Kyoto to Nara | 80 Kilometer Bicycle Journey to the Deer Capitol of Japan

Date I went: 04/16/2020

Youtube video:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oritabi808/

Today I biked from Kyoto to Nara, a solid 40 kilometer ride one way.

In total the ride was about 80 kilometers, but with the traveling around I did within Nara city it probably came closer to 90 kilometers.

The ride itself is really easy and has plenty of convenience stores along the way. It's also flat the whole way so easy riding going there. There is a bicycle specific path that you can take as well, but I ended gong on both the bicycle path parts and the regular road where you can discover other less known sites along the way to Nara from Kyoto.

This google map has the route laid out: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1SRR5Bmwn7wPlzeic-hhMopfm9kQ&ll=34.86279646981791%2C135.80151077820722&z=11

Bike Route from Kyoto to Nara (40 kilometers)

Kizu River (木津川)

The main maker to make sure you are heading in the right direction towards Nara is the Kizu River.

The JR Nara line from Kyoto to Nara is also a good marker, and in case your bicycle breaks down or you are lost just head in the direction of the train tracks and you will find a station along the train line within a 20 minute walk.

Kizu River Bridge (山城大橋)

This was just a cool arch shaped bridge I came across, nice views of the river can be observed from here as well!

Most of the land going to Nara is really rural, but there are still plenty of small towns and convenience stores along the way.

I can't find this location on a map, but I came across this sakura tunnel road on my way to Nara.

The bicycle path featured in the two left hand pictures is well paved and very convenient to ride along. You are also elevated above the surrounding land so you can see what's happening in each area you go through.

Heijō Palace Remains (平城宮跡歴史公園)

The Heijō Palace Remains was the first land marker to indicate I was in Nara. This was actually where the original capital of Japan was located back in the 8th century before the capital moved to Kyoto. Now days the capital of Japan is Tokyo.

Heijo Palace Remains: https://www.heijo-park.jp/

I still have to bike a bit more to reach the Deer park in Nara.

Sanjo-dori (三条通り）

Sanjo-dori is the main street of Nara where a lot of restaurants, cafes, and even an owl cafe is located. It also leads you directly to the deer parks of Nara.

Got to get into the spirit of Nara with some deer ears...

Nara Park (奈良公園)

This is a general outline of Nara park and where most of the deer reside, but the deer are occasionally seen walking within the city areas as well. There are many deer traffic signs posted around, and sometimes they wander into the streets.

This deer is posted up nicely here.

These are the Shika Senbei (鹿煎餅) and in English are known as deer crackers. You can buy them from many different carts around the park for around 150 to 200 yen for a stack of them.

Noborioji Park (奈良公園 登大路園地)

Noborioji Park is adjacent to the Nara National Museum where they are known for their Buddhist artifacts.

Tōdai-ji Temple Deer Street (東大寺)

Deer crowded this street that leads to the Todaiji Temple where the largest Buddha statue is located in Nara. Most people are feeding the deer here since there are quite a few shika senbei carts around.

Kasuganoenchi (春日野園地)

This deer park known for its wide open field is my favorite! I saw the largest gatherings of deer at this park.

Tobihino (飛火野)

Tobihino has some really nice landscape views of the mountains bordering the Eastern edges of Nara.

Asajigaharaenchi (浅茅ヶ原園地)

The most chill park you can find in Nara is no doubt at Asajigaharaenchi.

Sagiike Pond (鷺池)

Also located at Asajigaharaenchi is this pond called Sagiike.

Ukimido (浮見堂)

A pagoda called Ukimido is located in the middle of the Sagiike Pond.

Araike Sakura (荒池桜)

Another pond is located next to Sagiike called Araiike Sakura.

Gojuno-to (五重塔)

I didn't have time to visit the Gojuno-to pagoda, but as I left the city it was in the distance.

I hit the road back to Kyoto around 4 p.m. hoping to get into Koto right before the sunset.

Tamagawa Tsutsumi Cherry Blossom (玉川堤の桜)

On the Eastern side of the Kizu River I found the Tamagawa Tsutsumi Cherry Blossom. Definitely the highlight of the day with Sakura trees overhanging the beautiful stream.

Kintetsu Kyoto Line Yodogawa Bridge (近鉄京都線 澱川橋梁)

The Kintetsu Kyoto Line Yodogawa Bridge is dedicated only to trains. It has a really cool steampunk vibe I thought.

Furumonzen Dori (古門前通り)

The last view of the day is from Furumonzen Dori. Just made it in time before the sunset :D