Kinki Region Cycling Route Guide by Campervan

Safe and Attractive Cycling Courses in Kinki Region with Motorhome

What You’ll Learn from This Article

• 5 Selected Cycling Spots in Kinki Region
• RV Life × Bicycle Loading Techniques
• Scenic Model Routes & Stopover Spots
• Pre-ride Maintenance & Safety Equipment Check

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Benefits of Enjoying Cycling with Motorhome
1	Free Itinerary Motorhomes are mobile accommodation facilities. You can stay wherever you like, so you can rest immediately after cycling. Example: After cycling mountain courses, stay on-site and move to another course the next morning. Efficiently enjoy multiple courses without hotel reservations or travel hassles.	🏕️
2	Easy Bicycle Loading Motorhomes allow easy loading of multiple bicycles. You can also transport dirty bicycles after cycling without worry. Example: Loading the whole family’s bicycles for weekend trips. After riding in rain, dirty bicycles can be stored in the storage space without hassle.	🚲
3	No Luggage Worries Can load plenty of food, spare clothes, and repair tools. You can enjoy cycling with light gear. Example: Even on long-distance cycling, you can ride with minimal equipment. Spare wear, tools, and supplementary food can be left in the motorhome, so you can ride light.	🧳

Motorhomes are the ideal mode of transportation for enjoying cycling trips. With a motorhome, you don’t need to worry about accommodation, can pack plenty of luggage, and can maintain bicycles on-site. This time, we’ve picked 5 safe and attractive cycling courses to enjoy in the Kinki region. We’ll explain in detail the motorhome parking areas, cycle pits, rest points, and attractive tourist spots for each route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to safely load bicycles?

A1. Secure firmly with rear carriers or racks, and protect frames with anti-slip mats & wheel bags for safety.

Q2. What are the recommended cycling courses in Kinki?

A2. The 5 recommended courses are: Lake Biwa Circuit Cycling Road (Biwaichi), Awaji Island Circuit Cycling (Awaichi), Nara・Ikaruga Countryside Cycling (Horyu-ji・Fujinoki Kofun tour), Kyoto・Kamogawa Cycling Course, and Wakayama・Kumano Kodo Cycling.

Q3. What maintenance should be checked before riding?

A3. Don’t forget to check tire pressure, brake pad remaining, chain lubrication, and operation of lights and helmet.

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1. Lake Biwa Circuit Cycling Road (Biwaichi) – Panoramic View of Japan’s Largest Lake!

The exhilarating feeling of riding while viewing Lake Biwa’s magnificent scenery is exceptional. The breeze crossing the lake surface is pleasant, and you can enjoy seasonal landscapes throughout the year. The beauty of the lakeside dyed in sunrise and sunset colors is particularly moving. A leisurely trip around the lakeshore is perfect for refreshing mind and body.

Distance and Duration:

Total length: approx. 200km (short course 50-80km)
Duration: 6-12 hours (short course 3-5 hours)

Model Route:

“Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu” → Ohmi Bridge → Nagahama Port → Hikone Castle → Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu

Highlights:

1. Ohmi Bridge
   　Exhilarating starting point overlooking Lake Biwa scenery.
2. Nagahama Port
   　Beautiful port town scenery and historic buildings can be enjoyed.
3. Hikone Castle
   　National treasure castle for close-up sightseeing. Bicycles can be parked on the grounds for exploration.

Parking Spots:

・Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu
　Large parking area with complete facilities, convenient for preparation.

Cycle Pit・Rest Points:

• Cafes and shops at Nagahama Port
• Rest areas at Hikone Castle

Precautions:

・Lakeside can be windy on some days, so bring wind protection.
・During tourist season, be careful of crowds with many tourists.

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2. Awaji Island Circuit Cycling (Awaichi) – Enjoy Spectacular Views and Sea Breeze!

Riding along Awaji Island’s coastline, you’ll experience exhilarating sensations wrapped in sea breeze and wave sounds, feeling nature with your whole body. The whirlpools and magnificent Pacific Ocean scenery along the way are captivating. Resting with fresh local seafood makes for special moments. This is a course where scenery and travel memories become one.

Distance and Duration:

Total length: approx. 150km (short course 70km)
Duration: 5-10 hours (short course 3-5 hours)

Model Route:

“Awaji Island Monkey Center Parking” → Fukura Port → Uzushio Park → Higashiura → Starting Point

Highlights:

1. Fukura Port
   　Spot for enjoying fresh seafood. Port town scenery is also beautiful.
2. Uzushio Park
   　Observe powerful whirlpools. Can take a break at the observation deck.
3. Higashiura Coastline
   　Refreshing point where spectacular coastal views spread.

Parking Spots:

・Awaji Island Monkey Center Parking
　Free parking, ideal as starting point.

Cycle Pit・Rest Points:

• Restaurants and cafes at Fukura Port
• Shop and observation deck at Uzushio Park

Precautions:

・Coastal roads have heavy traffic, so caution is needed.
・Bicycle helmets are essential.

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3. Nara・Ikaruga Countryside Cycling – Historic Road Touring World Heritage

Ikaruga countryside, woven with history and rural landscapes, is a place where quiet and peaceful time flows. Riding while feeling ancient romance through Horyu-ji Temple and Fujinoki Kofun heals the heart. The unique speed of cycling combined with quiet scenery provides special emotions.

Distance and Duration:

Total length: approx. 25km (round trip: about 2.5 hours)

Model Route:

“Michi-no-Eki Yamatoji” → Horyu-ji → Fujinoki Kofun → Toshodai-ji → Michi-no-Eki Yamatoji

Highlights:

1. Horyu-ji
   　Famous as the world’s oldest wooden architecture. Dedicated cycle paths along the way are also safe and easy to ride.
2. Fujinoki Kofun
   　Historic spot where you can feel ancient romance.
3. Toshodai-ji
   　Healing place where you can enjoy solemn architectural beauty and gardens.

Parking Spots:

・Michi-no-Eki Yamatoji
　Large parking area with tourist brochures available.

Cycle Pit・Rest Points:

• Shops near Horyu-ji
• Worship area at Toshodai-ji

Precautions:

・Some sections have narrow roads, so pay attention to speed.
・Securely lock bicycles at tourist sites.

4. Kyoto・Kamogawa Cycling Course – Enjoy Tranquility and Nature in the City!

Despite being close to central Kyoto, you can ride along the quiet Kamogawa River with few tourists, experiencing the unique atmosphere where nature and city merge. The manageable distance makes it enjoyable for beginners to intermediate cyclists.

Distance and Duration:

Total length: approx. 20km (round trip: about 2.5 hours)
Beginner-friendly city ride with easy rest stops along the way.

Model Route:

“Kyoto Imperial Palace Parking” → Along Kamogawa (northward) → Kamigamo Shrine → Kamogawa Delta → Turn back

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Highlights:

1. Tranquility along Kamogawa
   　The cycling road along the river is green and rich, offering a quiet environment in the city. It’s also a relaxation spot for locals with a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Kamigamo Shrine (World Heritage)
   　One of Kyoto’s oldest shrines with beautiful grounds harmonizing with nature. The spacious area is perfect for leisurely strolling.
3. Kamogawa Delta (Demachiyanagi Area)
   　Popular spot with stepping stones arranged in the river. Perfect for quiet rest with nature-integrated scenery.
4. Kitayama Area Cafes
   　Stylish and calm cafes scattered in Kitayama area are recommended for lunch and coffee breaks.

The road along Kamogawa is a precious spot where you can enjoy nature and tranquility while being in the city. Riding briskly while feeling the river breeze leads to atmospheric places like Kamigamo Shrine and Kamogawa Delta. This is a route healed by Kyoto’s characteristic calm atmosphere and nature.

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Parking Spots:

・Kyoto Imperial Palace Parking (Paid)
　Rich in greenery despite being in central Kyoto, ideal as starting point. Large space available for motorhome parking.

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Cycle Pit・Rest Points:

• Kamigamo Shrine: Area for parking bicycles within grounds, worship possible.
• Kamogawa Delta: Can rest leisurely on riverside benches and lawn.
• Kitayama Area Cafes: Can use cafes with bicycle parking like “IN THE GREEN” and “Cafe Bibliotic Hello!”

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Route Precautions:

• Kamogawa cycling road is also used by pedestrians, so ride at moderate speed with a spirit of courtesy.
• Demachiyanagi area has many small bridges, so be careful with sharp curves.
• Roads around Kamigamo Shrine can be narrow in places, so prioritize using cycling roads.

Recommended Stopover Spots:

• Kyoto Imperial Palace: Healing spot where you can enjoy nature walks before and after starting.
• Morning Market in front of Kamigamo Shrine (monthly): Local fresh ingredients and handmade goods line up, perfect for post-cycling enjoyment.

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5. Wakayama・Kumano Kodo Cycling – Mystical Path Through World Heritage

Riding on roads wrapped in the mystical atmosphere of Kumano Kodo, you can experience special emotions woven by history and nature. The solemn atmosphere of Kumano Hongu Taisha and the healing waters of Yunomine Onsen refresh both mind and body. The quiet scenery along Kumano River is also an attractive route.

Distance and Duration:

Total length: approx. 30km (round trip: about 3.5 hours)

Model Route:

“Michi-no-Eki Nakahechi” → Kumano Hongu Taisha → Yunomine Onsen → Turn back

Highlights:

1. Kumano Hongu Taisha
   　Sacred World Heritage shrine with miraculous powers. Wrapped in solemn atmosphere.
2. Yunomine Onsen
   　Recommended for healing fatigue at Japan’s oldest hot spring.
3. Kumano River Scenery
   　The tranquility along the river provides travel healing.

Parking Spots:

・Michi-no-Eki Nakahechi
　Convenient parking and rest facilities as starting point.

Cycle Pit・Rest Points:

• Worship area at Kumano Hongu Taisha
• Shops and hot spring facilities at Yunomine Onsen

Important Points for Comfortable Enjoyment

4 Points for Enjoying Cycling
🔄	Adjust Plans According to Distance For long-distance courses, set turnaround points and adjust to distances matching your fitness level. Target 20-30km for beginners, 40-60km for intermediate cyclists. If you feel tired, don’t push yourself and cut the distance shorter than planned. Recording distances with smartphone cycling apps helps with future planning.
🗺️	Check Routes in Advance Some courses have narrow road sections or areas mixed with pedestrians, requiring caution. Check route maps before departure and understand dangerous spots and restricted areas. For first-time courses especially, use GPS navigation or cycling map apps to check current location while riding. Note easy-to-miss junction points in advance for peace of mind.
🚰	Know Supply Points Check locations of rest areas and vending machines in advance for peace of mind. Recommend knowing locations with restrooms and rest facilities like convenience stores, roadside stations, and parks at 10-15km intervals. Hydration is especially important in summer, so carry backup water and take frequent breaks. Some areas have few vending machines, so for long distances, definitely check multiple supply points.
🅿️	Check Bicycle Parking at Tourist Sites Research places where bicycles can be safely parked at tourist destinations in advance. Popular tourist spots may have full bicycle parking. Check multiple parking locations if possible for convenience. When public parking isn’t available, use designated areas at tourist facilities or nearby cafes with bicycle racks. For expensive bicycles, bring sturdy locks and park in high-traffic areas.

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【Summary】Feel the Breeze of History and Culture with Bicycle Use in Motorhome Travel!

The Kinki region is rich in cycling courses where you can enjoy history, nature, and spectacular views. Using motorhomes allows comfortable travel to destinations and secure rest after cycling. Safety first, and enjoy your wonderful journey! Expand your imagination with bicycle loading methods for motorhomes and useful items to have.

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