Header image by Giuseppe Ciaola
The mountains in the north of Kyoto are special - giant cedar trees, picturesque Japanese houses and farms, rivers and streams flowing from town to town and mountains with almost endless winding roads.
Route
Not too long at 40km but more than enough to get a good workout in. The cycling is mostly river paths, mountain roads with some riding through the suburbs in the north of Kyoto.
Distance: 40.27km
Elevation: 474m
Access from Kyoto city: Good
Cyclist
Giuseppe Ciaola
#RideNowRaceTeam
Giuseppe lives in Shanghai where he is an active member of the growing cycling community in China. When he travels he loves getting out on the bike, attacking the local surroundings and capturing parts of it with breathtaking photos. Most of the photos in this blog were taken by Giuseppe and we thank him for letting us share them with you.
Giuseppe went for two rides in Kansai and this is one of them. His other ride was an epic 140km loop down to Nara and back in searing summer temperatures. He also captured the 140km ride with some stunning photos and we'll share the route on our blog soon.
We decided to feature his 40km ride first because we think it offers so much for all levels of cyclists in Kyoto. Giuseppe had a bit of extra time in the afternoon so jumped on the bike, got his ride in and was back to enjoy his evening in beautiful Kyoto. We're all short on time which is why we love Giuseppe's route and we're sure you will too.
Bike on Route
Kamo River start
The route starts at the famous Kamo river which cuts through the city from north to south. The river has excellent cycling and jogging paths with maintained gardens and is a great river to explore by bike.
The locals of Kyoto are also fond of the river with people jogging, exercising, playing football and generally enjoying the river atmosphere and space.
The route starts at Sanjo station and then you head north. Keep going until the river splits into two and you want to take the right-side path which takes you up the Takano river.
Takano river and into the mountain
Follow the river past the Takaragaike pond park and follow the river as it wraps around to the right near Takaragaike station.
You’ll fly past the last of the town before you start getting into the mountains and forest. The road starts slowly increasing in elevation and you’ll be treated to the sounds, smells and sights of nature.
Image by Giuseppe Ciaola
There are a few temples and shrines dotted along the mountain road that you can stop off at and take a look or just keep pedaling and enjoying the views from the bike.
Oharanomuracho left turn
Keep heading up the 367 which runs alongside the Takano river until you get to an area called Oharanomuracho where you’ll be turning left onto the 40.
Oharanomuracho has some lovely scenery with traditional houses lining the river making for some quality sights from the bike.
Image by Giuseppe Ciaola
Elevation
As you start biting into road number 40 the elevation starts increasing giving you a chance burn some energy and find a nice rhythm. The incline lasts around 2km and gets to a grade of 9.7% which will no doubt get your heart and lungs working.
Image by Giuseppe Ciaola
After the peak of the small climb you'll start descending down the winding road through the mountain.
Road number 40 actually veers off to the left down past Ichihara station but you want to keep going straight which turns into road number 38.
You'll pass through an area called Shizuichiichiharacho as you make your way back towards the suburbs of Kyoto.
Image by Giuseppe Ciaola
Kamo river, Kamigamo and finish
It's here you'll link back onto the Kamo river as you head south towards Kamigamo and into the northern Kyoto suburbs.
The north of Kyoto is a lovely place with lots greenery, mountains to the west, north and east, and also some great cafes to stop at for a coffee or a spot of lunch.
The route will then turn left and head along the north side of the Kamigamo golf club as you make your way east to join back onto the Takano river that you started on.
Enjoy the final ride along the Takano and then Kamo river as you make your way back into central Kyoto to finish the route.
Final thoughts
You won't be disappointed taking your bike into the mountains north of Kyoto city. If you're looking for a medium length ride with stunning scenery then we recommend trying Giuseppe's route.
He had a great couple of days riding around Kyoto (and Nara) and we appreciate him letting us share his route and photos on our blog.
How about you? Do you have any favorite routes around Kyoto? We'd love to hear about your experiences cycling around Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan.