Kyoto to Nara
Kyoto to Nara 京都八幡木津自転車道線
Overview
For those interested in riding from Kyoto to Nara – the former capital of Japan to its predecessor – a comfortable, safe, and mostly car-free option exists. A smooth bike path runs from Arashiyama, in western Kyoto, to just outside of Kizu, which is a suburb of Nara.
The path is 45 kilometers (28 miles) long and three meters wide in most places.
It is limited to cyclists, runners, and walkers. Gates and bollards prevent vehicular traffic from entering, and signs note that motorcycles, scooters, and cars are not permitted.
Getting to the Starting Point
For those riding from Kyoto to Nara, the route begins just across the Togetsukyo Bridge from the center of Arashiyama. However, it is possible to pick up the route in mid-stream from many points in the city close to the Katsura River.
Directions
Train Bridge Along Kyoto to Nara Route
The route is marked with signs that display the name - in both Roman letters and kanji - of the area or bridge and the number of kilometers remaining.
However, these signs along the route are in some places misleading or non-existent. In general, if there are standard bicycle and pedestrian signs – blue background, white outline, with a bike and pedestrian – and you see the large block kanji on the pavement, then you are on the route. However, in several places it is easy to end up off the trail. Three are noted below.
First, the route crosses the river at the Matsuo Taisha Bridge. Though there is a bike path south of that bridge, it is not the Kyoto - Kizu route. Cross to the opposite side of the river, and then pick up the route from there.
Second, when the route comes to Route 202, in the south of Kyoto – with a large bridge crossing the Katsura River to the right – riders should turn left onto the sidewalk (do not cross the Katsura River). Ride across an old dreary bridge. At the end of the bridge, turn left onto the bicycle route and circle under the bridge and onward towards Nara.
Next, as the route makes the shift from the Katsura River to the Kizu River, you will come up to a busy road. There are many highways and rail lines in the vicinity. Turn right and ride aross this bridge. At the first light, cross to the opposite side of the street. The route picks up here.
Last, when the route ends – just outside of Kizu – go right. To the left is a bridge that crosses the Kizu River. This is the wrong direction.
To repeat, go right at this point. After a few minutes, Kizu Station will appear on the left. Continue straight.
The easier but longer route is to continue straight, along Route 24 (Nara Bypass). This is an ugly exurban route, but in most places the sidewalk is wide – and when you get close to Nara, there is even a bike path. At Route 44, turn left and head into Nara.
For those in more of a hurry – and willing to climb – at the first fork about a mile from Kizu Station go left. This is Route 754. It is an uneventful climb that will take you directly into the Nara Park area, which is home to Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, etc.
Total Riding Time
Four hours riding from Arashiyama to Kizu (less if you are fit and on a racing bike). For those who continue from Kizu into Nara, expect another 45 minutes.
Places of Interest
Moving from Kyoto to Nara, the following sites can be visited or seen:
Lots of amazing industry along the rivers
Nagare Bashi (at 365 meters long, one of the longest wooden bridges in Japan)
Many tea farms
Trains! (En route you will pass under the JR Kyoto Line, bullet train, Keihan Line, and Kintetsu Line)
Suggestions
It is a good idea to bring water and snacks as you will be pretty far from stores along many stretches of the route.
Also, you will want to be off the trail by dark. At that point, there is no lighting and the signs are of no use.
Links
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Chizuz - an excellent map
Map
Kyoto - Nara Route
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