Cycle along quiet roads with
the mountain breeze at
your back on a journey
where you'll find
the hidden scenic beauty of Kyoto.
Leave behind the bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful ride enveloped by the rustle of the wind in the trees and the sound of murmuring rivers. The more you pedal, the more refreshed you’ll feel. It's time to commune with nature on a trip through the mountains of Kyoto.
Sample Courses
Dam Tour
Tour
Hiyoshi Dam
Tour
Tour Duration: Approx. 5.5 hours (incl. breaks)
About one hour from Kyoto City, you'll find the town of Hiyoshi in Nantan, known for its waterside areas and forests. Hop on a folding bicycle and take in the changing seasonal scenery of idyllic villages while riding alongside Hiyoshi Dam and Katsura River. Stop at a cafe and enjoy a meal made with local vegetables, see traditional thatched-roof homes, and visit small shrines surrounded by mountains. One of the best parts of this tour is experiencing authentic country living in areas that retain their rustic charm rather than feeling like sightseeing destinations.
Nantan City
Hiyoshi-Cho Archive
of Local History
and Folklore
At this facility, you can learn about the history of Hiyoshi from ancient to modern times, view arts and traditional crafts from temples and shrines, and see exhibits on river fishing and floating timber downstream. Traditional thatched-roof homes that have been relocated and restored are also on display here so you can catch a glimpse of how people lived long ago.
Hiyoshi Dam
Info Gallery
This gallery is the first of its kind in Japan where visitors can visit the inside of a dam levee. You can actually go inside the dam itself.
HIYOSHI SPRINGS PARK
This massive dam is practically synonymous with the town of Hiyoshi. The panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the observation deck look completely different depending on the season.
Springs Hiyoshi
This is the hub of Hiyoshi, where you'll find hot springs, local restaurants, and farm direct shops. Stop by for a lunch made with local veggies and soak your tired feet in the hot spring foot bath.
Kyoto Prefectural
Forest Hiyoshi
This forest park is the perfect place to surround yourself with nature, with forest experience and learning facilities including the Strolling Forest, the Observation Forest, the Experience Forest, and Forest Square.
Maizuru Course:
A Navy Town
Tour Duration: Approx. 5 hours (incl. breaks)
Maizuru has two distinct sections, West Maizuru, where you can see the vestiges of the castle town of long ago, and East Maizuru, which prospered as a naval port during the Meiji period. Coast through the old town of West Maizuru on your folding bike and then head to the red brick warehouses and port area of East Maizuru. This is the perfect place to experience the march of history while enjoying the breeze. Make sure to take a break at a local cafe and snap some photos at the beautiful scenic spots overlooking the Sea of Japan. This cycling tour offers the chance to experience the charming fusion of Maizuru's culture, history, and nature with all five senses.
Tanabe Castle Ruins
at Maizuru Park
(West Maizuru)
This site is the symbol of West Maizuru and is linked to Hosokawa Yusai. The moat and stone walls remain, and in springtime, the area is covered in beautiful cherry blossoms.
Kitasui Tunnel
Connecting the west and east sections of town, this tunnel is a sort of 'bridge between the ages.' The moment you exit it, you're transported from a castle town to a modern city.
Maizuru Red Brick Park
This group of red brick warehouses was built as naval facility during the Meiji period. They have since been renovated, and are home to a museum, cafe, and art space where you can experience modern Japanese industrial heritage in person.
Yoshihara Cove
This scenic fishing town is called the 'Venice of Asia,' and is known for its unique, picturesque canals lined with houses and fishing boats.
Tore Tore Center
Stop by here for some freshly caught fish from the Sea of Japan, enjoy a meal of marine products such as kamaboko fish cake, or do some shopping.
West Maizuru shrine
and temple area
The elegant town scenery developed thanks to the area’s prosperous time as a castle town during the age of the Tanabe Domain. Vestiges of the time can be seen in the ruins of Tanabe Castle and the historic sites including many shrines and temples.
Shoeikan
This historic Japanese inn hosted many members of the former Japanese Navy, including Togo Heihachiro, the first commander of the Maizuru Naval Base.
Access
Hiyoshi Dam Tour meeting spot
Access from Osaka Station to Hiyoshi Station
Osaka Station → Kyoto Station: 29 min. by special rapid train
Kyoto Station → Sonobe Station: 36 min. by rapid train
Sonobe Station → Hiyoshi Station: 8 min. by local train
Maizuru Tour meeting spot
Access from Osaka Station to Nishi-Maizuru Station
Osaka Station → Kyoto Station: 29 min. by special rapid train
Kyoto Station → Nishi-Maizuru Station: 88 min. by limited express train
* Please refer to the timetables, fares, and prices as a rough guide for planning your trip.
Things to keep in mind
Before purchasing a tour product, please check the conditions on the webpage link below.
https://www.nta.co.jp/syuku/nihon/ryokojoken_shusai.htm
