Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Bike Tours (Morning & Afternoon) review
What you get
Pick morning (3.5 h, early start, smaller crowds) or afternoon (4 h, Monkey Park leg). Both start from Saga-Arashiyama. Bike, helmet, water, and all entry fees included. The guide wears a Kyoto Bike Tours shirt and helmet at the meeting point. Morning covers the bamboo grove on bike, local stations, and Tenryū-ji temple. Afternoon adds a 20-minute Monkey Park hike. 4.9 from combined morning and afternoon reviews.
What works
- Bikes let you cover more ground than walking in less time
- All admissions included; no separate fees
- Morning catches the empty-grove light at 6:30 or 7 a.m.
- Afternoon includes Monkey Park entry and a real hike
- Don, Rob, and Cassiano are named for guides
- Water and helmet provided
Worth knowing
- Not casual; it’s a fitness tour
- Monkey Park hike is 20 min uphill with steps
- Japanese roads and traffic; only for confident riders
- Early morning (morning tour) means 6 a.m. wake-up
- Afternoon tour is 4 hours; that’s most of a day
Morning tour is the move if you want the bamboo grove quiet. Early light is also the best for photos. Afternoon tour is the move if you want Monkey Park entry bundled. Wear shorts or loose trousers; Asian bikes sometimes sit upright. Bring water; the guide provides some but not enough for 3.5 hours.
Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.
Check ticket availabilityWho it’s for
Confident cyclists, anyone who wants more ground covered than a walking tour, fitness enthusiasts. Morning tour for photography buffs and early risers. Afternoon tour for Monkey Park fans. Not for people who hate bikes or poor cyclists; Japanese roads aren’t forgiving. If you want walking, pick the $40 or $51 walk tours instead.
What guests say
Jan loved the morning light. Monique praised the speed of coverage. Anniek travelled with an 11-year-old and found it suitable for fit kids. Alco (afternoon) noted the Monkey Park hike was worth the ride. With 259 reviews at 4.9 stars, bike-tour consistency is strong.
Other tours to consider
Best all-in valueTemple & monkey park entry includedKyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Matcha, Monkeys & Temple Tour
The rickshaw-only laneKyoto: Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest
Frequently asked questions
Is the morning tour better than the afternoon?
Depends. Morning (3.5 h) gets the empty grove and best light for photos. Afternoon (4 h) adds Monkey Park entry. Both are 4.9 stars.
Can I ride if I’m not fit?
It’s not a casual pedal. This is a fitness tour. If you haven’t biked in years, walk instead.
Is the Monkey Park hike hard?
20 minutes uphill with steps. Not a scramble, but you notice it after 4 hours on a bike.
Are children welcome?
Anniek rode with an 11-year-old and found it good for fit kids. Younger children may struggle.
What if I fall or crash?
You’re on Japanese roads. Wear a helmet (provided). Ride at your own pace; crashes aren’t the tour’s fault if you push too hard.