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"When you come to Kyoto, don't you wish you could explore more freely and travel at your own pace?"

e-Bike sightseeing in Kyoto is far more enjoyable and comfortable than you might imagine!

Why e-Bikes Are the Best for Kyoto Sightseeing

Relying on buses for sightseeing in Kyoto is often not recommended. Bus lines departing from Kyoto Station toward Kiyomizu-dera or Gion are already packed with tourists. It's a waste of precious travel time to spend it stuck in a crowded bus!

That's why we recommend bicycles—especially e-Bikes (electric-assist sports type bicycles). They solve all the common problems of Kyoto sightseeing.

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

There are countless reasons why e-Bikes are the best way to see Kyoto. So, how exactly does an e-Bike change your journey? I'll share my personal experience cycling with a WanderCycle Kyoto e-Bike from 9 AM to 4 PM, conquering the Kamo River, Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Gyoen—crossing Kyoto's vast expanse from east to west—with photos to show you how.

Now, let's start the journey together!

Easy Rental! Access to WanderCycle Kyoto

Our adventure starts near Keihan Railway's Shichijo Station. First, we head to the WanderCycle Kyoto shop for the e-Bike rental.

Exit Shichijo Station and walk a short distance east on Shichijo-dori (Shichijo Street), then turn south. The landmark for the turn is "Kissa Amazon," a quaint, retro café.

Soon after turning, you'll see our shop with a large fabric sign hanging outside.

Though the shop's shutter might be down in summer and winter, we are open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please feel free to ring the intercom and step inside!

The door is a bit heavy, but a staff member's cheerful smile will greet you upon entry! If you visit without a reservation, the staff might be upstairs, so please use the call button on the counter and wait briefly.

9:00 AM - Rental Procedure: Ready for the Journey

Before renting, I opted for the "Luggage Storage Option." By leaving my suitcase and other items, I could enjoy the ride hands-free and light. We assure you that your large luggage will be safely stored. If you wish to use this service, please apply via the "Inquiry Form" in advance or ask a staff member on the day of your rental.

The e-Bike I rented this time is a Tern VEKTRON. It features small, agile tires and powerful electric assist, making it an excellent choice for e-Bike beginners.

First, the staff carefully adjusted the saddle height and provided detailed instructions on how to ride, covering topics like changing assist modes, using gears, and removing the battery. They also explained Kyoto's traffic manners and safe cycling rules. Don't hesitate to ask them any questions you might have.

Finally, I received a paper summarizing important safety notes.

Keep this in your wallet or phone case for peace of mind. These notes are available in both Japanese and English.

Helmets are available for free rental in S, M, and L sizes and various designs. Locks and helmets are free to borrow. Be sure to choose a helmet that fits you perfectly to enjoy cycling safely.

9:20 AM - Kamo River to Yodogawa Cycling Route (Keinawa Cycling Road)

It's time to set off! Leaving the shop, we head south along the Kamo River, aiming for the confluence of the Kamo River (running along the east) and the Katsura River (running along the west).

Under the clear autumn sky, the feeling of cutting through the wind along the river is unique to cycling. We observed aspects of the Kamo River that you can't see from a bus or train, such as fish swimming and elegant herons standing still.

From the Kamo River, we transitioned onto the Katsura River Cycling Road (Keinawa Cycling Road) and headed north toward Arashiyama along the Katsura River. The path is dedicated to bicycles and pedestrians, allowing us to enjoy a comfortable ride immersed in nature.

On this cycling road, the VEKTRON's performance truly shines, making the ride easier and more profoundly enjoyable.

10:30 AM - Bamboo Grove (Chikurin no Michi)

After a refreshing ride along the cycling road, we arrived at the entrance to Arashiyama.

The ride from Higashiyama to Arashiyama covers about 15 kilometers, yet with the ease of an e-bike, I arrive with energy to spare. My first destination is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a quintessential symbol of Arashiyama. Though the area is often crowded with visitors on foot, exploring by bicycle offers a smooth and effortless way to reach the heart of this enchanting scenery.

Walking in the shade created by the towering bamboo, we took a deep breath, enveloped by the calming scent of deep green. Taking the time to slowly push the bike and walk through this serene atmosphere was a moment of pure bliss.

11:00 AM - Kimono Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge

After leaving the Bamboo Grove, we stopped at the Kimono Forest near Randen's Arashiyama Station. This colorful spot is a vibrant art installation featuring about 600 poles adorned with Yuzen textile patterns, arranged like a forest. We observed the unique, traditional patterns on each pole, enjoying the blend of traditional culture and modern art.

Next, we headed to Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama. From the bridge, we extended our view: the magnificent Katsura River flows to the east, and the Arashiyama mountain range spreads out to the west. Stepping off the bridge, we found the perfect angle often seen in TV and magazines, capturing the entire bridge in the frame. Surrounded by nature, the view changes with the seasons, offering a unique beauty every time.

After soaking in the landmark scenery of Arashiyama, it was time for a sweet break! We stopped at "Kotoimo Honpo" for their No. 1 popular "Aburi Mitarashi Dango" (Grilled Mitarashi Dumplings). The ability to act on the impulse of "I want something sweet" or "I need a rest" without worrying about bus or train schedules is one of the great advantages of bike sightseeing.

The perfect balance of sweet soy glaze and the chewy texture of the dumplings was incredibly soothing. We recharged our energy with the snack, ready for the rest of our journey.

11:50 AM - Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

After our break at Togetsukyo Bridge, we headed to the unique tourist spot, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. We parked our bikes at the Monkey Park Temporary Parking Lot (free). The lot is located just past the stairs leading to the Monkey Park entrance, beyond the area with food stalls.

The entrance to the Monkey Park is located within the grounds of Ichitanimunakata Shrine (櫪谷宗像神社). After purchasing tickets at the reception, a gentle 20-minute hike up to the summit begins.

The trail is moderate and well-maintained, with benches installed at short intervals, making the ascent manageable. Crucially, because we conserved our energy using the e-Bike for the journey up to this point, the hike was an enjoyable and moderate exercise.

At the summit rest area, wild Japanese macaques roam freely. Observing the monkeys' natural behavior—such as watching the young ones chase each other or drink water from the pond—is a unique and valuable experience.

12:30 PM - Nijo Castle

After the experience at the Monkey Park, we left the Arashiyama area and began cycling east along Sanjo-dori (Sanjo Street).

After passing through a quiet residential area, we spotted Kurumazaki Shrine, famous as the shrine of the performing arts. Although we didn't have time to stop this time, it's easily accessible by bike from this route.

Further along, the route crosses the Randen (Keifuku Electric Railroad) streetcar section of Sanjo-dori. Randen is the only streetcar still operating in Kyoto, recognizable by its distinctive purple cars. We were lucky enough to capture a moment when the Randen passed right by us!

Before visiting Nijo Castle, we stopped at a café in Enmachi for a Kyoto-style matcha dessert. We rested at "Enmachi Marché," a café cherished by the local community, which also sells local vegetables outside.

We ordered the Matcha Anmitsu (with ice cream). The dessert was beautifully arranged with Kanten jelly, adzuki bean paste (tsubuan), sweet simmered sweet potato, and topped with matcha powder and plenty of sweet matcha syrup. This cold, gentle Japanese sweet was a perfect cool-down after our ride.

After just about a five-minute ride from the café, we arrived at the World Heritage site, Nijo Castle. Access to Nijo Castle is somewhat inconvenient compared to other popular spots, relying on subway and municipal buses. However, with the e-Bike, we comfortably completed the long journey from Arashiyama and accessed the site directly without the stress of transfers. Cycling is arguably the most convenient way to access Nijo Castle.

The road in front of Nijo Castle has a designated bicycle lane and an advisory to "slow down." This allows for safe cycling in the busy area near the castle.

We parked our bikes at the visitor-only parking lot (paid) located on the south side of Nijo Castle, about a two-minute walk from the castle entrance. Please note the hours: entry is from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM, and exit is until 6:00 PM.

Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, has vast grounds. We toured the historical structures, including the Ninomaru and Honmaru Palaces, and slowly explored the beautiful gardens. Finally, we visited the Tenshu-kaku Ato (Former Castle Tower Site). From here, you can overlook the vast grounds of the Honmaru Palace and the surrounding Kyoto cityscape.

2:20 PM - Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden)

After leaving Nijo Castle, we headed to Kyoto Gyoen. Although located in the center of Kyoto, this vast area is free of traffic and shops, providing a peaceful escape from the bustle where one can find calm. The Imperial Garden is rich in greenery, allowing visitors to enjoy the seasonal beauty of plum groves, peach groves, and cherry blossoms.

The grounds include areas with thick gravel where cycling is not possible and areas with less gravel where cycling is easy. In non-cycling areas, we walked slowly, pushing the bikes and enjoying the scenery. In the easy-riding areas, we fully utilized the e-Bike's light assist for a pleasant ride. This ability to adapt quickly to the terrain is a major charm of bike sightseeing.

As a note, visits inside the Imperial Palace are available year-round without prior reservation. In addition to self-guided tours, staff-led tours are offered in Japanese, English, and Chinese. It's a highly recommended visit for anyone wishing to deeply explore the historical structures where the Emperor once resided.

Conclusion: Embrace Freedom with e-Bike Sightseeing in Kyoto!

This journey, which started in Higashiyama, included the open cycling roads of the Kamo and Katsura Rivers, the nature and history of Arashiyama, and the historical core of Kyoto, such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Gyoen. We successfully traversed the entire East and West of Kyoto in a single day, a truly fulfilling route. We encourage you to experience it for yourself!

The natural scenery often missed on buses or trains, and the daily lives of the people who breathe life into these places. Kyoto is a city where rich nature and profound history sleep right beside the modern everyday. e-Bike sightseeing allows you to experience all of this with all five senses. Even if you have concerns about your physical stamina, the e-Bike's optimal assist ensures that long-distance travel and hills are comfortable and worry-free.

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

Furthermore, WanderCycle Kyoto's services make cycling in Kyoto even more comfortable.

If you are thinking, "I want to enjoy the everyday scenery of Kyoto with all my senses," or "I want to move freely without worrying about my stamina," we sincerely recommend renting an e-Bike from WanderCycle Kyoto.

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