Kids Web Japan

Kyoto Station

Starting from Kyoto Station, go north along Karasuma Street, the north-south avenue that runs through the center of Kyoto. Turn right at the Karasuma-Shichijo intersection, and after crossing the Shichijo Ohashi bridge go north along Kawabata Street, which runs along the river. At Gojo Street, turn right. When you come to Higashioji Street, cross to the right hand side of the road and go north along the sidewalk.

Yasaka Jinja Shrine

At the junction with Shijo Street, on your right you will see Yasaka Jinja Shrine, the Shinto shrine that protects the city of Kyoto. (The gate to the shrine is undergoing refurbishment until November 2007.) Through the two-storey gate, which is mentioned in poems of the Heian Period (794-1192), you can see Maruyama Park at the end of the shrine grounds. The park is famous for its shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees). Why not park your bike and go in for a look around!

Gion Shirakawa

Leaving Yasaka Jinja Shrine, continue north along Higashi-oji Street. At the first crossing, turn left into a narrow alley. There will be cars coming in the opposite direction, so ride carefully! After the next crossing, you'll see a narrow river. This is the Shirakawa River. Get off your bike at the Shinbashi Bridge, and rest a while to enjoy Kyoto's calm atmosphere.

Along the Shirakawa River

Leaving the river briefly, go north along Hanami-koji Street until you can see the river again. Ride beside the river once more. Cross Higashi-oji Street and continue to ride along the Shirakawa. After passing the Chion'in Gate, ride along the right-hand side of the river, where you will find that cars are coming towards you. Here you can get off your bicycle and enjoy watching the carp and ducks swimming about.