The Good Day Velo: Early Morning Bicycle Tour in Kyoto


2019.10.11

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

The Good Day Velo:  Early Morning Bike Tour in Kyoto

As one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Japan, Kyoto receives more than 50 million tourists every year.
One tip for exploring this tourist-packed city is to start your day early with a morning bicycle tour offered by The Good Day Velo.
Beginning at 7:30 am, the tour allows you to completely soak up the traditional, atmospheric landscape that this ancient city has to offer.

  • 01

    What is The Good Day Velo?

    The Good Day Velo

    The Good Day Velo

    Centered around the concept of “Slow Bike, Slow Coffee and Sweet Life”, The Good Day Velo provides a bicycle rental service, as well as top-quality coffee.
    The store has three different early morning bicycle tours, covering not only the major sightseeing spots but also off-the-beaten-track sights that delight tourists from all over the world.

  • 02

    Make a Reservation

    Make a Reservation

    Make a Reservation

    The store usually opens at 9:00 am, so an online reservation is essential if you wish to go for the morning ride.
    Once you access the store website, click RESERVE and type in your personal information, as well as your preferred route.
    Each bicycle tour will accommodate from two to six people.

  • 03

    Route Choices

    Route Choices

    Route Choices

    There are three tour route choices available, which can be selected when you make a reservation online.
    The tour costs 3,000 yen per person and the package includes an English-speaking guide, a rental bike, and a complimentary coffee or craft beer after the tour.
    The estimated duration of the tour is between two and two and a half hours. Each route is uniquely curated to explore a side of the city that tourists might not otherwise experience.

  • 04

    ー Back Alley Route

    Gion

    Gion

    Kyoto Imperial Palace and Park

    Kyoto Imperial Palace and Park

    This tour starts from Miyagawa-cho and Gion, two famous Geisha districts that are packed with traditional teahouses and restaurants built in the Machiya style.
    The tour follows the Shirakawa River where iconic stone bridges and weeping cherry trees will catch your eye.
    Towards the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself in the nostalgic neighborhood of Demachiyanagi and the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Park.

  • 05

    ー River and Canalside Route

    Kamo River

    Kamo River

    Kamo River

    Kamo River

    Enjoy a soothing river and canal-side ride along this route, which begins on the banks of the expansive Kamo River that carves through Kyoto.
    The tour takes you to Nanzenji, which encompasses a Roman-style aqueduct that was originally constructed to form the canal system between Kyoto and Lake Biwako.

    The itinerary also includes areas like Tadasu-no-mori (糺の森) and Nakaragi-no-michi (半ら木の道) which is a famous cherry tree spot, creating a refreshing route that is abundant in nature.

  • 06

    ー Hiking Route

    Mt. Daimonji

    Mt. Daimonji

    Philosopher's Path

    Philosopher's Path

    If you want a little bit more exercise than just cycling, then this tour is for you.
    It begins with a relaxing visit to the Kamo River and Biwako Canal, followed by a 20-minute hike to Mt. Daimonji.
    This summit is famed for the burning character of Dai (大) on its mountainside, which wows tourists and locals alike during the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Festival in August.

  • 07

    Choosing your Bicycles

    XTRACYCLE (Cargo Bike)

    XTRACYCLE (Cargo Bike)

    Simple Velo

    Simple Velo

    The store offers three types of rental bicycles for you to select from.
    Depending on your needs, you can also rent a child seat or cycle trailer.

    ー Simple Velo
    Those who want a standard bike can go for the Simple Velo with 26-inch wheels. Being a fixed-gear bicycle, it does a great job in helping you to get around the city.
    This minimalist bike comes with a mini front basket, making it easy to carry your belongings.

    ー Small Velo
    The Small Velo is a 7-speed bike with 20-inch wheels.
    Thanks to its compact design, you can easily park this bike on the backstreets of Kyoto while taking a peek at souvenir shops or making a brief stop at a cafe.

    ー XTRACYCLE (Cargo Bike)
    Those traveling with small children should opt for this large, sturdy bike that’s equipped with a flat platform and a wire basket at the rear.
    Thanks to its 27-speed gears, you won't find it too difficult to maneuver, even with extra loads, making for a fun and carefree ride.

  • 08

    Things to look forward to at the end of your tour

    With a Coffee

    With a Coffee

    When your cycling itinerary is complete, it's time to recharge with a coffee or craft beer.
    The shop serves a flavorful, top-quality coffee that’s sourced from a famous Japanese roastery, Obscura Coffee Roasters.
    Sipping a cup of good coffee will help to recharge you for the rest of the day.

    With a glass of Craft Beer

    With a glass of Craft Beer

  • 09

    Access and Opening hours

    The Good Day Velo

    The Good Day Velo

    The store can be found on the corner of Anekoji street and Sakaimachi street, just a five-minute walk from Karasuma Oike station.
    Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
    The store is closed on Mondays, every third Sunday of every month, and also has irregular holidays.

    THE GOOD DAY VELO
    place
    京都府京都市中京区堺町通姉小路下る大阪材木町685-1
    phone
    075-606-5345
    info
    【URL】http://thegooddayvelo.com/index_en.html
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