Cycling through Kyoto: A One-Day Experience (with Rental Guide)

If you want to avoid crowds and experience the leisurely life of Kyoto, try this cycling route:

Start at Nijo Castle

Rent a bike and start from Nijo Castle. Head north to Kyoto’s most renowned hand-drip coffee shop, Blend Kyoto, and savor a cup of rich blend coffee. Then, cross the street to Kyoto Imperial Palace, where you can bask in the warm sunlight and admire the blooming cherry blossoms. You can also join the playful children in the playground area and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

Along the Kamo River

After your coffee, continue cycling to the banks of the Kamo River. The cherry blossoms will be half in bloom, the grass will be fresh and green, and flocks of wild ducks will be swimming in the clear river. Along the riverbanks, people are walking their dogs, cycling, or chatting under the cherry trees. Across the river in Kamogawa Park, a group of kids in bright yellow jerseys are practicing soccer.

Visit Kamigamo Shrine and Kamomioya Shrine

While it’s still early, cycle to the farthest point, Kamigamo Shrine, and take a look around before heading back to Kamomioya Shrine. Unlike the popular tourist spots, these shrines are quiet and less crowded. The black shrine buildings are solemn and majestic, and the side courtyards feature trickling streams and lush moss. Kamomioya Shrine is surrounded by an ancient forest, and even on cloudy days, the green leaves of the maple trees are vibrant, making one look forward to the autumn scenery.

Bike Rental Guide

Kyoto has several bicycle rental options. I personally tried Hellocycling, and aside from being slightly pricey, I was satisfied overall. The electric-assist is especially bike-friendly for Kyoto's many slopes!

To find a rental point, search for "Hello cycling" on Google Maps and download the app with the same name to check available bikes and return locations. You can also reserve a bike up to 30 minutes in advance to ensure it’s not taken. The rental fee is hourly, with a daily cap of 1800 yen. When you need to park, simply use the mechanical lock, and to unlock, just click the "解錠" button in the app.

Parking Tips

Note that you can't park just anywhere in Kyoto. Here are a few parking tips:

• When dining at a restaurant or shopping at a convenience store, you can temporarily park by the wall or in designated areas near the entrance.
• Use Google Maps to search for "駐輪" to find dedicated bike parking spots, though these usually come with a fee.
• Attractions often have free parking areas. For example, Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigamo Shrine, and Kamomioya Shrine all have parking spots. I even saw many locals riding their bikes directly into Kyoto Gyoen, despite the sign at the entrance prohibiting bicycles.
• Check the Hello cycling app for nearby rental and return points. You can temporarily park without docking the bike into a rack, but be cautious as the system might register it as a return. To avoid automatic returns, it's best not to park at rental points during your ride.

By following this guide, you'll enjoy a peaceful and scenic cycling experience through Kyoto. Happy riding!