Cycling in Kyoto now easier with Road Bike Rental Japan

Osaka RBRJ to Kyoto RBRJ: A One Day Ride Guide

日本語版

Road Bike Rental Japan now has a location in Kyoto, and with that many more options for a one day cycle tour in Kansai!

Utilizing the Yodogawa cycle road, there are many options for one-way rides ranging from 45km to 70km that are appropriate for cyclists of all levels. 

One thing to keep in mind:
Yodogawa river cycling road has a couple dozen barriers between RBRJ Osaka and Kyoto city proper (over a 30km stretch). While it is a traffic-free cycle road, it can be a bit cumbersome at times to clip in and out along the way.  Don't let this stop you from enjoying the flat but lovely scenery!

Pick your rental cycle up in Osaka, cruise up Yodogawa and choose your adventure in Kyoto:

Sakura Deai Hall on the way to RBRJ Kyoto

Details
Distance: 43 km
Elevation: 58 m
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Continue straight across the southern Kyoto city after making a brief stop at Sakura Deai-kan and Iwashimizu Hachimangu for a great half day trip. 

Sakura Deai-Kan View from tower at the intersection of Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers

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Arashiyama area and Western Kyoto

Details
Distance: 66 km
Elevation:  149m
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Head up north on Katsura-gawa to check out Matsuo Taisha, Arashiyama, and Saga Bamboo forest before heading through the heart of Kyoto to RBRJ Kyoto.

Arashiyama Saga Bamboo Forest

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Kinkakuji, Northern Kyoto, Hgashiyama, Fushimi Inari and more!

Details
Distance: 73 km + (depending on stops)
Elevation: 214 m

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Continue up and around Kyoto after Arashiyama with your pick of a number of famous shrines including the quintessential golden Kyoto shrine Kinkakuji before taking the roads along the north over to the Higashiyama area.

Kinkakuji Temple, the quintessential Golden Temple of Kyoto
Head up the Kamo-gawa Northeast across Kyoto from Katsura-gawa towards Nanzenji (beautiful gardens and quiet temples), Gion (Kiyomizudera and excellent souvenir shopping) or even Fushimi Inari Taishi (all of the red gates!) before looping back down to RBRJ Kyoto.

Red Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha

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While not all of these options will fit into one day, using a bicycle will open up Osaka and Kyoto in a way that public transport cannot and allow you to enjoy the sights at your own pace.

 

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