Kyoto by Bike — Three Landscapes, One City Discover Kyoto’s history through three remarkable landscapes, exploring how nature, belief and design have shaped the city. At Shimogamo Shrine, the woodland and sacred streams of Tadasu no Mori introduce the story of this area before Kyoto became Japan’s capital. At Kyoto Gyoen, the park surrounding the Imperial Palace, we uncover a vanished neighbourhood of aristocratic residences. Today’s spacious parkland tells the story of Kyoto’s transformation after the imperial court moved to Tokyo, as the former court neighbourhood was reshaped into a public green space. At Heian Jingu, we discover a city reinventing itself after the imperial court moved to Tokyo, drawing on its past to create a new future. Travelling between these places by bicycle, I’ll share insights from my background in landscape architecture and garden history, with time to look closely, ask questions and enjoy Kyoto along the way. 3 hours · ¥12,000 per person Bicycle hire included. Contact me to ask about your preferred date.
Northern Kyoto by Bike — Shrines, a Zen Garden & a Picnic Explore Kyoto’s northern neighbourhoods and landscapes on a five-hour bicycle tour connecting sacred woodland, a quiet Zen garden and the story of the imperial city. We begin at Shimogamo Shrine, where the forest and sacred streams introduce Kyoto’s history before it became Japan’s capital. From here, we cycle north to its sister shrine, Kamigamo—a place with a special personal connection, as this is where I was married. Our journey continues to Shodenji, a hillside temple in northern Kyoto, where we pause to appreciate its Zen garden and the relationship between its carefully composed landscape and the scenery beyond. Returning alongside the Kamo River, we stop at Demachiyanagi’s neighbourhood shopping street to choose some local bites for a picnic in Kyoto Gyoen, the park surrounding the Imperial Palace. Here, we discover how a neighbourhood of aristocratic residences became public parkland after the imperial court moved to Tokyo. We finish at Heian Jingu, exploring how Kyoto drew on its past to reinvent itself. Throughout the tour, I’ll share insights from my background in landscape architecture and garden history, alongside personal stories of life in Kyoto. 5 hours · ¥20,000 per person Includes your guided tour, bicycle hire, garden admission fees and picnic food. Please let me know about any dietary requirements when enquiring. Ask about your preferred date using the contact form.
Explore Kyoto on foot or by bicycle, with a route shaped around your interests. Whether you’re drawn to Japanese gardens, historic streets, shrines or everyday neighbourhoods, I’ll help you discover the places and stories that interest you most. Tell me your preferred date, how much time you have and what you would enjoy seeing. We’ll agree on a route, pace and price before you book. Use the contact form to start planning your tour.
this tour is simply the best… don’t think twice and book it!
Must-do experience in Kyoto if you care about nature, being active, and exploring away from the tourist hotspots! Russ knocked our tour out of the park on so many levels. His welcoming and friendly approach immediately made me feel comfortable. The tours through various gardens that one normally wouldn’t go to on a Kyoto visit and small touches in his relationships with local vendors made this great. I can’t recommend his tour enough!