Kyoto Satoyama Cycling with Lunch and English Guide
487073P1
487073P1
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Overview
Only 30 minutes by train from Kyoto City, Sonobe offers a peaceful Satoyama landscape where you can hear birds singing and the river flowing.
Enjoy a western-style lunch course made with local ingredients in a traditional Japanese house restaurant, with one drink included. Vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly meals are available on request.
Optional cultural experiences are available:
⭐︎ Koto (traditional Japanese instrument) 2,000 yen per group
⭐︎ Traditional tea ceremony 1,000 yen per person
Please pay in cash on-site on the tour day.
A perfect chance to enjoy authentic Japanese culture and countryside life.
Tour at a glance
What's included
- Bottled mineral water, lunchtime drinks
- Lunch
- Bicycle use
- Use of high-quality helmets with built-in headphones and microphones
- On-board restrooms
Itinerary
-
1
Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine
Sure, here is the English translation: This is the oldest Tenmangu Shrine in Japan. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and many people visit to pray for success in their exams. For those who wish to visit, a guide will provide a tour in English. Amulets and other items are available for purchase.
10 min Admission free -
2
The ruins of Sonobe Castle
This is the last castle built in Japan. It is currently used as the main gate of Sonobe High School. The remaining structures include the main gate, castle walls, turrets, and guardhouse. Depending on the schedule, it may be possible to enter the gate. Please consult us if you are interested.
20 min Admission free -
3
Using a closed elementary school, you can experience making soba noodles using buckwheat flour harvested in the local area and enjoy freshly boiled soba. Tempura and rice balls are also served.
1h 50m Admission free -
4
Make Shrine
This shrine enshrines the god of agriculture from the Tanba region, which has historically supported the food supply of Kyoto. The main hall's roof is a traditional thatched roof. Here, you can learn the proper way to worship at a Shinto shrine. You can also experience the serene atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine.
30 min Admission free
Meeting & pickup
Everyone meets at the start point.
Schedule
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total duration of the tour includes the travel time by bicycle. The travel time between each point is approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
- Depending on the options you choose, some activities may take a bit more time. For example, exploring Mt. Komugi, the birthplace of Mario, may extend the tour past 2 PM. Please be aware of this possibility.
- Additionally, you can choose two or three extra experiences from the options , which are included in the tour price. Please let us know at the start of the tour. Castle(visit), Shinto shrines (worship), Drinking Spring water(over a small mountain), Taking a photo in a Kimono, Playing the Koto(Japanese traditional installment), Mario Mountain Exploration
- In case of cancellation due to bad weather, we will notify the reservation holders by 5:00 PM the day before. At that time, you can either transportation by car or reschedule for another date or cancel your reservation. No cancellation fee will be charged.
- Participation Fee: 15,000 yen for one person
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveller reviews
I led a school group from the US to participate in this bike tour. I'm from Kyoto, but it was my first time visiting Sonobe and making soba on my own. The nature in Sonobe was so beautiful and my friends told me that the view looked like a Ghibli movie. The tour day became a refreshing and fun time for us because we stayed in Kyoto city which had too many people. The tour became unforgettable memories. I definitely recommend this bike tour.
This was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it; especially for larger groups. We traveled with 16 people: 12 high school students, 2 adults, and my two children. This tour provided the exact experience of Japan that I was looking for. We explored the countryside, learned how to make soba noodles from scratch, and visited a beautifully historic home that has been transformed into a tea room, where we enjoyed amazing strawberry filled parfaits . At the end of the day, Maki, our tour guide, played traditional Japanese music and even invited everyone to try playing the koto. As a high school teacher planning an educational trip to Japan, this tour checked every box. The guides were incredible! Maki was waiting for us at the train station with everything ready to go. I truly felt they went above and beyond and we really felt special. While we were in Japan, we visited many incredible places, but when we returned home to New Hampshire, my two children said the bike tour was their favorite part of the entire trip.
Along the countryside road, with fresh environment and air, views of mountains, fields, Japanese houses, shrines, and trees, cycling becomes even more enjoyable. We had a wonderful cycling tour, exploring the area and learning about Japanese culture. We also enjoyed a delicious and filling lunch at Kaeruno Oyado for just 1,500 yen. It was an amazing cycling tour experience in Kyoto, and I would highly recommend it!
The tour was a wonderful experience. With a friendly tour guide and electric bike, I was able to enjoy the sights of sonobe. Sonobe is really beautiful in the view from cycling. Also, the tour agency informed us in advance what to wear in forecast of weather and prepared full of Safety equipment.
Very Nice place, The atmosphere in sonobe city so fresh The trip very amazing and warmly The providing lot activities to do. I would recommend one day trip in here. Not far from Kyoto city Let's try to explore a new experience in Kyoto.
I have a wonderful experience with this tour. I get to experience rural part of Kyoto with its beautiful view and delicious food. Our guide, Maki san, also provide valuable information about the local place and local culture. Her energy and enthusiasm also make the tour more enjoyable.
I definitely recommend this tour, it is very interesting, the weather and the countryside was amazing, also highly recommend to have lunch in Kaeyuno Oyado restaurant.
Beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and great company made the Sonobe cycling trip unforgettable. The delicious lunch was a perfect bonus to an already amazing day. Highly recommend!
Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 5h.
Is hotel pickup included?
Everyone meets at the start point.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Which languages is the guide available in?
Guide languages: JA, EN
On which days does it run?
It runs Every day. Starts 10:00
How fast is the booking confirmed?
Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only.
Where do I complete the booking?
On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.
Product code 487073P1
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