The Kyoto Yamashiro Chaikuru Route
Located at the southern tip of Kyoto prefecture, the Kyoto Yamashiro Chaikuru Route makes for an inspiring ride through one of Japan’s most beautiful villages, Wazuka. Known for its lush tea plantations and serene landscapes, Wazuka provides an enchanting backdrop for cycling enthusiasts.
Introduction
Located at the southern tip of Kyoto prefecture, the Kyoto Yamashiro Chaikuru Route makes for an inspiring ride through one of Japan’s most beautiful villages, Wazuka. Known for its lush tea plantations and serene landscapes, Wazuka provides an enchanting backdrop for cycling enthusiasts.
The ride out and back from RBRJ (Kyoto) makes for a wonderful 93-kilometer ride. For advanced cyclists, the route makes for a fun and rewarding 1-day ride. For those wanting to go slower, there are plenty of sights along the way to spread the ride over a couple if not a few days. Chushojima is an underrated yet scenic district of Kyoto, with its beautiful canal. Further along the route is the picturesque town of Uji, known for its cultural heritage and green tea.
Opening RBRJ (Kyoto) has given us the chance to go deeper into the Kyoto prefecture countryside and join some of the dots from the old routes we knew with areas we had heard a lot about. I have cycled through Uji many times from Osaka so with the new Kyoto shop, we had a new approach to Uji, taking us through the very underrated Chushojima in southern Kyoto. From Uji, I had also wanted to see where the ‘Kyoto Yamashiro Chakuru Cycle Route’ floor markings would take me. The answer, Wazuka – recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. It did not and will not disappoint.
Route (Clockwise)
Route Highlights
RBRJ to Chushojima
Starting from RBRJ Kyoto, the ride to pick up the Kyoto Yamashiro Chaikuru Route begins by heading south along the Higashi Takase River. Not many cars use the path on top of the riverbank but the path is narrow so you may need to give way if you encounter vehicles. As you cycle down the path, look to the east and you’ll see the abandoned Fushimi-Momoyama Castle perched up on the hill. Further down, you’ll pass the Matsumoto Sake Brewery before turning left at the Nawate Bridge and rolling down to Takeda-Kaido Street.
Takeda-kaido Street leads into the Chushojima area, known for its sake breweries, samurai history and beautiful canal. It’s an interesting district to pass through on a one-day ride but worth exploring for those looking for activities in Kyoto away from the crowds. More information on the area can be found on the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide.
Navigating your way through Chushojima, the route takes you across the Keihan Line and onto the Uji River. I find it easier to ride under the Kangetsu Bridge before looping back and crossing it to the other side. It’s a 7-kilometre road ride to Uji.
Uji and beyond
The first landmark you’ll see as you approach Uji is Uji Bridge, believed to date back to the 7th Century and featured in several historical works. The hills and river flowing to the south make a beautiful backdrop for any photos taken from the bridge.
The Strava route above takes Route 3 instead of the cobbled path, Byodo-in Omotesando. I prefer to take the latter but you’ll need to be patient navigating through the tourists visiting Byodo-in if you do. The Byodo-in Omotesando joins the riverside path, which runs along the Uji River with some nice views of To-no shima until you’ll join Route 3. The climbing starts here.
Similar to Chushojima, Uji is a great place to spend more time exploring. More information Uji can be found on the Japan guide.
It’s a beautiful and scenic ride as you ascend on Route 3, leaving Uji behind. At the Amagase Dam, the Uji River changes to the Seta River, which is fed from Lake Biwa. A couple of kilometres after the dam, continue going straight onto Route 62, following the sign to Koka and the beautiful Tahara River. On the rolling hills down to Ujitawara, you’ll start to see the light brown floor markings for the Kyoto Yamashiro Chakuru Line.
At the traffic lights, the floor markings indicate to turn right and then left to pick up route 307. I prefer continuing straight through the quieter streets of Ujitawara and joining route 307 near the Kitani Tea shop. Following the 307, you will start to see a few tea tree fields on the left as you approach Lawsons. Time for a pit stop!
Further along the 307 at the Ujitawara Post Office, you have the option to continue straight on the 307 or follow the light brown floor markings for the Kyoto Yamashiro Chakuru Line and turn right. Following the 307 is easier from a navigational point of view but you may be interested to follow the brown line to Nagatani Soen Seika before rejoining the 307.
There are a few tunnels further along the 307. It’s possible to bypass the Osugi Tunnel but it’s safer to cross to the right-hand side path as you approach both the Chaya and Urajiro Tunnels. The right turn for Wazuka is 500 metres after exiting the Urajiro Tunnel.
Wazuka
As soon as you start rolling down into the heart of Wazuka, you are welcomed to one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. The descent down Route 5 is fun and the scenery is exquisite. Rolling down next to the Watsuka River, beautiful green tea tree fields serve to provide a breathtaking backdrop to this quiet part of the Kyoto countryside.
Teashops are dotted along the route but our favourite has to be dan-dan cafe. With its terrace overlooking the fields, we just love the view here. We’ve been lucky so far to avoid crowds here but I expect it to be busy at weekends during Spring and Autumn.
Returning on the Kizu and Katsura Rivers
After leaving Wazuka, continue to follow the light brown chevrons to the south side of the Kizu River. It is possible to take the 163 after leaving Wazuka but this is a busy road and not recommended. Following the south side of the Kizu River is a quieter alternative.
North of Kizu, you’ll start seeing the signs for the Keinawa Cycle Road on the Kizu River. Heading north for approximately 25km on the flat Kizu River section of the Keinawa Cycle Road, you’ll make your way to Sakarua-de-ai Hall, a popular resting spot for local cyclists, before joining the Katsura River, which takes you back to within a couple of kilometres of RBRJ (Kyoto).
Conclusion
The Kyoto Yamashiro Chaikuru Route promises an exquisite ride through this wonderful but underrated part of Kansai. Descending through Wazuka is by far the highlight of the ride but Chushojima and Uji have their own unique appeal that warrant more time if visiting the area. Since opening RBRJ (Kyoto), we’ve been riding, exploring and developing our best routes of Kyoto list and the Kyoto Yamashiro Chakuru Route is definitely a worthy addition.
Cafes and Accommodation
Uji/Wazuka/Chushojima 1-Day Cycling Journey
UJI
Restaurants / Cafe
・Shubaku (Soba / Udon)
Access: 13-1 Ujihigashiuchi , Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
Access: 13-1 Ujihigashiuchi , Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
・Nakamura Tokichi Honten Main Store (Traditional teahouse)
Access: 10 Ichiban, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
・Tsuen Main Branch (Traditional teahouse)
Access: 1 Ujihigashiuchi , Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
・Salon de The Consolateur (Traditional Japanese Cafe)
Access: 55-7, Ujimataburi, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
Sites
・Byodo-in Hoodo (World Heritage Buddhist temple)
Access: 117 Renge, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
・Ujigami Jinja (Japanese Oldest Shinto shrine)
Access: 59 Ujiyamada, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
・Manpuku-ji (Buddhist temple)
34 Wanbanwari, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011
・Mimuroto-ji Temple (Buddhist temple)
21 Todoshigatani, Uji, Kyoto 611-0013
・Shoju-in (Buddhist temple)
149 Kawakami, Okuyamada, Ujitawara, Tsuzuki District, Kyoto 610-0211
WAZUKA
Restaurant / Cafe
・Wazukaya (Tea Soba noodle shop)
Access: 21 Hatsuo-daira, Ishidera, Wazuka-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-1221
Access: 1-1, Higashidani, Ishidera, Wazuka-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-1221
Access: 35-35 Shirasuohazama, Soraku District, Kyoto 619-1222
Sites
・Ishidera tea fields (tea fields in the morning mist)
Access: 82, Marutsuka, Ishidera, Wazuka-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-1221
・Harayama Enkei Chabatake
Access: 8 Kamide, Harayama, Wazuka-cho, Soraku District, Kyoto 610-1202
・Wazuka Tenmangu
Access: 4 Otsuka, Sono, Wazuka-cho, Soraku District, Kyoto 619-1201
Accommodation
・Enu to Enu (Farmstay)
Access: 30-30 Nakasugadani, Wazuka, Soraku District, Kyoto 619-1205
✔ Cyclist-Friendly Amenities: The inn offers secure bike storage and a welcoming environment
✔ Immersive Tea Culture Experience: Immersing in Wazuka’s famous tea culture, with opportunities to learn about tea farming and enjoy freshly brewed local tea.
✔ Tranquil Rural Setting: Located amidst lush tea fields, the inn provides a serene and picturesque retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of cycling through the countryside.
Access: 25-5 Shishigaguchi, Shirasu, Wazuka, Soraku District, Kyoto 619-1222
✔ Cyclist-Friendly Services: With secure bike storage, comfortable accommodations
✔ Perfect Location: They are located in the heart of Wazuka’s beautiful tea fields, offering easy access to scenic cycling routes and stunning rural landscapes.
Access: 228 Shioyamachi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8046
✔ Relaxation with Local Touch: The inn features unique experiences like tea baths and meals made with locally sourced ingredients
CHUSHOJIMA
Restaurant / Cafe
Access: 185-1 Kamiaburakake-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8047
Access: 582-6 Omotemachi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8219
・Shimao Coffee
Access: 278 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8045
Sites
Access: 247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8660
Access: 247 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8043
・Chokenji Temple (Buddhist temple) Access: 511 Higashiyanagi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8211
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