
Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 339 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys worth booking?
Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $110 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 339 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (339)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $110 per person
See a wilder side of Kyoto on an adventurous afternoon bike tour through scenic Arashiyama. Ideal for families with teens, couples and travelers ready for a change from temple sightseeing. Our 1 p.m. start leaves your morning free. At Iwatayama Monkey Park, take an approximately 20-minute uphill walk to see Japanese macaques and panoramic city views. Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji’s World Heritage Zen garden and Togetsukyo Bridge, with quieter backstreets and local discoveries between stops. Based right here in Arashiyama, Kyoto Bike Tour brings local knowledge and stories to your ride. Bicycle, helmet, bottled water and admission fees are included. AGE REQUIREMENT: Riders must be at least 10 and confident cycling independently. For children under 10, book our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour (Infants & Toddlers).
What you get
About this experience
See a wilder side of Kyoto on an adventurous afternoon bike tour through scenic Arashiyama. Ideal for families with teens, couples and travelers ready for a change from temple sightseeing. Our 1 p.m. start leaves your morning free. At Iwatayama Monkey Park, take an approximately 20-minute uphill walk to see Japanese macaques and panoramic city views. Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji’s World Heritage Zen garden and Togetsukyo Bridge, with quieter backstreets and local discoveries between stops. Based right here in Arashiyama, Kyoto Bike Tour brings local knowledge and stories to your ride. Bicycle, helmet, bottled water and admission fees are included. AGE REQUIREMENT: Riders must be at least 10 and confident cycling independently. For children under 10, book our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour (Infants & Toddlers).
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 339 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
339 verified traveler reviews for Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must do experience with Don!
Wow, what a great half-day bike trip with Don. On our e-bikes, he guided the three of us to the following places: 1. Togetsukyo Bridge 2. Monkey Park 3. Matsuo Shrine 4. Bamboo Forest 5. Tennryuji Temple He was extremely knowledgeable about all these places and was proactive about offering information both on the history and culture. He also provided lots of extra tidbits of information and answered all of our questions. It was the first time I wrote an e-bike and it was wonderful. Big kudos to Don.
via Tripadvisor
Really enjoyed this tour....
Really enjoyed this tour. Rob was a great guide. Very knowledgeable. We were able to get plenty of great photos with the monkeys.
via Viator
Amazing tour!
A great tour, our tour leader Don, really knew his facts! Glad to have done it! Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone else going to Kyoto! The extra biking to see the back area, and the rice farms, was so cool, and I'm so glad we did that!
via Viator
Exceptional tour!
Don was exceptional. Knew everything we were seeing and some great paths to ride to ensure everyone was safe. So much fun. Best way to see everything and back streets you wouldn’t normally visit!
via Viator
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!!
Response from the operator: We are thrilled you enjoyed your afternoon exploring Arashiyama with Yuki! It’s great to hear that his knowledge and recommendations added to the experience. Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope you took away some great memories and ideas for the rest of your time in Kyoto! 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
- Price range
- $110 to $17,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 119
- 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 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys cost?
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Prices start at $110 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 339 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys?
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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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys?
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Around 119 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys?
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Included: Native English speaking bilingual guide; Admission fees; Bicycle; Bottled water; and Helmet. Not included: No hotel pickup or drop off; Gratuity for your guide (always appreciated!); 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys?
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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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys?
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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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and *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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys 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 Wild Kyoto: An Afternoon of Bikes, Bamboo & Monkeys?
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Across 339 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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