🇺🇸🚴♂️A one-day bike trip around Kyoto's famous sites, from Arashiyama to a World Heritage Site
Feel the breeze and explore Kyoto. ~Free trip with detours~
▼Arashiyama (Walk around Togetsukyo Bridge)
▼Bamboo Forest Path
▼Bamboo Forest Path
▼Kinkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site)
🌸Concept
"A leisurely day trip to enjoy the charm of Kyoto's "Ma" and "Michi" that can only be felt by bicycle." By bicycle, you can discover each and every scene that passes by on the train. From Arashiyama to the temples of the World Heritage Site, go on an adventure to experience the depths of Kyoto.
🌟Travel Tips
The freedom to make detours that only a rental bike can provide
→ You can drop in at any cafes or shrines you pass by.
Set a route to avoid crowds
→ Head to Arashiyama before the tourist spots get crowded. Have a leisurely lunch at Hirosawa Pond, where there are few people.
A structure that efficiently tours the World Heritage sites
→ Enjoy more than seven famous sites with the sense of distance that only a bicycle can provide.
You can also take shortcuts depending on the weather and your physical strength
→ The appeal of a bicycle trip is the flexibility to change your plans along the way.
📍Check the route on Google Maps
We have compiled the sightseeing route for the day on Google Maps. You can check the route and highlights of each spot at a glance on the map. Please use it to make your sightseeing smooth.
🗺️Route Overview (Directions and Brief Introduction)
Villa Kyoto Saiin ▼ Starting point | A base for your trip in a quiet residential area.
↓ 5 min walk
▼ Bicycle rental (near Hankyu Nishinokyo Station)
▼ Get ready for your trip and get ready to set off!
↓5 minutes by bicycle
▼ Pray for safety throughout the day at a shrine beloved by locals.
↓ 20minutes by bicycle
▼ Kasuga Shrine (Pray for a safe journey)
▼ Matsuo Taisha Shrine (God of sake and longevity)
▼ One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, with charming grounds and a beautiful garden.
↓ 10minutes by bicycle
Arashiyama (Walk around Togetsukyo Bridge)
▼ Togetsukyo Bridge
↓ Walking distance
▼ A charming bridge over the Katsura River. Relax in the seasonal scenery.
Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage Site) ▶ A magnificent Zen temple with dragon sliding door paintings, a dry landscape garden, and the backdrop of Arashiyama.
↓ Short walk
▼ Bamboo Forest Path
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
▼ A bamboo tunnel with a gentle breeze passing through. A path that calms the mind.
Daikakuji Temple (also popular for copying sutras) ▶ A former detached palace that exudes tranquility along with Osawa Pond. ↓ 5 minutes by bicycle
Hirosawa Pond (lunch/rest) ▶ A tranquil waterside landscape. Perfect for a lunch break.
↓ 15 minutes by bicycle
Ninna-ji Temple (World Heritage Site) ▶ A prestigious temple known for its five-story pagoda and Omuro cherry blossoms.
↓ 5 minutes by bicycle
Ryoanji Temple (World Heritage Site) ▶ Time to quietly face the rock garden. A place to feel the spirit of Zen.
↓ 5 minutes by bicycle
Kinkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site) ▶ A glittering golden tower on the lakeside. Its overwhelming beauty is a must-see.
↓ 15 minutes by bicycle
（If you have time) Nijo Castle (last entry 16:00) ▶ A gathering of the dignity and beauty of the Tokugawa family. If you have time, it's worth stopping by.
↓ 10minutes by bicycle
Return the rental bicycle → Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin ▶ End your trip with a pleasant tiredness and a sense of accomplishment.
🕒Recommended schedule
時間帯
行動プラン
備考（所要時間・目安）
9:00
Rent a bicycle from a bicycle rental shop near Saiin Station and set off.
15 minutes (including reception and coordination)
9:30
Pray for a safe journey at Kasuga Shrine.
Approximately 15 minutes
10:00
Visit Matsuo Taisha Shrine.
Approximately 30 minutes
10:45
Walk around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge).
Approximately 30 minutes
11:15
Visit Tenryu-ji Temple → Bamboo Forest Path.
Approximately 1 hour in total (walking)
12:30
Visit Daikaku-ji Temple.
Approximately 30 minutes
13:15
Have lunch and rest at Hirosawa Pond.
Approximately 1 hour
14:15
Visit Ninna-ji Temple → Visit Ryoan-ji Temple.
30 minutes each
15:45
Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Approximately 40 minutes (last entrance 16:30)
16:30
If you have time, head to Nijo Castle (last entry at 16:00).
15 minutes travel + approximately 1 hour sightseeing
17:30
Return the bicycle → Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin.
Return time is estimated between 17:30 and 18:00
📏Time and distance
Estimated time : Approximately 8 hours (9:00-17:30)
Distance traveled : Approximately 22-25km
Number of slopes : Some slopes (around Arashiyama to Ninnaji) have gentle inclines and descents
Physical fitness level : Beginners OK (with breaks along the way)
🚲Notes for cycling
In some areas, such as around Arashiyama and on the bamboo forest paths, there are areas where you must dismount your bike (please push your bike along the way).
On major roads, the general rule is to ride on the left side of the road, not on the sidewalk.
Do not push your bike at busy intersections, but dismount and cross safely.
When parking your bike, use designated areas and make sure to lock it.
