Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in Japan, famous for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
But did you know that you can also enjoy Kyoto in an eco-friendly way by renting a bike and cycling around the city?
In this blog post, I will share with you some tips and recommendations on how to plan your Kyoto eco trip by bike rental.
Kyoto Eco Trip Bike Renta
Why Choose Bike Rental in Kyoto?
There are many benefits of choosing bike rental in Kyoto, such as:
- You can save money on transportation costs, as bike rental fees are much cheaper than bus or subway fares.
- You can reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve the environment, as biking is a zero-emission mode of transportation.
- You can explore the city at your own pace and discover hidden gems that are not accessible by public transport or car.
- You can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views of Kyoto, as well as the changing seasons and colors of the foliage.
How to Rent a Bike in Kyoto?
There are many bike rental shops in Kyoto, especially near major tourist attractions and train stations. You can find them online or by using apps like Cycle Kyoto or Kyoto Cycling Tour Project. Some of the things you need to know before renting a bike in Kyoto are:
- You need to show your passport or ID card and pay a deposit (usually around 1,000 yen) when you rent a bike.
- You need to return the bike by the designated time (usually 6 pm or 7 pm) or you will be charged extra fees.
- You need to follow the traffic rules and regulations in Japan, such as riding on the left side of the road, wearing a helmet, and using lights at night.
- You need to park your bike in designated areas or parking lots, or you may be fined or have your bike towed away.
Where to Go by Bike in Kyoto?
There are many places to go by bike in Kyoto, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some of the most popular routes and destinations for bike rental in Kyoto:
- The Arashiyama route: This route takes you to the western part of Kyoto, where you can visit the famous bamboo forest, the Tenryuji temple, the Togetsukyo bridge, and the monkey park.
- The Philosopher’s Path route: This route takes you to the eastern part of Kyoto, where you can visit the Nanzenji temple, the Eikando temple, the Ginkakuji temple, and the Philosopher’s Path along a canal.
- The Imperial Palace route: This route takes you to the central part of Kyoto, where you can visit the Imperial Palace, the Nijo Castle, the Nishiki Market, and the Teramachi shopping street.
- The Fushimi Inari route: This route takes you to the southern part of Kyoto, where you can visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, and the sake breweries in Fushimi.
What to Bring for Your Bike Rental in Kyoto?
Before you head out to rent a bike, make sure you have the following items with you:
- A backpack or a basket to carry your belongings. You don’t want to be weighed down by heavy bags or lose anything along the way. A backpack or a basket can help you store your essentials and souvenirs securely and conveniently.
- A water bottle and some snacks to stay hydrated and energized. Biking can be tiring, especially in the summer heat or the winter cold. You should drink plenty of water and eat some snacks to replenish your fluids and nutrients. You can also stop by some local cafes or convenience stores to try some delicious Japanese food and drinks.
- A map or a smartphone with GPS to navigate your way. Kyoto is a large and complex city, with many streets and alleys that can be confusing for visitors. You should have a map or a smartphone with GPS to help you find your way around and avoid getting lost. You can also download some apps that can show you the best routes, attractions, and bike parking spots in Kyoto.
- A camera or a phone to capture your memories. Kyoto is full of stunning scenery, historical landmarks, and cultural events that you will want to remember for a long time. You should have a camera or a phone to take photos and videos of your bike adventure. You can also share them with your friends and family on social media or create a photo album of your trip.
- A sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Kyoto can get very sunny, especially in the summer months. You should apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect your skin and eyes from the harmful UV rays. You can also wear sunglasses or a scarf to add some style and comfort to your outfit.
- A raincoat or an umbrella to prepare for unexpected weather. Kyoto can also get very rainy, especially in the spring and autumn seasons. You should bring a raincoat or an umbrella to keep yourself dry and warm in case of sudden showers. You can also check the weather forecast before you go out and choose the best time and day for your bike rental.
Where to rent
There are many places where you can rent a bike in Kyoto, depending on your budget, preference, and location. Here are some of the most popular options:
Kyoto Cycling Tour Project (KCTP)
Kyoto’s largest bicycle rental shop, whose interpreter-guided cycling tours are popular among foreign tourists. We have a full lineup of high-quality original bicycles, “Ginrin” and expensive mountain bikes. In addition to bicycle rentals, we also offer guided Kyoto cycling tours. For foreign tourists, we hold cycling tours with interpreter guides. The number of foreign tourists is increasing, seeking the real thrill that only bicycles can offer.
URL:Kyoto Cycling Tour Project (KCTP)
Kyoto Rakuchari Higashiyama Sanjo store
2 minutes walk from Higashiyama Subway Station
ABC Building 1F, 538-3 Minamimonzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
0120-318-319 (075-761-5828 for availability on the day)
This is a bicycle rental store that specializes in electrically assisted bicycles. The detailed service from the user’s point of view, such as the service where the staff accompanies and provides directions, stands out. Business days may vary, so it may be best to call ahead to confirm.
Gojo cycle
1 minute walk from Keihan “Kiyomizu Gojo Station”
795-4 Nishihashizumecho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
075-746-4855
This is a bicycle shop located right next to the Benkei statue on Gojo Ohashi Bridge. Half-day rates are available from 13:00 to 18:00. If you arrive after 3pm, you can rent the car until 6pm the next day at a one-day rate.
Yasumoto Bike Pool
2 minutes walk from Keihan “Sanjo Station”
36 Horinji Monzencho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
075-751-0595
This is a long-established bicycle rental store near Sanjo Keihan. There is also “Nagaharaya Mohachi” in the same row.
Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Bookstore
15 minutes walk from Higashiyama Subway Station
13 Saishojimachi, Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
075-754-0008
This is a bicycle rental service operated by Tsutaya Bookstore, located in front of Heian Shrine. We have a lineup of stylish electric assist bicycles, including bicycles sold in limited numbers. If you use the bicycle for two consecutive days, the electric assist bicycle will be discounted to 4,400 yen.
Rupolupo Kyoto City Kamohigashi Parking Lot
1 minute walk from Keihan “Gion Shijo Station”
181 Kawabata-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
075-551-2034
This is a bicycle rental service attached to a parking lot that is easily accessible from Keihan Shijo Station. Parking lot users can use it for 800 yen.
Rupolupo Okazaki Park Parking Lot
12 minutes walk from Higashiyama Subway Station
63 Okazaki Saishojimachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
075-761-9617
This is a bicycle rental service located at the Okazaki Park parking lot in front of Heian Shrine. Although there is a fee, there are coin lockers available, which is convenient. Parking lot users can use it for 800 yen.
Shigehachi Nagaharaya
2 minutes walk from Keihan “Sanjo Station”
Horinji Monzencho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
075-762-3062 (090-6977-2410)
This is a long-established bicycle rental shop near Sanjo Keihan. There is also the Yasumoto Bike Pool.
Kyoto travelogue
11 minutes walk from Keihan “Gion Shijo Station”
570-51 South Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
090-7117-0410
This is a bicycle rental shop in Gion.
What to see
There are countless things to see and do in Kyoto by bike. You can choose your own itinerary based on your interests and time.
Here are some of the most recommended spots that you should not miss:
Kinkakuji Temple
This is one of the most iconic and beautiful temples in Kyoto. It is also known as the Golden Pavilion because of its gold leaf coating that reflects on the pond. It was built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun and later became a Zen Buddhist temple. It is located in the northwest part of Kyoto and can be reached by bike in about 30 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
This is one of the most scenic and relaxing places in Kyoto. It is a forest of towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and magical atmosphere. You can walk or bike through the grove and enjoy the sound of the wind and the birds. It is located in the western part of Kyoto and can be reached by bike in about 40 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This is one of the most impressive and popular shrines in Kyoto. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and business, and features thousands of red torii gates that form a tunnel-like path up the mountain. You can hike or bike along the path and admire the views of Kyoto and the surrounding nature. It is located in the southern part of Kyoto and can be reached by bike in about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Gion
This is one of the most historic and cultural districts in Kyoto. It is famous for its geisha culture, traditional architecture, and atmospheric streets. You can bike or walk around Gion and explore its many attractions, such as Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Hanami-koji Street, Kenninji Temple, etc. You might also spot some geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking by in their elegant kimono. It is located in the central part of Kyoto and can be reached by bike in about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station.
How to enjoy
Biking in Kyoto can be a lot of fun and rewarding if you follow some simple tips and rules. Here are some of them:
- Be safe: You should always wear a helmet, follow the traffic rules, use the bike lanes, signal your turns, lock your bike, and avoid busy roads and crowded areas. You should also be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pedestrians, cars, buses, trains, etc.
- Be respectful: You should respect the local culture, customs, and people when biking in Kyoto. You should not litter, vandalize, trespass, or disturb any places or people. You should also be polite and courteous to other bikers, drivers, shopkeepers, etc.
- Be adventurous: You should not be afraid to try new things, go to new places, or meet new people when biking in Kyoto. You should be open-minded and curious about the city and its history, culture, and beauty. You should also be flexible and spontaneous and enjoy the surprises and challenges that may come your way.
Kyoto Eco Trip Bike Renta Conclusion
I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration on how to plan your Kyoto eco trip bike rental.
Biking is one of the best ways to experience Kyoto in a green and fun way. I hope you have a wonderful time exploring this amazing city by bike!
Kyoto is a wonderful city to explore by bike rental, as you can experience its charm and beauty in an eco-friendly way.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can plan your own Kyoto eco trip by bike rental and have an unforgettable time. Happy cycling!