Kyoto offers many ways to get around—by bus, train or subway. However, in my opinion, one mode of transportation captures the soul of the city like no other: the humble bicycle!
Biking is a super common method of transportation for students, locals and even tourists. One of the most common types of bicycle you'll see in Kyoto is the mamachari, a slang term that means “mom bike.” These bikes are popular with locals, especially mothers! Mamachari typically come equipped with a front basket, and many also feature a child seat in the back. I'll often see people riding these bikes, lugging groceries or other items. I also often see mothers ferrying their children to and from kindergarten or daycare in this way.
However, people also frequently ride regular bicycles, here, as well as mopeds, scooters and motorcycles.
The first time I rode a bicycle in Kyoto, I felt like I was 11 years old again—it had been that long since I’d last pedaled anywhere! But more than just a nostalgic moment, it felt like a rite of passage. In that instant, I wasn’t just getting around; I felt like I had become a part of the community.
