Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 335 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots worth booking?
Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $17000 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 335 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (335)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $17000 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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. *AGE REQUIREMENT: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Please book our "Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour (Infants & Toddlers)" for families with children under 10 years of age.
What's included
Included
- Native English speaking bilingual guide
- Admission fees
- Bicycle
- Bottled water
- Helmet
Not included
- No hotel pickup or drop off
- Gratuity for your guide (always appreciated!)
- E-bike (We use standard Cannondale city bikes)
What you'll see and do
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Take a pleasant 20 minute walk up to the top of Iwata mountain to the Monkey Park. Enjoy possible monkey viewing and an amazing view of Kyoto City.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Bamboo Forest Street
Explore the beauty of the bamboo and be transfixed by one of the top soundscapes of Japan!
25 minutes here · Admission included
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
Stroll through one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kyoto at the World Heritage Tenryuji Temple.
25 minutes here · Admission included
Togetsukyo Bridge
Take in the breathtaking mountain landscape of Arashiyama as you admire one of Japan's most iconic bridges- a view that perfectly captures the region's timeless beauty.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Nearest train station - JR Saga Arashiyama Meeting Point is : JR Saga Arashiyama Station, Exit right at the ticket gates (See PDF in your Viator message inbox)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Nearest train station - JR Saga Arashiyama Meeting Point is : JR Saga Arashiyama Station, Exit right at the ticket gates (See PDF in your Viator message inbox)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kyoto Bike Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- E-bikes and youth bikes are available upon request (additional fee may apply)
- *AGE REQUIREMENT: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Please book our "Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour (Infants & Toddlers)" for families with children under 10 years of age.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 335 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
335 verified traveler reviews for Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Bike and monkeys
Our guide was very knowledgeable and spoke great English. Yuki was his name. Gave many recommendations and knew all there was to know. Would highly recommend!!
via Viator
Amazing bicycle experience
We had the best experience with our guide Peter. I can really recommend this to all. You get around seeing a lot on your bicycle also areas with no tourists.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re excited to hear you had such a great experience with Peter. One of the highlights of our Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour is exploring the quieter neighborhoods and hidden spots that many visitors never get to see, in addition to the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Kyoto again someday! Kind regards, Kyoto Bike Tour
via Tripadvisor
Great way to see the highlights of Kyoto
What a fun day! We went in the heat of the day in July so it ended up just being our family of 4 (husband, myself and two sons, 18 and 16) on this tour. Worked out great as we were able to customize this to fit our needs. Our guide Rob did an amazing job of keeping us cool with some frozen water bottles and electrolyte water. He also knew all the paths to keep us in the shade. Rob is fluent in English and Japanese so he was easy to understand and had an obvious passion for Japan and his job. Feeding the monkeys was a fantastic experience. Just know it is a doozy of a climb. My 50 year old body made it up to the top and Rob was very accommodating with the breaks. I’d recommend this tour as long as you’re good with a steep climb.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed exploring Arashiyama with Rob. It’s wonderful to hear that the frozen water, electrolytes, and shaded routes helped make the tour comfortable despite the July heat. We’re also glad you enjoyed the Monkey Park and the hidden spots beyond the Bamboo Forest. Thank you for recommending our tour, and we hope to welcome your family back again! Kind regards, Kyoto Bike Tour
via Tripadvisor
Bike tour in Kyoto
This bike tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan! Cycling through Arashiyama was the perfect way to experience the area. We visited the bamboo forest, the monkey park, beautiful temples and several hidden spots that we would never have found on our own. The pace was relaxed, the bikes were comfortable, and the route was easy to follow. The combination of sightseeing, cycling and local insights made this experience much more memorable than simply walking around on our own. If you're visiting Kyoto and want to see more than just the typical tourist spots, we highly recommend this tour. It was excellent value for money and an experience we won't forget. We did the tour in 35°C+ heat, but our guide made sure everyone stayed comfortable by planning plenty of stops for water (included, thanks!!), shade, and short breaks. Thank you Peter!
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots was one of the highlights of your trip to Japan. Exploring Arashiyama by bike is a wonderful way to discover not only the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park, but also the peaceful temples and hidden corners that many visitors miss. We’re especially pleased to hear that Peter helped keep everyone comfortable despite the summer heat with plenty of water breaks, shade, and a relaxed pace. Creating an enjoyable and safe experience is always our priority. Thank you for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Kyoto for another ride in the future! Kind regards, Kyoto Bike Tour
via Tripadvisor
Greatest bike tour ever!...
Greatest bike tour ever! Our guide Yuki was so knowledgeable and friendly. We learned so much on this tour and the spots that we went to were so beautiful and fun. Definitely recommend! Ask for Yuki for the best time ever.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear you had such a great experience on our Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots. It’s wonderful that Yuki’s knowledge and friendly personality helped make the tour both fun and memorable, and that you enjoyed the beautiful places you visited along the way. Thank you for your recommendation and your kind words about Yuki. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Kyoto for another ride in the future! Kind regards, Kyoto Bike Tour
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 117
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots cost?
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Prices start at $17000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 335 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots?
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Around 117 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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