Ayabe E-Bike Adventures: Choose Your Perfect Escape

Our Ayabe adventure kicks off with a smooth arrival at Ayabe Station, roughly a 70-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. From there, we take a bus to the serene Nio-no-Sumika area, where the real fun begins.

Once you arrive at Nio-no-Sumika, you’ll meet your friendly guide, Yamashita-san. This is where you’ll get acquainted with your e-bike, so no need to worry if you’re new to them! Before your ride, Yamashita-san will provide clear instructions on how to use the electric assistance, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident before you even set off. As a first-time e-bike user myself, the initial electric assistance took some getting used to, but it became natural very quickly.

Then, it’s time to embark on an invigorating guided e-bike tour. There are 5 courses ranging from beginner to advanced, and this time we took a 6km course pedaling through picturesque rice fields and winding mountain paths. Trust me, the e-bike assistance makes navigating the countryside roads an absolute breeze.

We particularly enjoyed that as you glide along, you’ll hear the gentle sounds of water trickling, birds chirping, and the rustling of plants in the breeze. And the scents! Depending on the season, you might breathe in the delicate fragrance of sakura in spring, the lush green freshness of summer, the earthy aroma of autumn leaves in fall, or the clean, sharp air of winter. It’s a real treat for your senses.

Along the way, we stopped at two beautiful hidden waterfalls. If you visit in spring or fall, you might even spot tiny wildflowers, or perhaps dip your toes in the cool river.

During the journey, Yamashita-san shares fascinating historical insights about the area. What’s truly great is that Yamashita-san tailors each tour to his guests. He’s incredibly perceptive, picking up on your interests and adjusting the pace and focus accordingly.

Want to linger at the waterfalls? No problem, he’ll happily let you soak in the view for a bit longer. Feeling like the route is too difficult? He’s quick to offer an easier alternative, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and enjoys the journey. His flexibility truly makes the experience personal and enjoyable for all.

After riding through the mountains, it’s time for lunch at Nio-no-Sumika.

You’ll get to savor a delicious meal crafted from fresh, local ingredients. They’re very accommodating too, with vegan options available. If you’re staying overnight at one of the Nio-no-Yado accommodations, this is also where you’ll enjoy breakfast. The lunch special changes daily, but for us, it included a delightful spread of salad, miso soup, rice, and even an omelette with venison.

Nio-no-Sumika itself is a vibrant community cafe committed to protecting the history of its building. While you’re there, why not browse through their manga collection or challenge a friend to a game? Oh, and the name? It refers to the Nio (guardian) statues at the nearby Nio-mon Gate (more on that later!).

With our bellies full and our spirits refreshed, it’s time to explore more of Ayabe’s rich culture and enjoy some playful relaxation.

Next up, we delve into Ayabe’s spiritual side. Not too far from Nio-no-Sumika you can find Komyo-ji Temple and its magnificent Niomon Gate. Perched on a mountain slope amidst Ayabe City’s forests, Komyo-ji Temple is said to have been founded by the legendary Prince Shotoku himself, way back in the 6th or 7th century. Its main Niomon Gate, constructed in 1248, even earned a National Treasure designation in 1954.

These beautiful temple grounds sit right along some walking trails, just up the road from Ayabe Onsen. If you’re up for a little more exploration on foot, these trails also lead to an incredible horse chestnut tree, estimated to be nearly 2,000 years old.

After a long day of cycling and walking, it’s time to rest and rejuvenate at Ayabe Onsen. Nestled in the scenic Kanbayashi area of Ayabe, this natural hot spring offers a serene retreat surrounded by stunning nature. You can soak in the large hot spring bathtub, try a medicated bath, or enjoy the open-air bath and sauna.

Adjacent to the onsen, you’ll find Nio Park, which features a ground golf course and tennis court. It’s a fantastic leisure spot where families can relax and unwind together. And don’t miss the fun maze near Nio-no-Sumika. It’s a delightful challenge for all ages, perfect for a bit of playful relaxation!

Once you’ve had your fill of history and relaxation, it’s time to return your e-bikes, marking the end of a fulfilling day of exploration. After that, you’ll go back to Ayabe Station, ending your perfect day trip.

The overnight immersion option offers all the incredible experiences of the day trip, plus some exciting new ones. It begins with a smooth arrival at Ayabe Station, followed by a bus transfer to the welcoming Nio-no-Sumika area.

The morning and afternoon are dedicated to exhilarating exploration, featuring a guided e-bike tour through rice fields and mountains, complete with visits to natural landmarks and fascinating insights into local history from your guide. The e-bikes, of course, make light work of the terrain, letting you truly immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of Ayabe’s changing seasons.

Lunch is, naturally, a delightful affair at Nio-no-Sumika, where you’ll once again enjoy their fresh, local, “farm-to-table” fare. You also have the option of trying lunch at Auberge Kikuya, but more on that later!

The afternoon continues with cultural and recreational visits to the historical Niomon Gate, the serene Komyo-ji Temple, Ayabe Onsen for a relaxing soak, and a playful challenge in the maze.

You’ll end your day with an exceptional dinner at Auberge Kikuya. This auberge is located in a charming renovated traditional house that’s over 100 years old, run by a couple whose family once owned a ryotei. The husband, who is also the chef, carefully prepares each dish using seasonal ingredients.

*Ryotei are traditional high-end Japanese restaurants.

As you step inside, the couple and their adorable dog will warmly greet you, and you’ll quickly notice dog motifs playfully decorating every corner. It feels far more homey and welcoming than many other “high-end” auberges.

They also offer accommodation on the second floor, just watch your head on the way up and down the stairs!

Auberge Kikuya prides itself on using incredibly fresh, local ingredients. Their tempura is particularly noteworthy, and dinner is a multi-course kaiseki experience, while lunch typically features two types of soba, tempura, two main dishes, and dessert.

When our dinner arrived, it was truly a work of art. Each dish was carefully arranged on the plates, with flavors and motifs that perfectly mimicked the season.

In true kaiseki fashion, each course arrived one by one, allowing us to savor every dish. This time we enjoyed grilled eel, fresh seasonal vegetables, a refreshing ice cream dessert, and other summer favorites.

The beauty of it all? The menu is different with every visit, ensuring that each experience is unique.

It is clear from our experience that the owners are passionate about food and genuinely want guests to savor the flavors and experiences that Ayabe has to offer. So, why not treat your taste buds to an unforgettable meal at Auberge Kikuya during your Ayabe adventure?

Auberge Kikuya official website: https://kikuya-komai.com/ (Japanese only)

After such a feast, it’s finally time to settle into one of Ayabe’s welcoming accommodations for a restful night. At Nio-no-Yado you have three options: Nio-no-Yado Baiko, Biden, or Komura. These cozy spots are perfect for groups of 2-4, making them ideal for families and friends traveling together.

Yamashita-san planned the final renovated design and selected the furnishings for these old houses, striving hard to preserve their original character while showcasing the beautiful local environment. Each features modern appliances blended seamlessly with old-country charm. For added convenience, meal delivery is also available!

Nioh-no-Yado Baiko gets its name, meaning “the smell of plums,” from its surroundings, as it sits right next to a road lined with fragrant plum trees.

This location used to be a blacksmith, and remnants of its past are evident in the soot-stained support beams. Inside, you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a large, inviting circular bathtub.

Nio-no-Yado Biden, whose name translates to “beautiful rice fields,” offers stunning views of the surrounding rice paddies.

The first floor features a spacious living and dining area, along with the main bath and one of the bedrooms. Upstairs, another bedroom boasts two beds and a lovely view of the rice fields below. This accommodation also includes a private backyard with a fire pit, perfect for a barbecue or simply relaxing under the stars.

Nio-no-Yado Komura is the latest addition, nestled in a residential area and boasting views of a small wooded area.

This unique accommodation features a kitchen complete with an old stone stove and displays of refurbished antique equipment.

Perhaps its most distinctive feature is the bath, housed in a separate building altogether. Stepping inside feels like having your own private onsen, complete with fragrant cedar flooring and modern amenities.

Nio-no-Yado official website: https://ayabe-kanbayashi.com/english/stay/

Day two offers a different perspective of Ayabe’s natural beauty with a morning guided trekking activity. This provides a wonderful contrast to the e-bike tour, allowing you to explore the serene landscapes on foot and discover hidden corners you might otherwise miss.

After your trek, it’s time to conclude your unforgettable overnight adventure with a final journey back to Ayabe Station.

Ready to plan your escape? Here are some price ranges for the e-bike tours, all prices are per person and include tax:

English-Guided E-Bike Tour (Full Day):
Minimum participants: 2, Maximum participants: 6
Expect to pay between ¥10,400 and ¥14,100 for the guide fee, plus ¥6,600 for e-bike rental. For *children, the guide fee ranges from ¥5,200 to ¥7,050, with bicycle rental at ¥1,500.

E-Bike Tour (Half Day – No English Guide):
For adults, the fee ranges from ¥8,900 to ¥12,600, plus ¥3,300 for e-bike rental. *Children’s fees range from ¥4,450 to ¥6,300, with bicycle rental at ¥750.

E-Bike Tour (Full Day – No English Guide):
Adults can expect to pay between ¥8,900 and ¥12,600, plus ¥6,600 for e-bike rental. For *children, fees range from ¥4,450 to ¥6,300, with bicycle rental at ¥1,500.

*Children’s bikes do not have electric assistance.

If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese adventure that rejuvenates your spirit, Ayabe is worth a visit. Whether you spend a day e-biking and exploring the local culture or stay overnight for a more immersive experience, you’ll find a wonderful blend of stunning scenery, rich history, and genuine hospitality. It’s the perfect place to unwind, connect with nature, and create lasting memories. Ready to experience an escape you’ll never forget? Start planning your Ayabe e-bike adventure today!