Cycling in central Kyoto
City : Kyoto
Spring and autumn are good seasons for a bicycle tour. Cycling in Kyoto is fun, but there are something you should know when you plan a tour. First, it is not recommended during July, August, January, and February, because it's too hot and too cold. Second, the traffic environment is not good for cyclists particularly in the east downtown and Higashiyama tourist district.
However, it is recommended in central city area because it's safe and comfortable to run with no up and downs. Besides, you will meet really local things like wooden old houses and shops dealing Kimono, Japanese tea, paper fan, or traditional confectionery etc. which are located off the main streets -as shown in grid-like pattern on the map below. Restaurants in this area are also nice.
There are several bicycle rent business in the city. The biggest one is Kyoto Cycling Tour Project (KCTP). Here is a recommended tour around central city which includes the sightseeing of Kyoto Imperial Palace Park and Nijojo Castle for about three hours.
It starts at the Nishiki Market station of KCTP which is located in the building of Co-op Inn Kyoto Hotel -Rokkaku and Yanagino-baba street, 10 minutes walk from Kawaramachi station (Hankyu Line): opening from 9am to 7pm. The rate is 1000 yen for a standard bike a day. They don't have hourly rate. See their website for more information: http://www.kctp.net/en/
You go west to Nijojo Castle. You have to pay 200 yen to put your bicycle in front of the entrance. It takes about 90 minutes to see the castle. Then you ride to the Imperial Palace Park. If you want to see in the Palace, join the official guided tour which is conducted 10am and 2pm on weekdays. Otherwise, it is still worth cycling in the park.
On the way visiting these two sites, you can enjoy shopping and eating around the area. Some shops of artifacts have experiencing programs for visitors where you can try to make a paper and dye a cloth etc (center photo). Then you return the bicycle by 7pm. Near the KCTP's station is the bustling food market of Nishiki.
There might be some trouble using a bicycle. First, you have to pay the expense to repair the bicycle when it's damaged or even punctured. Second, if you leave the bicycle in the parking-prohibited area (right photo) and it's took away by the administration, you have to pay the custody fee and compensation to KCTP for their losses.
You should also notice no-bicycles sign on most of the arcaded streets and main street of Shijo on which cars are allowed. They are indicated in red on the map below.
KCTP has three other locations to get and return bicycles, Kyoto station, Kinkakuji Temple, and Fushimi. You can return your bike at a different location for an extra 400 yen.
Why not ask a volunteer guide to accompany your cycling tour and enjoy exploring deeper in the city.
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