
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 759 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) worth booking?
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) is a 3-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from ¥17,000 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 759 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (759)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- ¥17,000 per person
Discover the true essence of Arashiyama with our exclusive bike tour, offering early access and a journey beyond what most visitors see. Explore Kyoto’s most naturally beautiful area, known for its blend of cultural and natural wonders, including charming rice fields, photogenic landscapes, and scenic country backstreets far removed from the city’s bustle. Ride along Kyoto’s most breathtaking roads and uncover the hidden gems of Arashiyama beyond the iconic Bamboo Forest . As the only Arashiyama-based bike tour, we’re excited to share the unmatched beauty and depth of this captivating region with you. *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 you get
About this experience
Discover the true essence of Arashiyama with our exclusive bike tour, offering early access and a journey beyond what most visitors see. Explore Kyoto’s most naturally beautiful area, known for its blend of cultural and natural wonders, including charming rice fields, photogenic landscapes, and scenic country backstreets far removed from the city’s bustle. Ride along Kyoto’s most breathtaking roads and uncover the hidden gems of Arashiyama beyond the iconic Bamboo Forest . As the only Arashiyama-based bike tour, we’re excited to share the unmatched beauty and depth of this captivating region with you. *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
- Bottled water
- Bicycle
- Helmet
Not included
- Gratuity for your guide (always appreciated!)
- Hotel pick up or drop off
- E-bike (We use standard Cannondale city bikes)
What you'll see and do
Bamboo Forest Street
Explore the beauty of the bamboo and be transfixed by the one of the top soundscapes of Japan. This is one of the top visited places in Kyoto and provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable photo.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
Stroll through one of the most beautiful Japanese Zen gardens in Kyoto at the World Heritage Tenryuji Temple.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Arashiyama
Cycle to quiet temples and quirky shrines along the stunning scenic backstreets of Arashiyama. Arashiyama is Kyoto's most naturally beautiful area, known for its blend of cultural and natural wonders.
120 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please provide heights of all guests at time of booking
- All guests will be required to sign a liability release waiver prior to the tour
- *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 753 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
753 verified traveler reviews for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beat the crowds for a morning cycle ride
Your definitely should do this! Almost now crowds, beautiful cool morning weather. Our guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable.
via Viator
Kyoto bike tour must do
The bike ride was one of the highlights of my 10 day trip to Japan. Our guide was fabulous. His explanations and personal stories to explain Japanese cultural elements was informative and helped me to appreciate my Japanese trip, which is exactly the reason for my trip. We travelled / walked 20km at a comfortable leisurely pace and never felt hurried. I would recommend this tour. Thanks so much for a great tour.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Tour!
Our tour guide Rick and this overall tour was amazing! I have three young adult boys and this was one of their favorite things we did in Kyoto. It was a good combination of biking and visiting landmarks. I would highly recommend. Thanks for such a great morning Rick!
via Tripadvisor
Great bike tour
We had a great time on the Kyoto Bike Tour with our guide, Don. It was such a relaxed and enjoyable way to explore Arashiyama, taking in the beautiful bamboo forest and the stunning Zen garden at Tenryu-ji Temple. Don was really friendly and knowledgeable, sharing lots of interesting information along the way without making the tour feel rushed. We really enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely recommend Kyoto Bike Tour and Don to anyone visiting Kyoto.
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant tour!
We had an exceptional, informative day out with Yuki. Not even the rain could dampen our enthusiasm. We highly recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 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
- 266
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kyoto Bike Tour, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 83.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Kyoto Bike Tour runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) cost?
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Prices start at ¥17,000 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 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 759 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 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)?
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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 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)?
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Around 266 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture 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.
What is included in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)?
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Included: Native English speaking bilingual guide; Bottled water; Bicycle; and Helmet. Not included: Gratuity for your guide (always appreciated!); Hotel pick up or drop off; and E-bike (We use standard Cannondale city bikes). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)?
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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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: *AGE REQUIREMENT: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Please book our ". If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)?
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Across 759 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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