Kyoto Otokuni Cycling Route: Cycling in the Western Kyoto Otokuni Bamboo Grove Area

Still following the bamboo trail, head a little further south until you reach a right turn in the path. Follow this west until you pop out on a road called Takenosato hon dori. This stretch of road gives you a real feel for what it’s like to live in Kyoto like a local, with homes dotted along the way and a general buzz of suburban life filling the air.

Continue west along Takenosato hon dori about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) as you make your way to Oharano, a beautiful shrine which was founded around 784. When Emperor Kammu moved the imperial capital from Nara to Nagaoka-kyo in 784, he also transferred the great deities of Nara’s Kasuga Taisha Shrine, deities of the imperial Fujiwara clan, here to Oharano Shrine. For this reason, the shrine is fondly known as “Kyo Kasuga” (as opposed to the Kasuga of Nara). You can spot several deer/deer-god statues in the shrine’s grounds, and omamori charms with a deer motif, as deer are revered at Kasuga Taisha Shrine as messengers of the gods as well.

If you’re ready for lunch at this point, slurp up a bowl of soba at the charming teahouse Sobakiri Kogoro and try its famous mugwort dumplings (yomogi dango) on the side. The teahouse is situated beside the shrine’s scenic pond, so you can soak up the peaceful atmosphere and recharge with nature as you dine.

Located in Nagaokakyo City, around 5 kilometers (5 miles) south of Oharano Shrine, this is another stunning historical spot to visit, especially in the fall months when the surrounding forest turns shades of gold and auburn. Komyo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Jodo-shu branch of Buddhism. Depending on when you arrive, you might even catch the monks chanting during a congregation.

Follow the road east and you’ll eventually cross over the Obata River before reaching Chabana Cafe in Muko City. This spot brings you back towards the direction of Rakusaiguchi Station and is a cozy nook for a coffee break or late lunch. The cafe has a traditional, rustic feel with wooden beams and floors. If you’re with children, there’s a private tatami room in which families are welcome to relax and enjoy some space. One of the most popular items on the menu here is the fluffy brown rice roll pancake made with Hokkaido flour from northern Japan.

Website: https://chabanacafe.owst.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Once you’ve taken a break and refueled on caffeine at Chabana Cafe, head north up the main road to complete the circuit and drop off your bike by Rakusaiguchi Station. From here, you can easily get back to Kyoto Station or spend some more time exploring around the local area on foot.