Explore the temples and the river of Arashiyama by bike; bicycle rental per day from ~1.200-1.500 ¥.
Exploring Arashiyama by bicycle is one of the most pleasant and free ways to discover this district west of Kyoto. It lets you combine, at your own pace, the great attractions of the area —the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji temple, the Togetsukyo bridge, the Oi river— with less-frequented corners that would be out of reach on foot. The terrain around the river is mostly flat, which makes cycling accessible for any level. Several rental shops near Arashiyama station offer bicycles for prices ranging from 1.200 to 1.500 ¥ a day, including city bikes, mamachari and, at some establishments, electric ones. Confirm the return time before setting off, usually before 17:30 or 18:00. The best strategy is to start the ride early in the morning to reach the bamboo grove before it fills up. Bring the area map downloaded on your phone because the signage is not always in Latin characters. In Japan you ride on the left.
