They say it’s the journey, not the destination that matters. Having no particular interest in Yawata, I embarked on this cycle across Kyoto.
If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you’ll know I often talk about the magic of Kyoto’s Kamo River, or “Kamogawa” as per its Japanese name.
This time around, I decided to explore as much of its beauty as possible by cycling towards Nara prefecture with nothing but the Kamo River as my guide!
Spoiler alert (well not really if you’ve read the title), I ended up finishing the cycle in a town called Yatawa. Yes, I got too tired and decided to turn around (Nara is further away than I thought!).
Getting Started
Wherever you are in Kyoto, it is easy to make your way to the Kamo River.
Given the vast length of the river, I’d recommend starting out at whichever point of Kamo River is closest to you.
My starting point was at the Sanjo bridge, just a short distance from Kyoto station.
I would also suggest renting a bike that comes with a basket, as it does wonders to carry your belongings and store food and drink for the journey ahead.
Follow The River!
You won’t be needing Google Maps from this point forward, so enjoy pure serenity as you use the navigation guide of mother nature.
One thing you should keep in mind, however, is that as you approach Yawata the Kamo River will “transform” into the Katsugara River, at least as far as naming conventions go (it’s the same river as far as I’m concerned).
Don’t Forget To Fuel Up!
Carbs are key when it comes to long-distance bike rides, so be sure to stop every now and then for a quick feed.
They’re called convenience stores for a reason, pop into any 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson you see on the way and grab a sandwich or a rice ball.
My go-to food for cycling is the “yakisoba pan,” a delicious soft loaf filled with fried noodles and marinated in sweet-savory sauce and mayonnaise.
It’s even easier to stay hydrated in Japan, as you can always buy a drink for a dollar or two at one of the million vending machines or convenience stores along the way.
Watch Out For Cyclists!
You’re probably thinking after reading that heading, “But aren’t I the cyclist?”
No offense, but I’m referring to the real cyclists flying down the road at 40 kilometers an hour, you know, the ones dressed in tights hunched over their racer bikes.
At some point along the path, you’ll find many of these “pro cyclists” whizzing past you as they train for the Tour de France (or whatever it is they’re so serious about).
Don’t mind them though, because the road is ultimately open to the public, even if you do feel out of place at times.
Just enjoy the lush green grass and the misty mountains ahead, because that’s what this journey is all about!
No Battery? No Problem!
Running out of battery in a foreign country like Japan can be a scary thing, especially when you’re far from home.
If you’re anything like me and don’t carry a portable battery with you, then you’re more likely to carry your phone charger instead.
In this case, I’d recommend ducking into a convenience store with a sitting area, as more often than not, they have charging ports free for the public.
If you can’t find one, you could also try your nearest Starbucks or Tully’s Coffee cafés, as they typically have power sockets too.
When my phone battery entered the danger zone, I took the opportunity to head into a Family Mart and enjoy a refreshing ice cream while I waited for my phone to charge.
Amazing River Views!
Honestly, I couldn’t even tell you at what point during the ride I took this photo. On the bright side, that’s a testament to how scenic and beautiful the entire Kamo River cycle actually is!
For all we know this could be the Katsugara River, not Kamo, but we could at least agree on how picture-perfect some of the scenery is along the ride.
If you’re in Kyoto and have one of those days where you just don’t know what to do for yourself, I urge you to go on this impulsive adventure to clear your mind and create wonderful memories!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
