Image by Giuseppe Ciaola

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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 (This is one variation on the North Kyoto Hills loop which can be extended upwards of 75km all started from RBRJ Kyoto’s location)

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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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

According to this RBRJ Kyoto Cycling Story 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.