Autumn is all about cycling!
Autumn in Kyoto city is extremely crowded with people coming to see the autumn leaves. Trains, buses, and taxis can take tens of minutes to get on, the leaves are barely visible due to the crowds, and nearby hotel prices nearly double.
However, with an e-bike, you can see the best autumn foliage that most people never get to see, and it’s far more beautiful than near a hotel that costs thousands of dollars a night.
Not only can you see the foliage, you can also explore beautiful nature and history.
Be sure to rent an e-bike and ride around Kyoto in the fall!
This time, we’ll introduce you to some of the areas you should definitely visit.
North side of Arashiyama
Arashiyama is famous for its autumn leaves in Kyoto, but 99% of people go to the area 300m from the station and leave because it’s too crowded.
But the real highlight is beyond that. Arashiyama is originally the site of the ancient Imperial family’s tombs, which are in the area north of the station. There you can find scenery that has remained unchanged for over 1000 years, and the beautiful autumn leaves that the Imperial family loved.
Access
It is a 30-minute e-bike ride from our Saiin Rental Center.
West side of Arashiyama (Hozu river)
Although Arashiyama is the name of a mountain, I think the most beautiful sights are the Hozu River that flows through it and the autumn foliage on the mountains.
There are also trolley train and boat tours, but they get very crowded at this time of year, so if you want to enjoy the autumn leaves of Hozukyo at a leisurely pace with a small group, I still recommend an e-bike.
Access
It is a 40-minute e-bike ride from our Saiin Rental Center.
A perfect E-Bike tour of Arashiyama in autumn with a support car
Kurama temple
Kurama Temple is the head temple of a sect of esoteric Buddhism, and is located in the mountains north of Kyoto.
It has long been famous as a hiking spot, and there is a bicycle parking area, so it is a good idea to park your bike and explore the area on foot.
Access
It is a 30-minute e-bike ride from our Saiin Rental Center.
Hiyoshi Shrine(Mt.Hiei)
Mt. Hiei is also a place where the autumn leaves are very beautiful. Many people take the cable car up from the east side closer to Kyoto, but I recommend riding an e-bike to the east side of Lake Biwa, stopping by Hiyoshi Shrine, and then either taking the cable car up or hiking.
The road along the Lake Biwa Canal on the way is very quiet and easy to ride, and the autumn leaves are beautiful.
Best of all, there are only about 1% of the people on the east side.
Access
It is a 1-hour e-bike ride from our Saiin Rental Center.
Nariai temple
Although it’s far from Kyoto City, this mountain in our main area, Amanohashidate, has a 1,500-year history of pilgrimages.
The contrast between the autumn leaves and the sea seen from the temple is truly spectacular.
I would definitely recommend taking a guided tour, but it’s also fun to go on your own by renting an e-bike.
Access
It takes two hours by train from Kyoto, and 30 minutes by renting an e-bike in front of Amanohashidate Station.
Even if it’s not a famous spot, you can enjoy your own unique view.
I’ve introduced a few of my recommended spots, but Kyoto has autumn leaves everywhere, so to be honest, you’ll see a lot of beautiful things even if you just ride along random paths on your e-bike. The best thing about a bicycle trip is that you can take your time to find your own amazing views that aren’t in the guidebooks, without being limited to the spots I’ve just introduced.
Why not try cycling around Kyoto in the fall?
