Kyoto: E-Bike Tour to Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion

Summary

Cycle Kyoto’s lanes to Tenryu-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji gold leaf pond

You’ll cycle quiet Kyoto lanes with a local guide, pass blooming plum trees and bustling markets, wander through Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, and pause at temples like Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji. Expect small sensory moments—a whiff of incense or moss under your hand—and time for both stories and silence.

What’s the experience like?

We started the Kyoto e-bike tour outside a little shop where our guide, Yuji, adjusted my helmet and grinned at my clumsy attempt to say “ohayou gozaimasu.” He was patient—maybe amused? The bikes were lined up neatly, but I could already smell incense from a nearby shrine drifting through the morning air. A couple of locals passed by, bowing slightly as they hurried along. There was something about that gesture—so quick but so full of meaning—that stuck with me all day.

Rolling through narrow backstreets, we stopped near a cluster of plum trees in full bloom (I didn’t expect them to smell so sweet). Yuji explained how this shrine connects to Sugawara no Michizane—the deity of learning. He pointed out a flea market setting up for the 25th; old women arranging ceramics on tatami mats, a man frying something that made my stomach growl even though it was barely 10am. If you’re thinking about a day trip in Kyoto that feels both relaxed and packed with moments like this, this e-bike tour is probably it.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was quieter than I imagined—just the sound of wind tapping against those tall green stalks. For a minute I forgot we were still inside a city. Yuji let us walk ahead alone for a bit. I tried to take it in without snapping photos (failed, honestly). Then we biked over to Tenryu-ji Temple’s gardens—there’s moss everywhere and the stones are cold if you touch them. Lunch came somewhere in between (I lost track of time), but I remember sitting under some low branches, eating quietly while an old man swept leaves nearby.

Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion—was our last stop. The gold leaf really does catch the light in a way that feels unreal, especially with clouds moving fast overhead. Yuji told us about its history as a retirement villa before it became a Zen temple. I tried to sketch the reflection in my notebook but gave up after two lines—some things just don’t fit on paper, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kyoto's historic sites by e-bike

• Get fitted for helmet and bike
• Visit shrine with 1000 plum trees
• Explore bustling flea market
• Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Stroll Tenryu-ji Temple garden
• Tour Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavilion

Top questions

Is this Kyoto e-bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are entrance fees included on the Kyoto e-bike tour?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in the price.

Does the tour include bottled water or lunch?

Bottled water is provided; lunch is during free time between stops but not specifically included.

Which temples do we visit on this day trip from Kyoto?

You’ll visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) during the tour.

How long do we spend biking versus sightseeing?

The remaining time after temple visits is spent biking between locations and having lunch.

Is there hotel pickup for this Kyoto bike tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s special about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on this tour?

You’ll walk through it—it’s quieter than expected and very atmospheric among soaring bamboo stalks.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an e-bike with helmet fitting at the start, bottled water throughout, all entry fees and taxes covered at each stop, plus plenty of time biking between temples and gardens—with breaks for lunch along the way before returning to where you started.