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Biking Around Kyoto Japan: Best Routes and Rentals

Kyoto, Japan is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and beautiful landscapes. One of the best ways to explore Kyoto and its surroundings is by biking. With its well-maintained cycling infrastructure and numerous scenic routes, biking offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers. In this article, we will guide you through the best biking routes in Kyoto and provide information on bike rentals to help you make the most of your cycling adventure.

Exploring Arashiyama: Bamboo Forest and Beyond

Arashiyama is a picturesque district located in the western part of Kyoto. It is famous for its bamboo groves, temples, and scenic landscapes. Biking through Arashiyama allows you to immerse yourself in nature while exploring its iconic attractions. Some key highlights of biking in Arashiyama include:

• Bamboo Grove: Experience the enchanting beauty of the bamboo forest as you cycle along the designated paths. The towering bamboo stalks create a serene and mystical atmosphere.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: Visit one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its beautiful Zen gardens and historic buildings. Take a moment to admire the stunning views of the temple from the nearby Togetsukyo Bridge.
• Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: Take a break from cycling and hike up to the monkey park. Interact with the friendly monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Path: Explore the bamboo grove on foot by parking your bike and taking a leisurely stroll along the walking path. This allows for a more immersive experience.

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Discovering the Philosopher’s Path: Tranquility Along the Canal

The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic route along the canal that stretches from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nanzen-ji Temple. It is named after the famous philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk this path daily for meditation. Biking along the Philosopher’s Path offers a peaceful and serene experience, with cherry blossom trees lining the canal during spring. Here are some highlights of this route:

• Ginkaku-ji Temple: Start your journey at the Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple known for its simple yet elegant architecture. Explore the temple grounds and its beautiful moss gardens.
• Honen-in Temple: Make a stop at this hidden gem, a tranquil temple surrounded by lush greenery. Admire the serene atmosphere and the beautiful gardens.
• Nanzen-ji Temple: End your biking adventure at Nanzen-ji, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Explore the spacious temple grounds and visit the famous Sanmon gate.
• Cherry Blossom Viewing: If you visit during spring, the Philosopher’s Path is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the blooming sakura trees.

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Exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Thousand Torii Gates

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and visited attractions. This Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that lead up to the sacred Mount Inari. Biking around Fushimi Inari allows you to explore the shrine complex and its surrounding forested trails. Here are some highlights:

• Main Shrine Buildings: Start your visit by exploring the main shrine buildings and learning about the history and significance of Fushimi Inari Taisha.
• Thousand Torii Gates: Embark on a unique biking experience as you cycle through the torii gates. Each gate is donated by individuals or businesses and represents a wish or prayer.
• Mount Inari Hike: Park your bike and hike up Mount Inari for panoramic views of Kyoto. The trail is lined with smaller shrines and offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.
• Exploring the Forest Trails: Venture beyond the main path and explore the forested trails surrounding Fushimi Inari. Discover hidden shrines and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

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Bike Rentals in Kyoto

To fully enjoy your biking experience in Kyoto, it’s important to find a reliable bike rental service. Luckily, Kyoto offers numerous options for bike rentals, ranging from traditional bicycles to electric bikes. Here are some recommended bike rental services in Kyoto:

• KCTP Rental Cycle: Located near Kyoto Station, KCTP Rental Cycle offers a wide range of bicycles for all ages. They also provide English maps and helmets for safety.
• COGICOGI: With multiple locations throughout Kyoto, COGICOGI is a popular bike rental service that offers both regular and electric bikes. They have user-friendly rental kiosks and provide English instructions.
• Green Wheels: Known for their high-quality electric bikes, Green Wheels provides an eco-friendly and comfortable biking experience. They offer English support and have rental locations near major attractions.
• Traditional Machiya Bike Rental: Experience Kyoto’s traditional charm by renting a bicycle from a machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) rental service. These bikes often come with baskets and can be found in various locations throughout the city.

Conclusion

Biking around Kyoto Japan is a fantastic way to explore the city’s cultural and natural wonders. Whether you choose to bike through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, along the serene Philosopher’s Path, or around the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, each route offers a unique experience filled with breathtaking sights and cultural discoveries. Remember to choose a reliable bike rental service and enjoy the freedom and adventure of biking in Kyoto.

References

– kyoto.travel
– japan-guide.com
– kyotostation.com
– kyotobiketours.com