as you ride down the Path of Philosophy. You won’t have to navigate, as your guide will lead the way, so you can concentrate on the stunning views.

For those short on time and high on energy, join us for a one day all-you-can-Kyoto bike tour! Experience the tranquility of one of world's largest wooden buildings, learn about the history of Kyoto at the Imperial Palace Park, reflect on life at the stunning Golden Pavilion, enjoy a traditional sit-down lunch, capture the essence of Kyoto in the Gion geisha district and discover the majesty of the mighty Fushimi Shrine. Our shop is a 2 minute walk from Kyoto central station, our groups are small, our bikes are top quality 'Giant' hybrids, and our guides are relaxed, bilingual, experienced and safe! Sit back and let Cycle Kyoto show you around town!

Active travelers will love the opportunity to explore the northern parts of Kyoto by bike. Your local guide will make sure you don’t get lost, and will show you to back alleys and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise, as well as some of the famous attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Cycle on comfortable bike, and enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch to refuel.

"Experience KENDO" offers authentic BUSHIDO ("WAY OF SAMURAI") learning experience through the lecture and basic motions of the traditional martial arts, KENDO ("WAY OF SWORD"). Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how ancient swordsmanship of SAMURAI later developed into KENDO. After the lecture, you will wear all the KENDO armors and will learn the basic KENDO movements. We are confident that this is one of the most exciting and best workshops you can find in this kind! 1. We are committed in authenticity. 2. Every instructor is a Dan (Black Belt) achiever who regularly practices Kendo. 3. The main venue is the Hall of Fame, the Butokuden Dojo. 4. We have a story to tell. The instructor, Tomoyoshi, a great-grandson of the Hikone clan Samurai who fought in the “SEINAN WAR” (1877). This historic incident inspired Hollywood to create the movie called "The Last Samurai”(2003).

Enjoy a late start and absolutely fall in love with Arashiyama on this amazing afternoon tour! Take a trip back in time where the very roads you ride were sub-temples of our World Heritage Tenryuji Zen Temple followed by a short hike up to the impressive panoramic view of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain and the accompanying Iwatayama Monkey Park. You will even experience some bamboo forest viewing and visits to some local shrines and temples not frequented by the crowds of tourists.

Join Cycle Kyoto for a morning bike tour around south Kyoto's most beautiful locations. Stay safe riding on quiet backstreets, explore the mighty Fushimi Inari Shrine as well as a host of specially selected locations. Starts with a visit to the temples of central Kyoto before following the Takase Canal and Kamo River into Gion. After weaving through the backstreets of Kyoto’s famous geisha and teahouse district, we head up to the spectacular Tofukuji Temple for pictures. We then roll down to the other side of the slope and straight into Fushimi Inari Shrine (The most visited attraction in Japan!). After a stroll around the famous orange Torii gates, we head home

1. Bicycle is by far the best way to get around Kyoto’s crowded streets. Kyoto has a great geography for two wheels. Why wait for crowded buses or be stuck in traffic with an expensive taxi when you have the freedom to move around at will like the locals do. 2. We take you on scenic routes which are chosen with your safety in mind. Riding a bike alone you might get lost or end up on very narrow streets. We know the best way to get around and give you tips on staying safe. We also know quiet side streets with lots of character and charm. 3.We tell you stories of the city’s past and give you background knowledge along the way. ​Learn about the world of the shogun and samurai, the geisha house and even get a background on the shinto and buddhist beliefs. Learning about the cultural legacy of old Kyoto is a great insight to Japanese customs and culture.

You could learn some ninja techniques by hands-on training in English. One hour original and unique training which can not be found other place. You can learn breath control of ninja like Yoga. Also basic walking of Japanese martial arts and Ninja walking.

Wander among peaceful bamboo groves and elegant mountain temples of rural Japan as you explore the fascinating areas of Arashiyama and Sagano near Kyoto during this 4-hour walking tour. Meander among the bamboo groves of Sagano before checking out the ancient 14th century Tenryu-Ji Temple and the secluded Jojakko-Ji Temple, hidden among the forest. Finish with a trip across the iconic Togetsukyō Bridge. Your morning walking tour also includes pickup from select hotels in Kyoto, a guide and all entrance fees.

Kids and adults alike will love this Ninja experience in Kyoto. It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’ll give you some cool ninja skills to show friends at home. No need to buy anything in advance as ninja costume rental is included. You’ll learn how to throw ninja weapons, have a photo shoot, and go on a treasure hunt. The day will also be enriched by going on a tour around the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Discover the beauty, art and ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony during this private workshop in Kyoto. Experience true ‘omotenashi’ (hospitality) during your visit to the Tea Ceremony Room of Ju-An, observing as your tea is methodically, painstakingly, boiled, poured and mixed with matcha powder using a bamboo whisk. Enjoy your warm drink accompanied by Japanese sweets as you learn about the intricacies of this timeless custom.

You can request own tour to me.So please text me first.We can decide which sightseeing spots, what kind of meals, how long for guiding, etc.Price is 4000 yen per hour per group.

-Hike through a secret path into Fushimi Inari Shrine. Even though there is Fushi-inari station, we start the tour from Tofukuji station because we enter Fushi-inari shrine from back side of main entrance. -Journey into a secret bamboo forest We will discover a natural bamboo forest, and a small Inari shrine hidden from tourists. Fushimi Inari's main entrance is hard to navigate due to a lot of people, but by walking through the mountains, we will see Fushimi Inari from a new perspective, away from the crowd. -Return to civilization after a breathtaking view atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari From here on, we will explore tourist areas on the way to the top of the mountain. Tour routes may vary, but it will end somewhere around the main shrine. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

The most unique tour will take you to a castle, palace, temple, shrine, a local shopping street, and a Japanese garden while offering three amazing things: 1. Cycle through the streets of Kyoto with a local without waiting or queuing for bus/train or behind other tourists. 2. Get your photos taken by a professional photographer to document your amazing memories and the next day you will receive 50-100 stunning images to share with family/friends. No need for camera/selfie stick. 3. Learn about the history, culture and the people of Kyoto and Japan from an expat who's lived in Kyoto for 12 years. No need to worry where to go and what to see. I'll take care of it all. You just enjoy the sites. If your prefered time is not available, please get in touch and I will create one. If you want a tour that includes Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari, and Gion Geisha area by public transport, I offer Half-day and Full-Day Photo tours, so please check snapkyoto my Instagram.

Gion is loved for its historic narrow alleyways, temples, shrines, and picturesque tea houses. On this tour, you’ll experience Gion’s most loved sights, as well as some hidden surprises. A bike tour helps you cover more ground than a walking tour, so you make the most of your time. See the Geisha districts, and enjoy plenty of stop-offs to learn about Japan’s former capital.