Arashiyama Bamboo Forest rickshaw tour: the private lane, price and what to expect
What makes the rickshaw unique
A rickshaw is not a bus and it is not a walking tour. It is the only wheeled vehicle allowed through its own lane in the bamboo grove. Buses use the main road. Walking tours use the main path. The rickshaw lane is private, narrower, and goes through a section of the grove where other vehicles cannot. That is what you are paying $50 for: access to a lane that other tours never see.
The vehicle is 74 cm (29.1 inches) wide. Two adults fit. Two children aged 5 and under can ride on laps; from age 6, adult pricing applies. Operator Ebisuya Rickshaw. 531 reviews, 5.0 rating.
Route options and timing
You choose your route at booking. Options range from 45 to 190 minutes depending on what you want to see and how long you want to spend. Shorter routes focus on the grove; longer routes add nearby temples or the river. Work with the operator to pick your timing.
Who should book the rickshaw
- People who want a private, quiet experience through the grove.
- Anyone who wants to photograph and does not want other tourists in the frame.
- Couples and small groups (max 2 adults) who want an intimate tour.
- People with mobility issues who cannot walk the full path but can ride.
- Anyone curious what the grove looks like from a pulled vehicle (it is quiet, the view is different, and the puller often knows local stories).
Who should not book the rickshaw
- Groups larger than 2 adults (max 2 children on laps; you cannot book multiple rickshaws on one tour, it is a solo booking).
- People on a tight budget. The grove is free and the $50 rickshaw is the most expensive per-minute way to see it.
- Anyone who wants a full day of temples and experiences. The rickshaw is 45–190 minutes of the grove, not a full day.
Reviewers note the private lane is the thing you are actually paying for. Multiple travelers specifically mentioned they had never seen this part of the grove on foot.
Read all fifteen tours or the price breakdown for other $40–$60 options.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the rickshaw $50 if the grove is free?
The rickshaw uses the only lane where wheels are allowed — a private track no bus and no walking tour may use. That access is what costs money. The grove itself remains free.
Can a group book multiple rickshaws?
No. A rickshaw tour is a solo booking, not a fleet. If your group is larger than 2 adults, you need separate bookings.
How many people fit in a rickshaw?
Max 2 adults. Two children aged 5 and under can ride on laps. From age 6, adult pricing applies (so a 6-year-old counts as a seat and you can only fit 1 adult + 1 child, or 2 adults if no kids).
What is the difference between the short and long rickshaw routes?
You choose at booking. Shorter routes (45 min) focus on the bamboo. Longer routes (up to 190 min) add nearby sights, temples, or the river. Ask the operator what fits your time.
Is the rickshaw good for photography?
Yes. You move slowly, you have time to frame shots, and the private lane means fewer other tourists in frame. Multiple reviewers mentioned this.
Is the rickshaw accessible for people with mobility issues?
More accessible than a walking tour because you are not hiking steps. But confirm with the operator whether the terrain is suitable for your specific needs.
Can I book the rickshaw together with other activities?
The rickshaw is 45–190 minutes on its own. You could combine it with a temple visit before or after, but the booking itself is the rickshaw lane only.