Cycling Abroad in Japan, from Takayama to Kyoto

Why Cycling Abroad From Takayama to Kyoto

Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. It has so much to offer to foreign tourists: great towns and cities, beautiful countryside, mountains, history, and food. Above all, these are the Japanese people that are most special and welcoming. I can promise you that the Japanese famous hospitality will buy your heart.

Although there are many bicycles in Japan, not so many people are cycling cross country, multi-days touring trips. There might be several reasons for this. One of them might be the fact that Japan is very populated, and there are not so many cycling trails in Japan. The language barrier might be another reason. Yet, I can promise you that while your ride, and after finishing your bicycle trip from Takayama to Kyoto you will say Arigato!

About This Trip From Takayama to Kyoto

This route starts at Takayama, a charming town in northern Japan, and finished in Kyoto, one of the most famous, beautiful, and interesting cities in the world. If you have the time I would strongly recommend you to spend an extra riding day, especially in Kyoto. It might turn to be the most enjoyable day of the whole trip.

During this 8 days trip from Takayama to Kyoto you will skip the main roads as much as possible, and ride alongside roads. Although your bikes are probably equipped with road tires, there were times when you will ride on unpaved surfaces.

In this type of multi-day bicycle touring trip, the quality of your sleep at your night is not only a safety issue but a major issue affecting the quality of your trip. As Japan is so special in its Ryonkans, Onsens, and hotels, I’ve included some suggestions for places to stay, for your convenience.

Although this trip takes only 8 days, your trip from Takayama to Kyoto will be a real-life experience.

“Kampai”!

Trip Information

Origin	Takayama
Via	Geru Onsen, Gifu, Yaotsu, Lake Biwa
Destination	Kyoto
Distance	358 Km (4250m Climb)
Cycling Level	Moderate
Map (Komoot)	Download the planned route

Takayama to Kyoto Trip Details – Day by Day

Day 0 (Train from Kyoto to Takayama)

Today you will be quite busy, with very little riding time. After renting the bikes, you will prepare them for their shipment to Takayama and board the train in Kyoto main train station. after about 4 hours you will reach Takayama train station, near your hotel.

In the evening you can take a short visit to the lovely city of Takayama. You can also spend a quiet evening in the Takayama Kanko Hotel’s Onsen.

Day 1

The first riding day is the right time to get used to on the left side of the road. As in many cases, avoiding riding on main roads is almost impossible, and riding in Japan is no different.

Route 41 is famous for its spectacular scenery. Luckily, there is a long and quite wide sideway designed for bicycles (not marked, though) that you can use. On some parts of the road the sideway appears on the right side of the road, and sometimes it discontinues and continue on the opposite side.

If you are trying to avoid the main road, you can ride along a much less crowded road, called Route 98, a mountain road that is climbing on steep mountains, visiting lakes and ski areas, and descending back to the valley, joining route 41 and route 88, directly to Gero Onsen, where you will spend the night. I would suggest staying at hotelSuimeikan.

Route	Hotel
	Suimeikan

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 2

You can start your day visiting Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Museum. Then you can ride along route 41, visiting small villages along the way.

At Shirakawa junction you will leave route 41, and turn East via route 62 to route 68, and start climbing the mountains north of Yaotsu, along the steep curves of route 83.

After (almost) every long climb there is a long descend. Another enjoyable day will come to an end in the city of Yaotsu. I would recommend you to stay at Matsuya Ryokan, run by wonderful Sato San, the 4’th generation of managing the business.

Route	Hotel
	Yaotsu Matsuya Rukan

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 3

If you like to experience something special, you should first climb the hills of route 418 towards Suguhara hill of Humanity. There you will visit Chiune Sugihara Memorial Museum. It tells the heroic story of Sugihara San, a minister in the Japanese foreign office that was stationed in Lithuania during the 2’nd world war. By doing his brave actions, Sugihara San saved the lives of around 6000 Jews.

While descending back along routes 418 and 83, you can have a nice coffee break at Kato San’s Coffee house. Kato San is a retired JAS Captain who decided to fulfill a long-time dream and to open a coffee restaurant. It is located in front of the gasoline station just after crossing Kiso River, on route 83. If you have the time to visit Kato San’s place, you will find there not only good coffee and excellent homemade cheesecake but also a warm welcome.

After this short brake you will continued riding along villages and rice fields, towards Minokamo city. During the rest of the day you will ride along beautiful countryside roads and the Nagara River, that will lead you to your next rest station: the city of Gifu. I would suggest you to stay at Nagaragawa Sports Hotel.

Route	Hotel
	Miyako Hotel Gifu Nagaragawa

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 4

Today you can choose between several routes, on your way to Lake Biwa. I would suggest you take the less crowded and more quiet and pictures mountain roads.

Unlike the rest of the ride today, the first 15 miles of the urban ride are quite flat. After leaving the urban area you will head south – along route 365. The way up to the mountain pass along route 306 is steep and long, but going down from Taga Pass to Hikone will be a great reward for your climbing efforts.

At Hikone you can spend the night at Hikone Castle Resort & Spa.

Route	Hotel
	Hikone Castle Resort & Spa

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 5

You can start your day by visiting the famous Hikone Castle.

You will ride along the east bank of Lake Biwa, trying to stay near the water. If this is a sunny day you will meet many families and couples out traveling, as well as other bicycle riders.

At some point you leave the coastal road and ride along a nice peninsula on scenic route 557. On the trees and near the lake you might see monkeys spending some quality time with their families.

After leaving route 557 you can stop by in a very nice coffee shop that is laying just on the water front of Lake Biwa, in Makinohigashi.

You can spend the night at Grand Park Hotel Okibiwako Makino, near Makino station, east of the city of Takashima. It is a lovely place, located just 100 yards from the lake.

Route	Hotel
	Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 6

Today is another long, yet very enjoyable day. In the morning hours, you will ride along route 303, then along route 367 that is laying on a long valley, on the way to Kyoto. You can be “creative” and from time to time, and leave the main road to take the small, countryside roads and to see the “real” Japan and the Japanese people, living in the countryside. Just note that unlike the rest of today’s main roads, route 367 does not have any bicycle sideways.

After crossing the pass, about 650m above sea level, you will start a long and nice descend to the historic city of Kyoto. The scenery of the countryside will change again to a more populated area, but Kyoto does not look like other cities: in many parts of the city it still has the look and feel of a small village.

At night you can stay near Kyoto Station, at Hotel Elcient Kyoto (Formaly El Inn Kyoto).

Route	Hotel
	Hotel Elcient Kyoto

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 7 (Optional)

Today you can use your bikes to have a relaxed and enjoyable urban bike ride. I can promis you a great day that will leave you with a hunger for more days like this in Japan.

Kyoto is full of attractions: you can start your day on the bikes by visiting Ryoanji Temple. There after you can visit Kinkakuji Temple. After crossing the city from West to East along small roads, canals and coffee shops you can visit Jinkakuji Temple.

Going down from Jinkakuji Temple, you can ride along the “Route of Philosophy” and some other temples.

Tips and Tricks

Going by Train (from Kyoto to Takayama)

Going from Kyoto to Takayama by train takes about 4 hours. In Japan you are not allowd to take the bikes yith you on the train, so the easiest way is to wrap the bikes in a nylon strip, and carry them into the train.

Renting Bicycles in Kyoto

There are several places where you can rent bicycles in Kyoto. I can suggest you take quality bikes that will fit this type of touring trip from CycleOsaka.com. Kevin and Sam have a bicycle rental business in both Kyoto and Osaka.

Weather

• Takayama Weather
• Kyoto Weather

What’s Next

If you like my Takayama to Kyoto self-guided bicycle trip, you are invited to Contact Us and get more detailed information, including variations to the basic trip, tips about the best season to travel and much more advice from my and other travelers experience. You are also welcome to check out some of my own bicycle trips to get an idea of this type of exciting cycling style.

Useful Links

• CycleOsaka.com
• JapanCycling.org
• BikeToursJapan.com
• KanCycling.com
• KinkiCycle.com
• Takayama Weather
• Gifu Weather
• Hikone Weather
• Kyoto Weather

More Pictures

Bicycle Trip in Japan – The Movie

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