A unique chance to experience a more rural side of Japan only a short ride away from Kyoto. After leaving the city behind we’ll ride along rivers, past rice fields, vegetable groves and cedar forests to the village of Ohara. There, we’ll visit one of the oldest and finest temples in the Kyoto area, take a stroll in its beautiful gardens dotted in places with some unusual stone statues peeking out from the moss, maybe contemplate the gardens while sipping a cup of green tea. Later, after a few up and downs we’ll enter a new valley and head for Kibune, our second destination of the day, where we’ll have a well deserved lunch in one of the restaurants lining up along the mountain stream that runs through this quaint village. After lunch and a short and easy ride, we’ll reach our final destination, the historical village of Kurama where you’ll get the option of soaking in a natural outdoor hot spring set at the foot of the mountain, the best way to relax those tired muscles before heading back to Kyoto. Not bad for a day out in the country!
We generally leave at 9am, however departure time might vary slightly depending on the season, and on events in the area.
OTHER SAMPLE TRIPS
Central Kyoto: the water tour
Kyoto to Arashiyama by bike
Miyama: two-days bike tour
Takao to Arashiyama hike
Walking night tour of the Higashiyama District
<p>- Start from Sanjo, in the heart of Kyoto <br></p><p>- Follow upstream the Kamo and Takano rivers</p><p>- Ride to the picturesque village of Ohara</p><p>- Visit Sanzen-in temple and its beautiful gardens</p><p>- Leave Ohara, cross the Ebumi pass and enter the Kibune valley.</p><p>- Visit Kibune Shrine and have lunch in a restaurants by the river.</p><p>- Leave Kibune and ride to the village of Kurama Spa.</p><p>- Visit Yuki Shrine (optional).</p><p>- Experience a Japanese outdoor bath at Kurama Spa (optional).</p><p>- Head back to Kyoto on a mostly downhill ride.</p>