News

"You've come all the way to Kyoto, so why not explore the city more freely and on your own terms?"

If that sounds like you, then an e-Bike tour of Kyoto is the perfect choice! It's an incredibly fun and comfortable way to explore.

Why E-Bikes Are the Best Way to See Kyoto

If you're planning your Kyoto trip, you might think of using the bus, but that’s not always the best idea. Bus routes to popular spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Gion are often crowded right from Kyoto Station. You wouldn't want to spend your precious travel time stuck in a packed bus.

That’s why we recommend a bike. Specifically, a sports-type e-Bike with a powerful electric assist can solve all of your Kyoto sightseeing problems.

 Let's take a closer look at why e-Bikes are the perfect choice for exploring Kyoto.

There are many reasons why e-Bikes are the best way to see Kyoto. So, how does an e-Bike change your travel experience? I'll share a detailed account of my own trip from 9 AM to 2 PM, where I explored the Fushimi and Higashiyama areas, from Fushimi Inari to Shosei-en, all with an e-Bike from WanderCycle Kyoto.

Let's start our journey through Kyoto together!

Easy Rentals! How to Get to WanderCycle Kyoto

Your adventure begins at Keihan Line's Shichijo Station. First, head to the WanderCycle Kyoto shop to rent your electric bike.

Once you exit the underground station, walk a little to the east on Shichijo-dori, then turn south. The landmark for this turn is the retro and charming "Amazon Cafe". When you see it, turn south at the intersection.

Right after you turn, you'll see our shop with a large fabric sign.

During summer and winter, the shop's shutters may be down, but we are open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, so please feel free to ring the doorbell and come in.

The door is a bit heavy, but once you enter, you’ll be greeted by the staff's friendly smiles! If you don't have a reservation, the staff might be on the second floor, so just press the call button on the counter and wait for a moment.

9:00 AM - Renting Your E-Bike: All Set for Your Journey

Before renting, I used the "luggage storage option." You can leave your suitcase or other luggage at the shop, allowing you to cycle hands-free and light. Please feel free to store even large items. If you would like to use this service, please apply through the inquiry form in advance or let our staff know on the day of your rental.

The e-Bike I rented was the Tern VEKTRON. With its compact wheels and powerful electric assist, it's a perfect bike for first-time e-Bike riders.

First, a staff member adjusted the saddle height and gave me a detailed explanation of how to ride. They taught me how to change assist modes, use the gears, and remove the battery. They also explained Kyoto's traffic rules and how to ride safely. You can ask any questions you have.

Finally, I received a paper with important notes.

You can put it in your wallet or phone case for peace of mind. We have these available in both Japanese and English.
You can also rent a helmet for free, and we have various sizes and designs.

We offer locks and helmets for free. You can choose from S, M, and L sizes for helmets, so pick the one that fits you best and enjoy a safe ride!

9:20 AM - Kamo River to Lake Biwa Canal: The Exhilaration of Riding with the Wind

It's time to start! I left the shop and headed south along the Kamo River to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

The path along the Kamo River was calm and refreshing, taking me away from the city crowds. The sound of the flowing water and the birds singing filled the air. There were no sharp turns or big hills, so I could focus on the feeling of the wind and the sounds around me.

When the Kamo River path ended, I turned east and continued south along the Lake Biwa Canal. Most tourists head to the shrine from JR Fushimi Inari Station, so the canal path was quiet, allowing me to enjoy the serene scenery.

This was an enriching experience, allowing me to feel Kyoto's culture and daily life in a way that buses or trains never could.

9:40 AM - Fushimi Inari Shrine: Save Your Energy for the Thousand Torii Gates

I've arrived at Fushimi Inari Shrine! There’s a free bike parking lot for visitors. After passing through the large torii gate, you'll see a sign for the bike parking lot on the right side of the approach.

Fushimi Inari is famous for its seemingly endless thousand torii gates. To walk through them, you have to climb a long hill and many stairs. On a regular bike or on foot, you might get tired before even reaching the gates, missing out on the full experience. But thanks to the e-Bike's assist, I had plenty of energy. I wasn’t tired, so I could take my time walking through the torii gates, which are a bit into the mountains. This allowed me to take lots of photos without worrying about the crowds.

After enjoying Fushimi Inari to my heart's content, I headed to a nearby cafe called "Vermillion-espresso bar & info." I ordered a "Matcha Latte" with a rich milky flavor. The latte, topped with authentic matcha powder, was a sophisticated taste of Kyoto.

Kyoto has many cafes and souvenir shops. Being able to take a "side trip" to a place that catches your eye is another great thing about cycling.

11:00 AM - Tofuku-ji Temple: Merging with the City's History

After a break, I set off for my next destination, Tofuku-ji Temple. As I got back on my e-Bike, the bustling area around Fushimi Inari Shrine gave way to a quiet residential neighborhood where I could feel Kyoto's daily life.

No matter where you ride in Kyoto, history and culture are alive. On the short ride from Fushimi Inari to Tofuku-ji, I discovered three shrines and temples. Finding local Kyoto spots that aren't in guidebooks is part of the fun of an e-Bike tour.

As I entered the temple grounds, the main hall left me speechless. After taking a photo of its solemn appearance, I headed to the Hojo, famous for its garden. Inside, four gardens surround the Great Hojo (the monk's residence). The checkerboard-patterned moss garden is a must-see. The refined beauty, with not a single element out of place, made me lose track of time.

Next, I left the Hojo and walked a bit to Gaunkyo Bridge. During the autumn foliage season, this bridge is crowded with tourists taking photos. However, in other seasons, you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace. You can't ride your bike on the bridge, but you can walk it. It was pleasant to feel the wind pass through the trees on the bridge.

2:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Sanjusangendo & Shosei-en Garden: A Sweet Break

After refreshing my mind at Tofuku-ji Temple, I set off again on my e-Bike through the streets of Kyoto. My next destination was Sanjusangendo.

Kyoto's streets may look flat and well-paved, but there are surprisingly many gentle slopes and bumps. However, the e-Bike made these small hills feel like nothing. It moved at a steady speed, and I didn't get tired by the time I arrived at Sanjusangendo.

Since photography is not allowed inside the main hall of Sanjusangendo, I took a commemorative photo in front of the crimson corridor. On a sunny day, the colors of red, white, and green looked even more vibrant and beautiful.

After leaving Sanjusangendo, on the way to Shosei-en Garden, I took a snack break with a Japanese sweet I bought from a shop called "Tsuruya Tsurutsuki" near Tofuku-ji. Enjoying a wagashi while sitting on a bench along the Kamo River was a special treat.

After crossing the Kamo River, I arrived at Shosei-en Garden.

At Shosei-en, I took a walk through the garden, which is in harmony with nature and offers beautiful scenery in every season. The garden is intricate, with two ponds of different sizes, several teahouses, a Jibutsu-do (hall for a Buddhist image), and a group of Shoin (study halls). I could walk around freely and enjoy the scenery.

Conclusion: Discover Kyoto with the Freedom of an E-Bike!

This trip took us from Fushimi Inari Shrine to the Kamo River, Sanjusangendo, and Shosei-en Garden. I hope you'll experience this free-form Kyoto tour with an e-Bike for yourself.

Small paths and hidden gems that you would pass by on a bus or train, and the daily lives of the locals. In Kyoto, profound history sleeps right next to everyday life. An e-Bike tour allows you to experience all of this with all five senses. Even if you're not in great shape, the assist function makes riding up hills and long distances comfortable.

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy Kyoto at your own pace, we highly recommend an e-Bike tour!

Our services at WanderCycle Kyoto will make your cycling tour of Kyoto even more comfortable. 

If you want to enjoy Kyoto's everyday scenery with all your senses or move freely without worrying about hills, we wholeheartedly recommend renting an e-Bike from WanderCycle Kyoto.

Come and experience your very own Kyoto journey with an e-Bike!