Kyoto: Rickshaw Tour Higashiyama, Gion & Geisha District

Summary

Wooden lanes, temple gardens & rickshaw wheels turning in Kyoto

You’ll ride through Kyoto’s atmospheric Higashiyama and Gion districts in a private rickshaw with an English-speaking guide who shares stories along the way. Expect close-up views of wooden townhouses, temple gardens like Shoren-in, and glimpses of geisha life. You’ll feel both part of the city and gently apart from it — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the lacquered sides of the rickshaw, I felt a little ridiculous at first — two tourists being pulled through Kyoto’s Higashiyama by a guy with calves like tree trunks. But our driver, Satoshi, grinned up at us and asked if we wanted to see “old Kyoto or secret Kyoto?” (I panicked and said both.) The first few minutes were bumpy over the cobblestones, but then I started noticing things: lanterns swaying gently outside wooden houses, the faint smell of incense drifting from somewhere I couldn’t see. Satoshi pointed out a tiny bridge where he said couples take photos for good luck — I’m not sure if that’s true or just something he tells everyone, but it made me smile anyway.

We rolled past Chion-in’s massive gates and the air got quieter somehow, almost heavy with history. There was this moment when an older woman in a kimono nodded as we passed; I tried to nod back but probably just looked startled. At Shoren-in Temple, Satoshi let us hop down for a bit — cool moss underfoot, garden stones wet from last night’s rain. My partner tried to ask about the garden layout in Japanese and got totally tongue-tied; Satoshi laughed and answered in English anyway. He told us about how the temple used to be part of the imperial palace grounds. I’d read that online before but hearing him say it while standing there felt different — more real.

The route is customizable (Satoshi kept checking if we wanted to stop or keep going), but honestly I just liked watching Kyoto slide by at this slow pace. We ended near Yasaka Shrine where bells were ringing and someone was selling sweet rice cakes on sticks. The whole thing was oddly peaceful even though there were plenty of tourists around — maybe because you’re sort of above it all for a bit? Anyway, now whenever I hear those bells in my head I think of that ride — legs dangling off the edge of old Japan for an hour or so.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rickshaw tour of Higashiyama area

• Meet tour operator
• Pass landmark of Higashiyama
• Explore Geisha district and wooden houses
• Cross small bridge in traditional district
• Visit Shoren-in Temple and garden
• See Chion-in Temple
• Pass Yasaka Shrine in Gion area
• Travel on old cobblestone street

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto rickshaw tour last?

The duration varies depending on your chosen route and stops; discuss options with your guide before starting.

Is pickup included for this rickshaw tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start at the Kyoto Higashiyama branch rickshaw stand.

Are children allowed on the rickshaw tour?

Yes, children 5 years and under can ride on an adult’s lap (one child per adult); children using their own seat must book as adults.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, it’s wheelchair- and stroller-friendly; infants can ride in prams or on laps.

Can I customize my route during the tour?

Yes, routes are flexible based on your interests; discuss preferences with your guide before or during your ride.

Does this tour include Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?

No, this rickshaw tour covers only Higashiyama and nearby districts—not Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

What happens if I arrive late for my booking?

If you’re late by 10 minutes or more, your tour may be automatically canceled; time lost will be deducted from your total duration.

What’s included

Your day includes a private rickshaw ride through Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama area with an English-speaking local guide sharing stories along the way; you can customize stops at temples like Shoren-in or Chion-in as you go—just chat with your guide about what interests you most before setting off.