Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills

Outty Ranking 60 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $18700
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills worth booking?

Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills is a 5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $18700 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
5 hours
From
$18700 per person

This Kyoto Bike Tour will take you on a wonderful yet challenging cycling route that will take you beyond the city lines of North Kyoto and into the hills that make the backdrop of beautiful Kyoto. The tour is for inter

What you get

  • Bottled water
  • Bicycle use
  • Guide

About this experience

This Kyoto Bike Tour will take you on a wonderful yet challenging cycling route that will take you beyond the city lines of North Kyoto and into the hills that make the backdrop of beautiful Kyoto. The tour is for intermediate to advanced cyclists that hit an elevation 400 metres, however, beginners are also welcome. The main goal of the tour is to discover the amazing nature and cycling routes that are easily accessible from Kyoto city. The route takes in a variety of cycling that quickly passes through the popular Arashiyama area before tackling the progressive climb that leads to the way to the forested areas of Takao and Yamanaka. There is the option to stop at the secluded Kosanji Temple. The scenery is spectacular with the sound of white water ebbing its way down to Kyoto, on both the outbound and inbound legs of the route. The winding roads up the mountain are a cyclist's dream and not to be missed.

What's included

Included

  • Bottled water
  • Bicycle use
  • Guide

What you'll see and do

  1. Togetsukyo Bridge

    We'll ride through the beautiful town of Arashiyama and cross this historic bridge as we leave Kyoto for the hills

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Kyoto

Please meet us at Road Bike Rental Japan (Kyoto) in Higashiyama ward, Kyoto.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Please meet us at Road Bike Rental Japan (Kyoto) in Higashiyama ward, Kyoto.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
ja, en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 6 travelers per booking
Operated by
Road Bike Rental Japan

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 a high level of physical fitness
  • Recommended for regular cyclists who are comfortable cycling 70+ kms. The route has challenging climbs and fast descents.

Photos

Hirosawa IkeSeiryōji TempleFollowing the Kiyotaki RiverArashiyama

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

2 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

1 mention

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Food and drink

1 mention

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Pace and timing

1 mention

Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

Traveler reviews

3 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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Andrew M · May 2026

Good mix of city and mountain cycling

We had a great ride with our guide, Don. Good pace to take in the sights. Moderate climbing for us older but keen cyclists. A few tourist spots to stop at leaving the city and wonderful quiet mountain roads before looping back

Response from the operator: Hi Andrew. Many thanks for riding with Don on our Northern Hills Tour in Kyoto. We are glad you had a good ride and really appreciate the review. Safe travels. Regards, Gareth & Team RBRJ.

via Tripadvisor

Z551YEdominicb · September 2025

Incredible way to experience Kyoto and get in a workout!

It was the ride of a lifetime! I took the Northern Kyoto Hills (72km) route with my guide Dave. When I arrived Mayu helped me ensure my bike was ready to roll an I was prepared for my big journey. I normally ride about 35km so this ride was a challenge, but that’s what I was looking for. There are options for different routes and customization of those routes with your guide. My amazing guide Dave explained some local history and showed me some temples along the way as we rode. I was in no hurry so we stopped for a small lunch and checked out a local flea market along the way. The actual route was incredibly beautiful, starting in the city and making our way into the hills to the north of Kyoto. We took windy country roads with nice long climbs and speedy downhill runs passing lush green forests and small mountain towns. I wanted to describe this ride as a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I am determined now to return and take another phenomenal route with Dave sometime in the future! I should mention I speak almost no Japanese and both Dave and Mayu are fluent English speakers. If you are a cyclist and are traveling to Kyoto or their other regions (Osaka and Lake Biwa) you have to check this out! It was the highlight of my vacation.

Response from the operator: Hi Dominic. I hope you are recovering well. Many thanks for such a kind review. We are really happy to see that you enjoyed your ride into the Northern Hills and want to congratulate you on finishing the 72km course with Dave. Thank you for cycling with us in Kyoto. We really look forward to seeing you in the future. Safe travels. Regards, Gareth and Team RBRJ.

via Tripadvisor

Justin C · September 2025

Riding northern hills of Kyoto

Fab ride with Dom exploring the northern hills around Kyoto. Great bike, absolutely no problems and great guy to cycle round with. Tad hot but plenty of shade

Response from the operator: Hi Justin. Many thanks again for riding with us! We are glad you could explore the Northern Hills of Kyoto and tick cycling in Japan off your bucket list. The review is really appreciated. Safe travels to you and your family. Regards, Gareth & Team RBRJ

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
18+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
1
Verdict
Solid Choice

Who runs this experience

Operated by Road Bike Rental Japan, who run 9 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.0.

See everything Road Bike Rental Japan runs

Why this scores 60

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
Review evidence (18% weight)19
Booking momentum (14% weight)11
Value for money (12% weight)47
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)52
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.

How much does Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills cost?

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Prices start at $18700 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 Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills take?

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Plan for about 5 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 Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills?

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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 Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills?

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Around 1 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Kyoto Cycling Tour - Discover the Stunning Northern Hills 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 : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens, 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.

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