Kyoto City Cycle Route
Kyoto revealed: 48 km of serene temples, scenic paths, and handpicked local spots.
Introduction
Kyoto City is famous for its more than 1,600 temples and 400 shrines. However, most travelers only visit the big sites that are easily accessible by public transportation. This ride is meant to change all that. This is a 48 kilometer course taking you into the back streets of Kyoto along rivers and through temple complexes. We have marked many great coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping spots as well!
This ride is designed for more casual riders who want to get off their bike throughout the day and explore at their own pace. The elevation gain is minimal with only a few minor inclines. We recommend using one of our tour bicycles for this ride, as there are parts of the course that have gravel paths.
Kyoto City Cycle Route
Distance: 48km / 30ml
Élévation: 256m
Start / End location: Road Bike Rental Japan Kyoto Shop
Google Maps Link: Click here to see in Google Maps
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
- Riding along the peaceful Kamo River
- Exploring the Imperial Palace grounds, around Nijo Castle, and into multiple temple complexes
- Cruising through Sanjo shopping street with a vast amount of cafes and food stalls
- Experiencing the tranquil rice fields and bamboo forest to the west of Kyoto city
We start from Road Bike Rental Japan’s Kyoto shop just south of Takeda Station.
Just three blocks from the shop lies the entrance to Anrakuju-in, a temple ground that dates back to 1137. It houses the tombs of not one but two of Japan’s emperors: Emperor Toba and Emperor Konoe.
From there, it’s just a few blocks to Aburakoji Street with its double lane sidewalks for easy riding.
We’ll be going along this road until we hit one of Japan’s national treasures: the Nintendo Development Center. Nintendo dates all the way back to 1889 and remains one of Kyoto’s most famous companies. While they don’t allow visitors, be sure to take a picture as you go by the front gate.
Heading away from Nintendo, we come to the tranquil Kamo River where you may spot cranes, herons, ducks, and more of Kyoto’s wildlife. This is a peaceful five and a half kilometer ride along the river. The entrance to the river path is pictured below; you will need to take the path veering to the left.
As you ride along the river, there is one bridge you will need to cross to get from the left side of the river to the right side. Get off at the exit pictured below. You will pass a church on your left.
Then cross this bridge, which is off to the right:
As soon as you cross the bridge, look to your left to see this entrance back onto the river path:
The path along the river is smooth and offers a great way to speed through central Kyoto. As you ride, be wary of pedestrians and a few areas where the path becomes a bit thinner.
If you have time for a quick snack, one of our favorite gelato / ice cream shops in Kyoto isn’t far away. It’s called Babbi and has bicycle parking just across the street/canal from its front door. If you’re doing this route in the reverse order, this is a great way to close the ride! Open from 1pm everyday.
Once arriving at Nijo Dori Street, we break away from the river and head into the city proper. You’ll do a hard U-turn to get off the river path followed by crossing Nijo bridge. The exit and bridge are pictured below.
After riding along some city streets with cute shops on the side, our next destination is the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
You’ll arrive at the southeast corner of the garden. As we head north, there will be a small walking / cycling path on the left. This path can be hard to spot, so look for the spot pictured below (middle pic).
This path will lead us into one of the east entrances of the palace.
Before entering the palace grounds though, be sure to check out Coffee Base Nashinoki. This cute little cafe is tucked away just outside of the Seiwain Gomon Gate (on the east side) of the Imperial Palace. Bicycle parking is next to the torii gate by the cafe.
We then make our way through the imperial palace from the Seiwain Gomon gate. The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence for the emperors of Japan for over 1,000 years. While you are unable to go into the main residence, everyone is allowed to roam the grounds freely and at their leisure.
As you enter the Seiwan Gomon gate, take the path to the right (the middle picture below).
The path here turns into dirt followed by gravel, so beginners may want to take their time going through this next section.
After going through the palace grounds, we head to another serene temple complex known as Sokokuji Monzencho. Along the way, you will pass Doshisha University, a well-known and highly regarded school in Japan. Also, if you’re in the mood for cheesecake or other desserts, you should look no further than Papa Jon’s cafe.
From here, we are now going to travel the city streets making our way back down south.
Just before reaching Nijo Castle, there is another great cafe called Songbird Coffee located on the second floor. This is a great place to stop for some delicious curry and an awesome banana matcha shake. Bicycle parking is available right next to the entrance door. Closed on Thursdays.
We then cross over Horikawa Dori Street (Route 38), and keep heading down south.
On our right, we’ll pass the entrance to Nijo Castle. Bicycle parking is available next to the entrance of Nijojo Mae subway station, which is a bit past the main entrance of the castle. Take the time to stop here and marvel at the impressive architecture. The pictures do not do this place justice. The castle grounds are huge and the interior of the castle is unlike any other. You may want to give yourself a good 90 minutes for this stop.
Continuing back on our route, we’ll make our way through the Sanjo shopping arcade, which runs for almost 1 kilometer. This is a bicycle-friendly shopping street filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
We recommend checking out a snack called “taiyaki” at a place called Kyoangashi Daruma. Their food stand is outside, so you can order it from your bike! Closed on Tuesdays.
Not far up the road is a shopping mall called Bivi. On the second floor is an arcade filled with crane machines and other games. If you are looking for a little souvenir for yourself, this might be a great place to check out. Bicycle parking is available all around the building.
Or, if you still haven’t eaten yet, there is also a revolving sushi chain restaurant known as Kura nearby. For some reasonably priced and delicious sushi, you can’t go wrong with this one!
We’ll then be making our way back up north towards Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The god of this shrine is regarded as the deity of scholastic studies and is often visited by high school students looking to pass their university entrance exams.
It’s free to walk the shrine’s grounds. Bicycle parking is available just to the left of the entrance at the giant torii gate shown below (left pic).
Just around the corner from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is yet another shrine called Hirano Shrine. Known for its abundant cherry blossoms, this shrine houses “the god of new life and vitality” as well as “the god of productive power”. If you feel you may be procrastinating in life, this could be the perfect place to buy an amulet for yourself. Shown above with the yellow torii gate.
Less than a kilometer away is the beautiful Golden Pavilion. Just outside the entrance is bicycle parking. You’ll find it on the right-hand side of the road. The Golden Pavilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major historical landmark in Kyoto.
The Golden Pavilion grounds are not large and can be completely viewed in roughly 30 to 45 minutes. So, do not skip this one!
As we make our way south again, you’ll pass by many convenience stores, super markets, as well as a retro video game shop called a-too. For anyone wanting to feel some childhood nostalgia, take a few minutes to stop in.
We then come to Myoshin-ji temple complex with beautiful stone paths. Take your time as you explore this former palace. One of this temple’s claims to fame is that they have the oldest known temple bell that is still in use, which was originally cast in the year 698.
We then make our way through a residential area to Ninna-ji temple. With a massive gate and beautiful garden, the views here are incredible. Bicycle parking is available off to the right of the gate.
If you’re starting to feel hungry again, you’ll soon be coming to Hashigo Cafe or “Ladder” cafe. They serve a delicious hamburger steak plate and have a large selection of drinks. Closed on Thursdays and Wednesdays.
By now, we are starting to hit the west end of Kyoto city, which starts to feel more like the countryside. You’ll pass by some local shrines and ride by the enchanting Hirosawa Pond. During the Obon holiday, a lantern festival is held here to send off the spirits of the dead.
You’ll also see the rice fields to your left. The roads may feel like private property out here, but it is all public. The rice from these fields is not just for regular consumption, but is also used at many of Kyoto’s local sake breweries. Make sure to take in all the vistas out here!
We’ll then make our way towards Arashiyama, home of the famed bamboo forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryuuji Temple. You’ll also pass the entrance gate of Seiryo-ji temple on your left. Make sure to get a shot of the entrance gate as you go down the street from it.
There is bicycle parking on both sides of the JR Saga Arashiyama train station. This area has a main street filled with shops, tons of local food, and plenty of areas to explore on foot. The entrance area to the bamboo forest is also pictured below. It lies between these two buildings:
The entrance to Tenryuji Temple, famed for its garden, is also just down the street.
As you make your way out of Arashiyama, you’ll pass over the Togetsukyo Bridge. This is a famous landmark of the Arashiyama area and just after you cross it, look for the stone path on the left. There are a number of small food stands and restaurants here. We are personally fans of the strawberry rice cakes at the shop at the end of this street. They are sold at a stand outside, so you can ride right up and get one!
We finally make our way back along the Keinawa Cycling Road. This cycling path goes for 180 kilometers (see our other blog on the Keinawa Cycling Road). Today, we will only be going about 13 kilometers as we make our way back to the Road Bike Rental Japan shop. Take this time to reflect on the day as you ride along this quiet and serene course.
The start of the Keinawa Cycling Road is pictured below.
Conclusion
Kyoto is overflowing with wonders, yet most visitors barely scratch the surface. The Kyoto City Cycle Route reveals a deeper side of the city that few ever experience.
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