Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, famous for preserving its historical and traditional roots while blending in modernity. While the city boasts an efficient public transportation network of trains and buses, you might find that unraveling the beauty of Kyoto on two wheels gives an entirely different experience.
Biking is often the fastest way to get between major sites like Kinkaku-ji and the Imperial Palace. Plus, Kyoto bike rentals are much more budget-friendly than constant taxi hops! Whether you’re looking for a breezy electric bike rental Kyoto experience or a sturdy road bike, here’s what you need to know!
What are the common bikes you can rent?
Kyoto bike rentals are a breeze, with most shops offering a variety of options depending on your fitness level and where you plan to go:
- Mamachari (City Bikes): The classic Japanese utility bike, often with a basket. Perfect for short, flat distances.
- Road/Hybrid Bikes: Lightweight and built for speed. Ideal if you plan on covering the long stretch between Arashiyama and the city center.
- E-bikes (Electric Assist): These are a total game-changer for Kyoto’s slightly hilly northern districts.
Road & City Bike Rentals
Photo from Klook User Xie ***
If you’re looking for a reliable, standard set of wheels to navigate the city's grid-like streets, these shops are the “go-to” choices for Kyoto bike rentals.
1. Kyoto Eco Trip
Around a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Eco Trip is a favorite for its massive variety of 10 different bike types. You can rent everything from standard city bikes to high-performance hybrids. While their basic rental period is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, they offer a unique "Early Use" option starting at 6:30 AM for a small fee, with overnight options available. Just bring your ID or passport, fill out a quick form, and you’re ready to roll!
2. J-Cycle
At J-Cycle, you can rent a wide range of high-quality wheels, including standard city bikes, 3-gear modules, and even 22-inch kids' bikes. Rentals are primarily for the full day, typically due back by 5:30 PM or 6:30 PM, depending on the branch. Their process is famously "no-fuss" for international travelers because all you need is your ID or passport, a filled-out form, and payment. The staff are also fluent in English for easy communication.
3. Kyoto Cycling Tour Project (KCTP)
With several terminals across the city, KCTP is one of the most accessible Kyoto bike rentals. They offer high-quality road bikes and even provide helpful cycling maps to get you started. You can rent for a half-day (4 hours) or a full day (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), with multi-day rentals also available, and the best part? You can pick up your bike at one terminal and return it to another for a small fee!
Electric Bike Rental Kyoto
Explore Kyoto on bike with friends and family
If you want to glide through the city without breaking a sweat, an electric bike rental Kyoto is the game-changer you need.
1. Fuune
Fuune offers premium e-bike experiences that take the "work" out of "workout," providing sleek, powerful electric bikes that can last all day on a single charge. Their rental period spans a full 24 hours rather than a same-day return, allowing you to truly make the most you can of Kyoto within the day. Reservations should be made by 4 PM the day before your ride, and their staff will even give you a quick tutorial on how to operate the battery assist before you head out.
2. KYO no RAKU-CHARI
Specifically focusing on electric-assist bicycles like compact 20-inch models, sports types, and bikes fitted with child seats, KYO no RAKU-CHARI makes uphill climbs feel like a walk in the park. You can choose from a half-day (4-hour) rental, a full-day rental (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), or even an overnight option that lets you keep the bike until 11:00 AM the next day. All you need to do is visit one of their terminals, present your ID, and pay.
Go on a Biking Adventure in Kyoto!
While Kyoto's famous temples and shrines are world-renowned, visiting them by bike allows you to skip the bus crowds and move between these iconic spots with ease. Ready to see the city's highlights from a fresh perspective? Here are some of the famous sites you can visit by bike when you visit!
Kyoto E-Bike Tour
Go through the path of towering Bamboo Stalks of the forest
If you want to maximize your sightseeing without breaking a sweat, the Kyoto E-Bike Tour is a total winner. This tour's itinerary is great if you want to explore the scenic northern and western parts of the city with an expert guide. It includes iconic stops like the Golden Pavilion and the Sagano Bamboo Forest.
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion): One of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, known for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. It’s a Zen Buddhist temple that sits perfectly on a "mirror pond," creating a reflection that is a sight to see in itself.
- Sagano Bamboo Forest: Located in Arashiyama, this forest is world-famous for its towering green bamboo stalks. Biking through the surrounding Sagano area is the best way to soak in the atmosphere. You can also park your bike to take a relaxing stroll.
Kyoto Backstreet Cycling Tour
Photo from Klook User leah ******
For those who want to see the "soul" of the city, the Kyoto Backstreet Cycling Tour is the tour to go for. The itinerary is great if you want to explore the hidden history and traditional culture of Kyoto’s geisha districts. It includes navigating narrow lanes and charming riverside paths that most tour buses can't reach.
- Miyagawacho: This is one of Kyoto's five “hanamachi” (geisha districts) that feels like stepping back in time. It’s famous for its beautifully preserved wooden machiya houses and teahouses. As you pedal through, you might even spot a Maiko or apprentice geisha.
- Shirakawa River: This area is the definition of "picturesque." The Shirakawa Canal is lined with weeping willow trees, elite restaurants, and quaint stone bridges like the Tatsumi Bridge. It’s the perfect spot to take a few photos of the old-world Kyoto vibes.
Kyoto Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples
Pedal along UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Kyoto
This bike tour lets you cycle through scenic streets and historic neighborhoods, including stops at renowned Zen temples connected to UNESCO World Heritage sites. With insights from a local guide, the experience offers a meaningful introduction to Kyoto’s spiritual and architectural heritage without feeling rushed.
- Kennin-ji Temple: Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, renowned for masterpieces like the "Twin Dragons" ceiling mural. You can practice mindfulness at the "Circle-Triangle-Square" rock garden or wander through the halls to admire the centuries-old Zen architecture.
- Nanzen-ji Temple: A high-ranking Zen temple known for its red-brick Suirokaku aqueduct, which is a contrast to the traditional grounds. You can climb the Sanmon gate for a 360-degree view of the city or enjoy a quiet moment in the Hojo tea room.
FAQs
Where can I rent a bike in Kyoto?
You can rent a bike in Kyoto at shops near major transport hubs like Kyoto Station or from rental providers with multiple locations across the city, including Kyoto Eco Trip, J-Cycle, and Kyoto Cycling Tour Project.
How much does bike rental cost in Kyoto?
Bike rental prices in Kyoto vary by type, but standard city bikes are generally affordable, while road bikes and electric bikes cost more depending on rental duration and features.
Is Kyoto easy to explore by bicycle?
Kyoto is very bike-friendly thanks to its mostly flat terrain, grid-like streets, and designated cycling paths, making it easy to get between temples, neighborhoods, and scenic spots.
Are electric bikes available for rent in Kyoto?
Yes, electric bike rentals are widely available in Kyoto, with providers like Fuune and KYO no RAKU-CHARI offering electric-assist bikes that are ideal for longer distances and hilly areas.
Do Kyoto bike rental shops offer full-day rentals?
Most Kyoto bike rental shops offer full-day rentals, typically from morning until early evening, with some also providing half-day, overnight, or even 24-hour rental options.
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