Suggested Itinerary
Times are approximate and flexible.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Pick up your bike at NoriNori rental shop and get ready |
| 9:00–9:40 | Cycle from downtown Kyoto along the Kamo/Uji River to Fushimi Inari Taisha |
| 9:40–10:40 | Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through the Torii Gates |
| 10:40–11:00 | Ride to Fushimi Sake District |
| 11:00–12:00 | Explore sake breweries, sake museum, and canal old town |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch (local set meals, matcha sweets; no alcohol) |
| 13:00–14:00 | Cycle along the Uji River to Uji city |
| 14:00–15:00 | Visit Byodo-in Temple and Uji Bridge |
| 15:00–15:45 | Enjoy matcha sweets and shopping on Uji Tea Street |
| 15:45–16:30 | Visit Ujigami Shrine, Uji Shrine, and explore local shops |
| 16:30 | Cycle back to Kyoto city center via the same route |
Main Sights & Cycling Tips
Fushimi Inari Taisha
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Highlight: World-famous “thousand Torii gates” – a must-see in Kyoto
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Bike Parking: Public bicycle parking available near the entrance (100–200 yen). No bicycles inside the shrine – walk your bike from the gate
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Recommended stay: 1 hour
Fushimi Sake District
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Highlight: Historic breweries, sake museum, and retro canal area
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Bike Parking: At brewery entrances or along the canal
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Recommended stay: 1 hour
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Note: By Japanese law, cycling after drinking is strictly prohibited. Feel free to taste a small sample of sake, but do not consume alcohol before or during your ride. You may purchase sake to enjoy later or as a souvenir.
Cycling to Uji
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Route: Riverside cycling along the Uji River, flat and scenic
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Ride time: About 1 hour
Byodo-in Temple & Uji Bridge
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Highlight: UNESCO World Heritage Byodo-in Temple and scenic Uji Bridge
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Bike Parking: Parking available near the attractions
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Admission: Byodo-in: about 600 yen, tickets at the gate
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Recommended stay: 1 hour
Uji Tea Street
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Highlight: World-famous matcha sweets, historic tea shops, unique Kyoto flavors
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Bike Parking: Several parking areas along the main street
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Recommended stay: 45 minutes
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Tip: Try matcha ice cream, mochi, soba, and other local treats
Ujigami Shrine / Uji Shrine
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Highlight: Some of Japan’s oldest Shinto architecture, World Heritage Sites
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Bike Parking: Park nearby and walk in
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Recommended stay: 30–45 minutes
Lunch Recommendations
Enjoy local set meals, matcha desserts, or unagi (eel rice) at restaurants in the Fushimi sake area or Uji Tea Street.
Please do not drink alcohol during your ride. Sake tasting is for sampling only—purchase to enjoy later.
Afternoon/Optional Activities
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Stroll through Uji’s traditional streets and craft shops
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Enjoy cherry blossoms or autumn leaves along the Uji River
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If you wish, visit the Uji City Botanical Garden
Cycling & Parking Tips
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Always park your bike in designated parking areas (some require a small fee)
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No cycling inside temple/shrine grounds or main shopping streets – walk your bike
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E-bikes are recommended for a more comfortable ride
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Follow all Japanese cycling rules and signage
Photo Spots & Souvenirs
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Best photo spots: Torii gates, sake brewery canal, Byodo-in’s Phoenix Hall, Uji Bridge
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Souvenirs: Sake (take away only), matcha sweets, tea, and local crafts
Route Map
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Use Google Maps or Komoot for real-time navigation
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Free printed cycling maps available at the NoriNori shop
Additional Notes
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Book your bike rental in advance during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons
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This is a safe, all-levels route designed for full-day cycling
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Take your time and rest as needed on your way back
Important:
Japanese law strictly prohibits drinking and cycling. Please do not consume alcohol before or during your ride. This itinerary is for a full cycling experience—no train required.
