Kyoto fits neatly in the valley between mountains. Not only is it compact, but its roads are flat and comfortable to cycle over, and its roads are arranged in clean grids that are easy to navigate. Kyoto's public transit systems are also great for sightseeing: the city has an excellent rail and subway network, plus consistent bus and taxi coverage.
But if you want to expand your range and see more of the city without worrying about bus or train schedules, renting a bike is a great way to go.

While you may struggle to find parking space for a car in Kyoto, free slots are relatively easier to find in bicycle parking areas. And with bicycle rentals in Kyoto going for around 1,500 yen for an entire day, renting one won't break the bank. You may also consider the environmental benefit of bicycling: no gasoline involved.

Many of Kyoto's interesting spots are within cycling range, whether it's historical buildings like shrines and temples or places to enjoy culture and art. Naturally, you can only move so fast by pedaling, but you could consider that as a way to relax and focus on the experience. Listen to the flow of the Kamogawa River and the breeze – and take in all the scenery as you explore the city. You might even take a moment to ask someone for directions and enjoy the conversation... Such casual moments will add valuable memories to your trip.

When looking for a bicycle rental shop, we recommend you choose one that’s a Kyoto City Authorized Bicycle Rental Store. This certification goes only to bicycle rental shops that satisfy conditions for safe and reliable rental service, set by the city of Kyoto as part of the Kyoto City Rentacycle Business Authorization Program.

Authorized businesses will be able to conduct business in English, provide bicycle liability insurance for rider accidents or other trouble, and explain traffic rules to riders.

When looking for a rental bicycle, find a shop with this logo mark. You can find links to certified shops below.

The kinds of bicycles you can rent will vary by shop, but most will carry the following types. Child-sized bikes may also be available – bicycling as a family should make for a fun trip.

・ Power-assist electric bicycles
・ Gear-change bicycles
・ City cycles
・ Folding bicycles
・ Child-sized bicycles

If you expect to encounter sloped roads, electric or gear-change bicycles will help you get around more easily. If you’re sticking to the flat inner-city, city cycles, gear-change bicycles, or even folding bicycles should suit you fine.

Taxis and buses are frequent sights on Kyoto roads, and they share the streets with Kyoto’s many cyclists. Accidents can be prevented if everyone obeys the rules and rides with good manners.

As in other countries, in Japan, bicycles follow many of the same rules as automobiles. For instance, when cycling on the street, riders should stick to the left side of the road when possible.

As seen in this picture, this sidewalk is marked by a blue sign, which means that bicycles are permitted on it. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on such walkways, so bicyclists should stay near the street and ride at a reduced speed. “Reduced speed” means a speed at which you can stop immediately.

As of November 2024, operating a bicycle while using one's phone or under the influence of alcohol will be illegal. When traveling by bike, keep your focus on the road and have a safe journey.

Leaving your bicycle in a public place in Kyoto, like along a street or in a park, puts it at risk of removal. Removed bikes are taken to storage centers; to get an impounded bike back, you'll need a photo ID and 3,500 yen in payment.

People tend to leave their bikes near businesses or in parks thinking, "it's just for a few minutes" or "it's not in the way," but consider that these public spaces are used by small children, the elderly, and people in wheelchairs. To ensure everyone can get around safely and smoothly, park your bicycle in an appropriate spot.

You can also check the following website for information on bicycle parking areas.

Rakuchu Area (Central Kyoto)

Some of the better-known neighborhoods comprising downtown Kyoto are Kawaramachi, Shijo, and Sanjo. Visitors to Japan often come here to see the famous geisha and maiko, the strictly trained performing women of old Japanese tradition, and their younger counterparts. These women work in Kyoto’s geisha district (or Kagai), where they perform dances and look after customers. Gion and Pontocho, in particular, feature architecture reminiscent of ancient Japan.

This area also features a number of major department stores, so you can enjoy shopping and specialty foods here.

Cycling tipsThere’s one thing you ought to be careful about. The main Kawaramachi-dori Street, running south-to-north, and Shijo-dori Avenue, running west-to-east, are partially off-limits to bicycles from eight to nine in the morning. You can check which areas are off-limits to bicycles and other information at the link below.

Rakusai Area (Western Kyoto)

Western Kyoto (Rakusai) is popular for its natural beauty. This area is home to neighborhoods like Arashiyama, Saga, Takao, and Omuro, which become crowded with people looking to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and the stunning autumn foliage. In Japan’s Heian Period 1,200 years ago, this is where Japan’s emperor and nobles vacationed, and it’s still just as picturesque now.

Cycling tips: As the area borders on mountains like Arashiyama, many of its streets are on slopes, so simple city cycles will be challenging to get around on. This is where power-assist electric bicycles will really come in handy.

Most roads are comfortably paved, but with all the tourists walking around, it’s sometimes safest to get off your bicycle and walk with it.

Rakuto Area (Eastern Kyoto)

Eastern Kyoto (Rakuto) contains the neighborhoods of Higashiyama, Okazaki, and, more notably, the wards of Higashiyama and Sakyo. Like Rakusai, the Rakuto area has many sloped roads, which are best climbed with power-assist electric bicycles. This is where you’ll find Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most symbolic temples that is well known to tourists. Many of the slopes near this temple have names, like Chawan-zaka, Ichinen-zaka, Ninei-zaka, and Sannei-zaka.

Cycling tips As historic pilgrimage ascents, they may be dominated by stairs or steep grades, and are generally off-limits to vehicles. It’s not a good place to be on a bicycle. Thankfully, you can find a place to park your bike for adventures on foot at the Kiyomizu-zaka Parking Lot, at the intersection of Sanjo-zaka and Kiyomizu-zaka.

Okazaki is where you’ll find Heian Jingu, the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art (KYOCERA), and the Kyoto City Zoo. It’s generally flat and well-suited for bicycle riding.

All across Kyoto, you'll find not only rentacycle ports but plenty of share cycle ports as well.
You can use these bicycles in combination with public transport to get around.

Additionally, due to the 2023 amendment of the Road Traffic Act, Specified Small Motorized Vehicles now operate largely in the same areas as bicycles. Stay safe by understanding the rules and sharing the road responsibly.

Take responsibility for yourself to prevent injury and accidents. You wouldn't want to ruin your fun trip. So follow traffic safety rules, have good manners, and cycle safely, and your trip will leave memories for a lifetime.

*This article was produced at the request of Kyoto's municipal government to promote bicycle rules and manners to Kyoto visitors.
*This article reflects information available in September 2024. For the latest information, visit official websites.

Written by Maiko Nakagawa