Renting Bikes in Kyoto: A Complete Guide to Exploring the City by Bike
Everything you need to know about renting bikes in Kyoto, from where to rent to the best routes for exploring the city.
Kyoto is a city steeped in history, charm, and beauty, and there’s no better way to explore it than on two wheels. Renting bikes in Kyoto gives you the freedom to cover more ground than walking, skip crowded buses, and discover iconic sights and hidden neighborhoods at your own pace.
On our visit to Kyoto, we decided to rent e-bikes on our first day and see as much of the city as we could, while staying cool in the summer heat. It was the perfect way to familiarize ourselves with Kyoto for the days ahead.
Here’s everything you need to know about renting bikes in Kyoto, including choosing a rental shop, what to pack, and planning your cycling route.
Where to Rent Bikes in Kyoto
Finding a Bike Shop
Spend a few days in Kyoto and you’ll notice cycling here is a popular mode of transportation. It’s no surprise, then, that Kyoto is dotted with bike rental shops – finding one near your accommodation should be easy.
Picking a convenient shop is our first tip for renting bikes in Kyoto. We rented from a shop close to our apartment – Bicycle rental Raku-chari Sanjo – which allowed us to start early at 8am. This was a huge advantage during the hot, humid months.
If you’re visiting in summer, it’s worth asking rental shops if they offer early pickup options. Getting an early start can make a huge difference in comfort.
Standard vs. E-Bikes
Most rental shops offer both standard bikes and e-bikes. Standard bikes are lightweight and perfect for short rides or flatter routes, while e-bikes provide battery-assisted pedaling, ideal for covering longer distances or navigating Kyoto’s hills without exhaustion.
We chose e-bikes for our ride, and the assistance was a welcome relief in the mid-90s temperatures and high humidity of late June.
Many shops also offer helmets, and almost all bikes come with front baskets. Baskets are surprisingly convenient – perfect for carrying water, sunscreen, a light backpack, or small items you pick up along the way.
Rental costs vary by shop, bike type, and duration. For reference, we paid around 2,400 yen for a full-day e-bike rental, with an extra 700 yen for the early pickup.
Navigating Kyoto by Bike
Kyoto is generally safe for cycling, though there are a few important rules and local customs to follow:
- On roads, always ride on the left-hand side (like cars)
- Only ride on sidewalks when they are wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists
- When using sidewalks, keep an eye out for pedestrians sharing the space – many main streets have wide sidewalks with dedicated bike lanes, but these can still get crowded, so caution is key
- Traffic signals must be obeyed, whether you’re on the road or on a sidewalk lane
Parking is another important consideration. While some major sites, like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), offer free bike parking, others may charge around 200 yen as of 2025.
It’s important not to just lock your bike anywhere – Kyoto takes bike parking seriously, and improper parking can result in fines or even bike removal. Share your planned itinerary with the cycling shop – they can tell you which stops will require paid vs. free bike parking.
What to Pack for Renting Bikes in Kyoto
Kyoto’s weather can vary, so dressing appropriately for a cycling day is essential.
In summer, think lightweight, breathable layers, In cooler months, add a jacket or sweater. Sneakers or sturdy sandals are your best bet for footwear comfort while cycling.
Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential, and a small first-aid kit can be a lifesaver if you’re doing a full-day loop.
Most bikes have baskets, which makes carrying your essentials a breeze. Throw in a light backpack, extra layers, or snacks, and you’re set. Plus, Kyoto is full of convenience stores along the way, so it’s easy to refill water or grab a quick snack without skipping a beat.
One thing we never leave home without when cycling in Kyoto is a way to keep our devices charged. Phones are essential for navigation, snapping photos, and emergencies, and we love carrying our portable charger. It’s small, super reliable, and keeps all our gadgets topped up, so we never have to worry about running out of juice mid-ride.
⚡ Kyoto adventures = lots of maps + photos. Our go-to portable charger is the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Power Bank.
Renting Bikes in Kyoto: Our E-Bike Adventure
Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we made it our goal to hit several of them on our day of biking around the city. Our day started early, allowing us time to see sights and explore at a comfortable pace.
Early Morning Start
We started our Kyoto biking adventure near Higashiyama Station and set out on a loop that let us see a mix of temples, streets, and riverside paths in a single day.
Our first stop was Nanzen-ji, a sprawling temple complex with tranquil gardens and historic architecture. It’s a great place to ease into the day, and it was noticeably quieter than some of the city’s other major temples.
From there, we cycled along Philosopher’s Path, a scenic canal-side trail lined with trees. Spring cherry blossoms are famous here, but even in June the path was beautifully lush, and a refreshing break from busy city streets.
Next, we headed to Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, and explored the charming streets nearby, filled with shops and cafés. Zoey bought a couple souvenirs, and Steve and I cooled off with homemade banana popsicles.
Local Neighborhoods & Convenience Stores
Back on our bikes, by now it was mid-morning and heating up quickly. We grabbed a cold drink at a vending machine along the route and pedaled west across the city, passing Kyoto National Garden.
Our route continued to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a local tip from our rental shop. The neighborhood surrounding the shrine reminded us of Gion with its historic charm, but it was far less crowded.
At this point, it was midday, and we were hungry – and hot. We found a 7-Eleven near Kinkaku-ji (our next stop) and grabbed sandwiches and drinks to eat.
Mid-Day at the Golden Pavilion
Next, we headed to Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Golden Pavilion. Bike parking was free, though it took a couple of laps around the block to find the right spot.
Once parked, we joined hundreds of other visitors strolling the temple grounds, taking in the reflection of the pavilion in the surrounding pond.
An Afternoon at Nijo Castle
After another stop for cold drinks (did we mention it was hot?), we visited Nijo Castle. Inside, we admired the famous “nightingale floors” that chirp with every step, and then we roamed the expansive gardens surrounding the grounds.
Once finished, we walked across the street to find a coffee shop – we got coffees and castella pancakes, which were soft and sweet. It was the perfect break given the hot afternoon.
Biking Along Kamo River
We saved the Kamo River for the final stretch of our loop. Coasting along its banks was a peaceful way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing, offering a different perspective on Kyoto’s urban rhythm.
With the mid-90s heat bearing down, the water looked too inviting to resist. We parked our bikes on the grass along the riverbank path, took off our shoes, and waded right in. It was a refreshing pause that felt like the best reward at the end of our ride.
If you’re visiting on a cooler day (or simply have more energy to spare), consider extending your ride south to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates, or west to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for a serene natural escape. We had planned to fit one of these in, but the heat and humidity nudged us toward a slower pace (and we didn’t regret it).
E-bikes make either of these longer excursions entirely manageable, even if you’re not an avid cyclist.
Tips for Renting Bikes in Kyoto
When renting bikes in Kyoto, keep these tips in mind to make your day easier and more enjoyable:
- Ask the rental shop staff for advice: They know the city from a cyclist’s perspective and can recommend routes that match your interests and energy level.
- Stay hydrated: Summer in Kyoto can be hot and humid. Refill water at convenience stores along the way to keep cool and energized.
- Be flexible with your route: Weather, crowds, or your own pace may require adjustments. An e-bike makes it easy to modify your plan without overexertion.
- Mix sights for a balanced day: Combine temples, quiet streets, and riverside paths for a well-rounded cycling experience.
- Respect traffic and pedestrians: Follow local traffic rules, ride on the left, and be mindful of pedestrians on sidewalks to stay safe.
Final Thoughts: Renting Bikes in Kyoto
Cycling through Kyoto is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the city. From weaving past centuries-old temples and quiet shrines to coasting along the Kamo River, renting bikes in Kyoto gives you the freedom to see more, move at your own pace, and discover corners of the city that buses and taxis simply can’t reach.
A few essentials can make your ride even smoother. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for biking. And don’t forget a reliable way to keep your devices charged. We brought our Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Power Bank – it keeps your phone ready for navigation, snapping photos, or emergencies, so you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of worrying about battery life.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to Kyoto, hopping on a bike is a fun, flexible, and memorable way to experience the city.