Exploring the historic cities of Osaka and Kyoto by bicycle is a captivating way to take in the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Renting a touring bike allows travelers to embark on a scenic journey, cycling along the Yodogawa River, admiring the striking Osaka Castle, and discovering the serene shrines of Fushimi Ward. The adventure continues through Kyoto’s western hills, with their historic temples and charming rural villages. Returning the rental bike in Osaka completes the experience, but the memories of this cycling exploration will undoubtedly linger long after the journey’s end.
Key Points
- Rent a high-quality touring bike in Kyoto and return it in Osaka after a scenic cycle tour along the Yodogawa River.
- Explore the vibrant Fushimi Ward in Kyoto, including the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, during the 30 km, easy-difficulty ride.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka Castle and the serene natural beauty of the Yodogawa River cycle path.
- Venture to Kyoto’s western hills to discover historic temples, peaceful bamboo groves, and charming rural villages.
- Optionally, extend the journey to the historic city of Nara, home to Nara Park and its friendly deer.
Osaka to Kyoto Cycle Tour
Riders can embark on a scenic cycle tour from Osaka to Kyoto, taking advantage of the Yodogawa cycle road that connects the two cities. This option allows cyclists to explore the vibrant Fushimi Ward in Kyoto, home to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and its thousands of red gates.
Along the way, riders can also take in the impressive views of Osaka Castle before returning the rental bike at the RBRJ Osaka location. This full-day adventure is priced at $51.40 per person and includes the touring bike rental, helmet, toolkit, and local route recommendations.
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Scenic River Path Riding
The serene Yodogawa River provides a picturesque backdrop for cyclists embarking on this journey. Following the river’s path, riders can connect Osaka and Kyoto, seeing the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, they’ll cycle through Fushimi Ward in Kyoto, home to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and its thousands of vibrant red gates.
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka to Kyoto | 30 km | 2-3 hours | Easy |
| Kyoto to Osaka | 30 km | 2-3 hours | Easy |
Completing the full loop, cyclists can then explore the grounds of Osaka Castle before returning the rental bike at the RBRJ Osaka location.
Exploring Fushimi Ward’s Shrines
After enjoying the serene river path, cyclists can now explore the iconic shrines of Fushimi Ward in Kyoto. This vibrant neighborhood is home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the famous Shinto shrine with its striking red torii gates.
Visitors can:
- Climb the winding path through the gates, offering stunning views of the city.
- Wander through the smaller shrines and lanterns lining the approach to the main shrine.
- Admire the intricate architecture and attention to detail in the shrine’s design.
- Discover the spiritual significance of Inari, the god of foxes, fertility, and business.
This immersive experience allows cyclists to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Cycling in Kyoto’s Western Hills
Leaving the shrines of Fushimi Ward behind, cyclists can now head into Kyoto’s western hills for a thrilling change of scenery. This option takes riders through the stunning landscapes of western Kyoto, with gentle inclines and breathtaking views.
Riders can explore historic temples, peaceful bamboo groves, and charming rural villages along the way. The route offers a chance to experience the serene beauty of Kyoto’s countryside and provides a welcome respite from the bustling city streets.
Whether tackling the hills or coasting downhill, this cycling adventure promises an unforgettable day in the saddle. Cyclists can then return the rental bike at the Osaka location, capping off a truly memorable journey through Kyoto’s diverse landscapes.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTraveling to Historic Nara
From Kyoto, cyclists can now venture south towards the historic city of Nara. Along the way, they’ll encounter:
- The serene Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly deer.
- The impressive Todaiji Temple, which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
- The iconic Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns.
- The charming streets of Nara’s old town, perfect for exploring on two wheels.
After a day of cycling and sightseeing in Nara, riders can return their rental bikes at the RBRJ Osaka location, completing their journey from Kyoto to Osaka.
Returning the Bike in Osaka
Having completed their cycling journey from Kyoto, riders return their rental bikes at the RBRJ Osaka location. This process is straightforward and efficient. Riders simply need to check in the bikes, ensuring they’re in good condition. The staff will then inspect the bikes and process the return.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive at the RBRJ Osaka location |
| 2 | Check in the rental bike |
| 3 | Staff inspect the bike |
| 4 | Confirm the return |
| 5 | Receive confirmation and depart |
The entire process takes just a few minutes, allowing riders to easily conclude their adventurous day of cycling between Kyoto and Osaka.
Included Rental Equipment and Safety
Along With the straightforward bike return process, the rental package includes several key items to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. Riders will receive:
- A high-quality touring bike equipped with a comfortable saddle, responsive brakes, and gears suitable for the terrain.
- A helmet to protect the head in case of any mishaps.
- A small toolkit containing essential tools to handle minor repairs, such as a puncture.
- A comprehensive safety briefing from the rental company, covering key cycling rules and etiquette in Japan.
These thoughtful inclusions demonstrate the rental provider’s commitment to facilitating a worry-free and secure cycling adventure for their customers.
Getting to the Rental Shop
Where is the rental shop located? The Road Bike Rental Japan shop in Kyoto can be found near Takeda Station on the Kintestu Kyoto line. To get there, exit the south ticket gate and take the west exit (Exit 6). Then, turn left and follow the road straight for 450 metres. The shop will be on your left.
| Directions | Details |
|---|---|
| Exit | Take the south ticket gate and west exit (Exit 6) |
| Turn | Turn left and follow the road straight |
| Distance | The shop is 450 metres down the road on the left |
The rental shop’s convenient location near Takeda Station makes it easy to access and begin your cycling adventure from Kyoto to Osaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Bike Model?
The rental service generally has a range of touring bike models available, but customers cannot request a specific model. The staff will assist in selecting the most suitable bike based on the rider’s height and preferences.
Are Children’s Bikes Available for Rent?
Yes, the rental service offers children’s bikes for rent. Customers can request a specific bike model based on their height and age to ensure a comfortable and safe cycling experience.
Can I Extend the Rental Period if Needed?
Yes, customers can extend the rental period if needed. The bike rental company allows for additional time to be added to the original rental agreement, subject to availability and any extra fees.
What Happens if I Get a Flat Tire During the Ride?
The rental service provides a small toolkit to fix minor issues, such as a flat tire. If the cyclist is unable to repair the tire, they can contact the rental service for assistance. The rental fee covers the cost of bike repairs during the rental period.
Is There a Deposit Required for the Bike Rental?
Yes, a deposit is typically required for bike rentals. The rental company may require a deposit to ensure the safe return of the bike. The deposit amount may vary depending on the rental company’s policies.
Recap
Rent a touring bike in Kyoto and return it in Osaka for a scenic cycling adventure. Pedal along the Yodogawa River, explore Fushimi Ward’s shrines, and cycle through Kyoto’s western hills. With included rental equipment and safety gear, this journey offers a memorable way to experience the natural beauty between these two vibrant cities.
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