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Cycling is a good way to explore around Kyoto because almost all of roads are flat. Also in my personal perception, riding a bike is much better than catching crowded and slow buses (many buses are packed with a horse of tourists in busy peak seasons). Indeed I enjoy riding a bike here in Kyoto.
Also it is a good exercise and you can stop at any time wherever you want. For example, if you see some nice flowers and birds on the way, you can stop and see what they are doing. It cannot happen if you are travelling on the bus.
Today, I show you descriptions of cycling from/to Arashiyama, the popular tourist destination in the western suburb.
* Please note that following sentences are part of the article originally publsihed on Footy Almanac on 10 December 2015.
Soon after I landed in the new and unfamiliar city, I thought only one road took us to Arashiyama by paddling on Marutamachi Street.
The road is wide and the best way to get to Arashiyama after chlling out at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is about nine kilometres between two places.
The Author at the Imperial Palace
From the Palace, it might be hard to ride fast due to a bit traffic congestion. But over the big road called Senbon Street, traffic is smooth so it is easy to paddle.
Then you will enter a quite big suburb called Enmachi with shops and a railway station. You can stop for refreshment and meals. However you need a parking fee for even a bike around Enmachi Station.
Railway Tracks (top) close to Marutamachi Street (bottom)
Riding close to the railway tracks, you might find a bit hard (harsh for some people) to ride a bike as the road is moderated steep. But you will feel relieved at the small summit and then you will see downhill.
Turning left towards the town centre, you may have to squeeze a horse of tourists. But it would not be bad.
For me, travelling time is between 30 and 35 minutes between the Imperial Palace and Arashiyama.
Great combination of red leaves and bamboos in Arashiyama
Another street called Sanjo Street can be the alternative route for between two places mentioned above, and the fastest route if you park a bike at the north end of Teramachi, the arcade shopping mall in the downtown.
From the City Hall where you can bike for shopping at Teramachi, actually it is better to go through Oike Street at first due to wide road and to avoid many pedestrians at the Sanjokai Shopping Mall (covered).
Then you will merge into Sanjo Street at Uzumasa Tenjingawa (the west end of Tozai Subway Line). Over there the road is shared with the Randen Tram tracks.
Once you say goodbye to the tracks until saying hello again at Arashiyama, riding can be hard because of the narrow street. Buses are passing on this street, but they have to squeeze when two buses are running from two opposite sides. Passion over stopped buses is quite hard. If you do not get used to ride a bike on a big street, I would not recommend you take Sanjo Street to enjoy riding a bike.
Narrow Sanjo Street
The third option is paddling through Shijo Street. It sounds the easiest way from downtown; however bikes are banned on this downtown(s Main Street between the east end and Karasuma Street (the main street between Kyoto Station and downtown) from 8 am to 9 pm. How pity it is.
But you will go through Shijo Street if you are staying around Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, small street called Nishi no Toin Street is the best to get to Shijo Street.
At first riding can be hard on Shijo Street because of many buses are running on the street. But it is just for 5 to 10 minutes depending on where you enter into the road. Over Shijo Omiya where the tram mentioned above departs., it turns easy to ride thanks to wide and flat road.
Level Crossing on Shijo Street (crossing the tram tracks)
With my travelling time (I seem to ride a bike between 20 to 25 kph) with 15 to 20 minutes from Shijo Omiya, Katsura River awaits cyclists and then you can stopover at a shrine called Matsuo Taisha.
From there, you will enjoy the nature by paddling alongside the river. The Bike Way welcomes you and you do not need to share the road with motor vehicles.
Bike Way alongside Katsura River
At last you will enter Arashiyama. A hot spring house is located at the end of the Bike Way. You can treat yourself by having a bath there.
Bike hiring is offered at various rental bike shops throughout the city as well as some accommodation. Our inns offer hiring bikes too; however only Japanese standard city ride ones with basket in front. Sport bikes can be hired at some shops. I would be happy to help you organising your bike if you would like to ride a bike here in Kyoto.
I hope you enjoy a sensational bike riding in Kyoto.
P.S. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would love to stay at our traditional Kyoto Townhouse Inn. You can find more details at www.shouan.jp and www.sanjojuku.com.
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