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Discover the real Kyoto while cruising the streets of Japan’s cultural capital on this half-day Kyoto bike tour. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, the city streets have a lot to say, so make like the locals and jump on a bike to discover it all.
Start the day cycling along the Kamo River, taking in the views of the city’s downtown and passing the wealth of traditional riverside restaurants. Call by the Heian-Jingu Shrine, built in 1894 to commemorate the 1,100 anniversary of the foundation of the capital.
Next, weave your way along the quaint canals to reach the impressive Nanzenji Temple. Admire the temple’s spacious grounds and gardens, with the Higashiyama Mountains as their impressive backdrop. This is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan, so soak up the surrounds before jumping back on your bike and heading off down the Path of Philosophy.
Arguably the most popular walking path in Kyoto, the Path of Philosophy is shaded by hundreds of cherry trees that erupt into bloom every April. It's a spectacular sight to see then, but it's also rather beautiful the rest of the year as well. It's also a great place to contemplate the tranquillity and beauty of the area, just like Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, did when he named this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University.
Cycle back towards Kyoto Station, stopping by the World Heritage Listed Shimogamo Shrine en route to see its unique forested setting that was preserved during the modernisation of the city. We'll end this Kyoto city tour back at the city's buzzing station.
