Recommended cycling tours in Kyoto in summer
Umino Kyoto E-BikesWalking through central Kyoto in summer is hell
Due to the effects of global warming in recent years, walking around the city of Kyoto is very uncomfortable and dangerous.
Many cars and buildings have air conditioners spewing out hot air. You will be exhausted after walking for 30 minutes, and it is dangerous for children and the elderly.
1st way: Let's go to the northern mountains!
This map shows the average summer temperatures around Kyoto. You can see that the northern mountains are about 10 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than central Kyoto.
Summer resort for aristocrats from 1000 years ago
The northern mountain area of Kyoto (Kitayama in Japanese) has been a summer resort and a religious holy site since ancient times.
It is an area where beautiful temples, shrines, and nature coexist, having been preserved and refined over the long history of human activity.
It is closed off due to snow from December to April, but in summer it is a great cycling field.
Hanase Pass
Hanase Pass is the highest paved road in Kyoto, at an altitude of 800m. Climbing here is a stepping stone for intermediate and above level cyclists, and you can enjoy spectacular views, cool air, and downhill riding.
Even with an e-bike, it will consume 60% of the battery, so depending on the route, it may be a good idea to rent a charger as well.
Hotel Pick-up & Bike Shuttle from Kyoto
We will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the top of the mountain with your rental bike. You can skip the tough mountains and dangerous roads and ride only the best routes.
If you're a beginner, our bike shuttle service will take you to an altitude of 800m with your rental bike and you'll have the best downhill experience.
Recommended Courses
Kyoto Ohara~Hanase Loop
Duration
4-6 hours
Difficulty
★★★☆☆
Mileage
55km (35mi) ▲800m
Road Situation
Paved road with few cars
Protected bike path
Gravel*Brown line part
Tour Style
Self guided
Fully guided tour
Bike shuttle
Available
Recommended Bikes
E-Mountai Bike
Highly recommended!
E-Touring Bike
Road Bike
Sanzen-in
Ohara
Old Hanase Pass
Kubune Shrine
This is an intermediate course that allows you to enjoy the Kitayama area of Kyoto. With an elevation gain of 800m, beginners are recommended to use our bike shuttle or a full guided tour.
We head north along the protected bike path of the Kamo River to the rural area of Ohara. We recommend stopping at the temple called Sanzenin.
We then head into the mountains and head towards Hanase Pass.
We climb the pass and follow the off-road trail to the famous Kifune Shrine, take a break at the riverside restaurants and cafes, and return via Kinkakuji Temple.
If you're not good at off-roading, you can leave the paved road towards Kurama Temple.
Masuda Kazuki
I'm truly sorry, but as a designer, I feel it will take decades for me to fully explore the Kitayama area.
I've ridden in the Kitayama area dozens of times, and every time I do I come across new roads that aren't on the map. Over an incredibly long time, so many monks, merchants, and farmers have passed through this area. That's how mysterious it is.
While it's a great find for adventurous mountain bikers, it may be a place where the average tourist needs a guide.
The course I created this time is just a small part of it. I would like to design many other courses as well.
2nd way: Arashiyama hidden bamboo temples
Summer resort for the Emperors since ancient times
Arashiyama is a very famous tourist spot, but it was also a summer resort for the emperor and aristocrats. It is surrounded by beautiful rivers and mountains, and has historical temples.
But Just be careful, it is crowded like hell near the station.
We recommend cycling to the south side, where you'll find the beautiful Saihoji River and Jizoin, a secluded temple with a lovely bamboo garden.
If you go to the north side of Arashiyama, you will find Nenbutsu-ji Temple, famous for its 1,000 stone statues, and a waterfall called Kiyotaki.
Either way, the walkable areas are packed, so a bike, especially an E-Bike, is the best way to explore the truly beautiful parts of Arashiyama!
Recommended Courses
Arashiyama Hidden Bamboo Course
Duration
3 hours
*9:00~12:00/ 13:00~16:00
Difficulty
★☆☆☆☆
Mileage
10-20km (6-12mi) ▲80m
Road Situation
Old paved road in back alley
Tour Style
Self guided
Fully guided tour
Transfer
-
Recommended Bikes
E-Touring Bike
E-City Bike
E-Kids Bike
Regular hybrid Bike
It's a flat course of about 10km that is safe for beginners. Further in, there is an off-road trail route that even advanced hikers will enjoy.
However, it is a little difficult to find, so if you can, we recommend signing up for a guided tour to ensure the best experience.
Arashiyama Hidden Bamboo Temples & River Tour
This tour will take you through the hidden and most beautiful bamboo forests and rivers of Arashiyama, an ancient summer resort for aristocrats.
3rd way: Let's go to the sea!
The debate over whether to go to the beach or the mountains in the summer is a common one in every household. However, the area where I live, called Ine on the Sea of Japan coast, is an area that offers both ideally.
It's about a two-hour train ride from Kyoto. It has a unique and beautiful sandbar called Amanohashidate, protected bike paths, amazing beaches and mountains. There are also coastal caves that can be explored by SUP or kayak.
It's a wonderful place to enjoy sightseeing, family cycling, mountain biking and the sea.
Be sure to come to Ine after Kyoto!
