Kyoto Satoyama Cycling in Nantan With the Electric Assist Bike

Exploring Kyoto’s lush Nantan region by electric assist bike offers a uniquely rewarding experience. This guided cycling tour allows visitors to coast effortlessly through stunning natural landscapes, uncovering the area’s cultural gems along the way. With high-quality bicycles, a hearty lunch, and engaging activities like traditional dress-up, the tour promises an immersive adventure that connects travelers with Japan’s revered heritage. What surprises await as you venture into this enchanting countryside oasis?

Good To Know

• Explore the Nantan region in Kyoto Prefecture through a cycling tour with electric-assisted bicycles, lasting 10-20 minutes between destinations.
• Tour includes a hearty lunch, bottled water, and access to restroom facilities on the bicycles.
• Participants can take photos in traditional Japanese kimonos and play the koto, a traditional string instrument.
• The tour starts and ends at the bicycle rental office, accessible via a 30-meter walk and stair descent from JR Sonobe Station.
• The tour offers optional activities like visiting a local castle and worshipping at Shinto shrines, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Tour Overview and Details

The Kyoto Satoyama Cycling with Electric Assist Bike tour offers an exciting way to explore the beautiful Nantan region of Kyoto Prefecture.

The 10-20 minute cycling between destinations is made easy with electric-assisted bikes. The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers and costs 15,000 yen per person, or 12,000 yen per person for groups of two or more.

Included are lunch, bottled water, and a restroom. The tour starts and ends at a bicycle rental office near JR Sonobe Station.

Optional extras like visiting a castle or playing the Koto can be added. Most travelers can participate, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Inclusions and Amenities

The Kyoto Satoyama Cycling with Electric Assist Bike tour includes a hearty lunch and refreshing bottled mineral water along with lunchtime drinks.

Travelers can also enjoy these additional amenities:

• A restroom on board the bicycles
• High-quality bicycles and helmets with built-in headphones and microphones
• Ability to take photos in a traditional Japanese kimono
• Play the koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument
• Explore the nearby Mario Mountain as part of the tour experience

These inclusions ensure a comfortable, immersive, and well-rounded cycling adventure through the scenic Kyoto countryside.

Meeting and End Point

To begin the tour, travelers can meet at the Mizobe-6-21 Sonobechō Oyama Higashimachi location in Nantan, Kyoto. After exiting JR Sonobe Station, a 30-meter walk and stair descent leads to the bicycle rental office. The tour will return to this starting point at the end.

Additional Activities and Options

Along With the core cycling experience, the tour includes several extra activities and options travelers can select from.

Participants can visit a local castle, pay respects at Shinto shrines, sample fresh spring water, dress up in a traditional kimono for photos, or even have a go at playing the koto.

The tour guide will be happy to accommodate these requests, so be sure to let them know at the start of the tour.

With so many cultural experiences packed into the day, travelers are sure to leave with memories that go beyond just the cycling portion of the journey.

• Visit a castle
• Worship at Shinto shrines
• Drink spring water
• Take photos in a kimono
• Play the koto

Cancellation Policy and Accessibility

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time, which is in the local time zone. In case of bad weather, the tour operator will send notifications by 5:00 PM the day before. Travelers will then have the option to reschedule, receive transportation by car, or cancel without any fees.

Exploring the Nantan Satoyama Landscape

Although the tour starts and ends at the convenient bicycle rental office, travelers will spend the majority of their time immersed in the serene Nantan Satoyama landscape.

This unique countryside setting features:

• Picturesque rice paddies and farmland
• Lush forests and meandering streams
• Traditional rural homes and historic structures
• Friendly locals tending to their gardens and orchards
• Opportunities to spot wildlife like birds and butterflies

With the electric assist bikes, participants can easily navigate the gentle slopes and explore this beautiful, sustainable ecosystem at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and local way of life.

Riding the Electric Assist Bikes

The electric assist bikes provided for the Kyoto Satoyama Cycling tour make traversing the undulating terrain effortless.

With a simple push of a button, the bike’s motor seamlessly kicks in, propelling riders up hills and through rolling landscapes. Cyclists can choose from multiple assist levels, tailoring the experience to their fitness and preferences.

Complimentary noise-cancelling headphones allow riders to enjoy the serene countryside while the built-in mic lets them communicate with the guide.

These high-quality electric bikes ensure the cycling experience is comfortable, fun, and accessible for participants of all skill levels.

Highlights of the Kyoto Cycling Experience

One of the highlights of the Kyoto Satoyama Cycling tour is the opportunity to take in the serene natural landscapes surrounding Nantan.

Riders can:

• Coast through charming rural villages, marveling at traditional architecture and friendly locals
• Pause at a tranquil temple or shrine, taking in the peaceful atmosphere
• Sip refreshing spring water from a local well, a centuries-old tradition
• Pose for a photo in a rented kimono, capturing the essence of Japanese culture
• Explore the slopes of Mario Mountain, a picturesque peak with panoramic views

The electric-assisted bikes make it easy to cover ground and savor the best of Kyoto’s countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

According to the tour overview, travelers are allowed to take photos and videos during the cycling tour. The high-quality bicycles even come equipped with built-in headphones and microphones, making it convenient to capture the scenic countryside.

Can the Electric Bikes Be Ridden Without Assistance?

The electric bikes can be ridden without assistance, though the electric motor provides a boost when needed. This allows cyclists of varying fitness levels to enjoy the scenic tour comfortably.

What Safety Precautions Are in Place for the Cycling?

The tour provides high-quality bicycles and helmets with built-in headphones and microphones for safety. Riders can communicate with the guide and get assistance as needed. Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions, ensuring participant safety.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks, but the tour includes a provided lunch and bottled mineral water. This allows travelers to enjoy the convenience of having some refreshments included in the experience.

Is There an Age or Fitness Requirement to Participate?

There doesn’t seem to be a stated age or fitness requirement to participate. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions. It’s best to check with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

The Kyoto Satoyama Cycling tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Kyoto’s Nantan region. With electric assist bikes, you’ll enjoy a smooth and effortless ride between stunning destinations. From exploring local castles to dressing in traditional kimonos, this intimate adventure provides a memorable way to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage.