Private tour in Kyoto Russ M

Kyoto Off-the-beaten Path Bike Tour

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Russ M.

0.0

Guide rating

0

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello! I’m a professional guide from Wales, and for the past seven years, I’ve been sharing my passion for Kyoto history, culture, and nature with travelers. With a Master’s in Garden History from the University of Bristol and a Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Education from the University of Wales, I specialize in uncovering the stories behind Kyoto’s breathtaking gardens and landscapes. I first came to Japan in 2010 as a musician touring with my band. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with this country’s culture and married someone from Kanazawa . My background as a songwriter has made me a skilled storyteller, able to bring places to life with humor and personal connections. A fellow guide once told me I make people feel instantly at ease—a compliment I treasure. Over the past decade, I’ve explored Kyoto in depth, discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures that I love sharing with guests. Whether it’s a tucked-away garden, a quiet temple, or a bustling corner of the Kansai live music scene, I’ll take you to places that most tourists never experience. I welcome travelers from all over the world and am happy to tailor tours to your interests. Whether you're a garden lover, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about Kyoto’s rich history and topography, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable. With countless 5-star reviews and a deep love for meeting people, I look forward to showing you the best of Kyoto and Kansai.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Russ M.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

When I came to live in Japan it was this area that I chose, making a home alongside the Takano River. For eight years the Tadasu no Mori (Forest of Truth) was my evening stroll although many Kyotoites are afraid to visit there at night! Let me take you to the less well known north of kyoto including- to the shrine I was married in and the place where David Bowie filmed a commercial for Japanese vodka

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

-Tadasu no Mori (the forest of truth) -Kawai shrine -Shimogamo main shrine -Takano River -Views of Mount Hiei (guardian mountain of Kyoto) -Takaragaike -Lunch -Kamigamo Shrine -Shodenji -Kamo river bike track descent -Demachiyanagi Shotengai -Imperial palace grounds local snacks As with every TourByLocals tour, this tour is of course customisable. Please contact me using the orange "message guide" button to discuss this. This tour does include lunch but if you have particular food requests please contact me and I can arrange this.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Bicycle

Japanese commuter bike

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: temple entry
Equipment: japanese commuter bike
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

We will meeet at the top of the escalator of exit 7 of Demachiyanagi station on the Keihan Line in Kyoto

Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Architecture
Religious Sites
Art And Culture
Food And Drink
Bike
Tour reference number
1399945
Languages
English
French
Japanese
Activity level
Moderate

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for travellers who want to explore the less frequented northern areas of the city. It's ideal for those interested in experiencing local culture and history, as well as for anyone looking to enjoy a unique biking adventure through scenic spots like the Tadasu no Mori, Kawai shrine, and the Takano River. With Russ M. as your guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the area from someone who has lived there for years.

Can this private tour in Kyoto be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Explore more of Kyoto
UNESCO: Full-day Tour in Kyoto – History and Culture Capital of Japan.Bespoke One-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsTomoko's Customized Kyoto Full Day TourExplore Kyoto Full Day Tour by MinivanKyoto highlights full day tour with a guide/photographerSummer sale! 1 Day_Best of Kyoto or Nara or Osaka with Kyoto-born native guideOne Day Kyoto customized tourKyoto Half-Day History/Culture Tour with Two Local Guides!Sunrise to sunset: the ultimate Kyoto experience8 hours Family trip in KyotoThe best course of Kyoto city tourA Super Packed Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary for First TimersKyoto in a Day: A Private Journey Through Time and Beauty(T5M)Kyoto 6 to 7hours Zero Emission Car Personalized Tour with a Japanese Tour Navigator(Nara optional)Savor Kyoto by Night: Hidden Delights & Historic StreetsA Leisurely Journey Through Kyoto’s Iconic SightsDiscover Gion – Kyoto’s Iconic Geisha DistrictKyoto Must-See Places - Private TourHalf-Day Kyoto Experience: Tailored Private TourMultiple Days_Kyoto and other cities with Kyoto-born native guideTwilight Elegance: A Night Stroll Through GionKyoto Highlight One Day TourKyoto Highlights Private Tour (Full day)Kyoto Day Tour with Two Local Guides!Private Tour - Your choice of KyotoKyoto Highlights Private TourWestern Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day TourFull day private guided tour of Must See in KyotoKyoto Night Food & Drink tour from Gion to Pontocho DistrictsSummer sale!! Half day Kyoto Tour with Kyoto-born native guide 2 full days Kyoto TourBespoke Half-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsA Beautiful Full Day Tour in KyotoBespoke Premium Tour: With Exclusive Access to Inaccessible Sites.Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour: Culture & Food Experience【2026】Kyoto Sakura tour with 2 guides!Enjoy multiday Kyoto’s timeless charm with private guideKyoto Half-day Private TourMagical Kyoto: 2-Hour Private Gion night walking TourKyoto Essence: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion by Private Car