Around Kyoto city
This is a classic cycling course that goes around Kyoto city, stopping at the city's main tourist attractions.
This is the classic route through Kyoto City, cycling along the two major rivers that flow through Kyoto City (Katsura River and Kamo River), passing by the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkakuji Temple, Tetsugaku no Michi, and the Senbon Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
JR Kyoto Station
On this page, we will start from Kyoto Station, which is used by many travelers. There are many bike rental shops around Kyoto Station.
Kyoto has many slopes, so we recommend e-bikes for comfortable cycling.
Kyoto Bike rental and tours saiin(Our store)
The only ebikes rental and bike tours specialty store in Kyoto City.You can enjoy a comfortable long ride through Arashiyama's bamboo forest, Wazuka town's tea fields, Miyama town's thatched roofs, and Lake Biwa.
Katsura River Cycling Road
Katsura River is one of the two major rivers located on the west side of Kyoto City. If you ride north on the Katsuragawa Cycling Road, you will reach Arashiyama, which is famous for its bamboo forest and monkey park.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This is a noble area with the tombs of the imperial family and related facilities. The road from the station to the bamboo forest is the epitome of overtourism, with more people than bamboo. After parking in the bicycle parking lot and walking a little through the crowded area, take a bike ride to the less crowded Sagano area to the north.
Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation District
On the way from the Arashiyama bamboo forest to Mt. Atago, you will come across the Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation District, with its beautiful old-fashioned townscape.
Kinkakuji Temple
This is an area where you can enjoy a stroll through the golden temple and the large garden. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, located just south of the temple, also has an exhibition of national treasures such as Japanese swords and demon hunting, which are also recommended. It is far from the train station, so the buses are crowded.
Kamo River
Many cyclists praise Kamo River cycling. The Kamo River runs through the north and south of Kyoto City, and the area along the river is loved by locals as a cycling path.
Philosopher's Path
This area is home to the Philosopher’s Path, Ginkakuji Temple, and Nanzenji Temple, and is relatively quiet, retaining the atmosphere of an old temple town. There is also a bicycle path next to the Philosopher’s Path, so you can cycle leisurely and in the cool. There are also several free bicycle parking areas.
Nanzenji Temple
Chion-in Temple
Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, located in Hayashishita-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.It is one of the representative buildings of the Higashiyama area and is located near Kyoto's downtown area, so it is very crowded during the day.
It is also included as a stop on guided cycling tours of Kyoto City, but I personally recommend visiting at night when it is less crowded and the magical lights are lit.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
It is famous for its Senbon Torii gates and the mystical Inariyama trekking route. The shrine entrance from the station is incredibly crowded.
The cycling route inside Inariyama is not obvious to tourists, so it is best to take a guided tour or park at the nearby bicycle parking lot and walk.