Our Guides

Our guides are what make Cycle Kyoto special. We’re a small, international team of Kyoto locals and long-term residents who love exploring the city by bike and sharing the places, stories and everyday details that make it such an incredible place to live. Everyone brings their own personality and perspective to a tour, but they all have one thing in common: they know Kyoto incredibly well and love showing it off.

Come ride with us and meet the people behind Cycle Kyoto.

Shaune (English)

I love exploring Kyoto by bicycle, from quiet lanes and riverside paths to shrines and temples. I think cycling offers a unique way to experience the city and discover unexpected corners, and see how centuries of history remain part of everyday life.

Juan (Spanish, English and Japanese)

Hello! I’m a San Diego native who fell in love with Kyoto and has lived here for years. It’s an extraordinary city where centuries of Japanese art, tradition, and history come alive. Let me show you my favorite parts of home! We’ll ride along the river and explore tranquil backstreets.

Mayco (English and Japanese)

Born and raised in Japan and a lover of food, drink, travel and cats. I enjoy sharing the importance of the old capital of Kyoto for us Japanese and insights only locals can tell.

Quin (English and Japanese)

I dig magical trees, 9 fingered geisha, and shapeshifting raccoons. I delight in spiritual wordplay, tactile history, and back paths twistier than strictly necessary. I'm addicted to 3 year old tea, 500 year old true crime, and 8 million gods. Luckily Kyoto has all of these.

Momoto (English and Japanese)

Hi I’m Momo, I love sharing Kyoto's history, hidden streets, local cafés, and unique spots, and I’m always happy to recommend great places for sightseeing, food, and shopping. My goal is to make every tour unique, personal and epic!

Indra (English, Japanese, Indonesian)

With 13 years of experience guided thousands of tours, I will help you to understand Japanese culture, history and its society in a fun and easy way while navigating the city through back alleyways, hidden spots and beautiful sceneries. And of course maintaining smooth and safe travel with respect towards the local manners. Hope to see you soon!

Paul (English and Japanese)

Winding through Kyoto's backstreets lets us explore some of the city's less visited corners and get a much better feel for the history. After all, you can't throw a rock in Kyoto without hitting a centuries old shrine, temple, or hole-in-the-wall restaurant (though the authorities strongly discourage this).

Julian (English)

Finding the magic. The scenic route. Quiet back streets. Ongoing discovery. Hidden gems. Folklore & enchantment. Architectural marvels. Feeling the cultural vibes, following the atmospheres. The charms of Kyoto life. Nature's wonder. Waterways & wood. Fun chats and food!

Keith (Eng, French, Jap)

Keith is from Montreal, Canada, where he taught Roman history and Greek Mythology at Concordia University. He has lived in Japan for almost 30 years, where he teaches at University, farms organically, plays in 2 bands, and is a Certified Forest Bathing Guide with the Shinrinyoku Association. With a genuine love of people, history, Eastern philosophy, nature and life, his tours provide a wealth of knowledge of the fantastic temples and shrines, interesting social life, natural beauty and joy of this incredible city.

Karl  (English)

Hi everyone, please call me Karl. I’m originally from England, but I settled in Kyoto twenty years ago. It’s my pleasure to share with you the beauty, culture, and cuisine of this wonderful city that I’m fortunate to experience every day. I look forward to answering your questions and getting to know you.

Jay (English and Japanese)

New York -> Kyoto. Besides the magnificence of preserved history, its the natural beauty, culture and the tastes of the city that I focus on. I know every shortcut! I published “Lovesic in Kyoto,” I’m deeply involved in music and education. It’s a privilege to show off Kyoto in its splendor .