Riding a bike in this community is a quintessentially Kyoto thing to do.
That being said, I still prefer to walk places. I love how walkable Kyoto is!
Kyoto’s flat terrain and compact layout make the city ideal for casual cycling. Life in Kyoto moves at a slower, more relaxed pace—especially when compared to the rush of Tokyo or Osaka—and in that way, the bicycle aligns perfectly with Kyoto’s cultural rhythm. There’s also a deeper layer to this connection: Kyoto has long championed environmental sustainability. As a “green city,” it embraces practices that are gentle on the earth, and biking fits seamlessly into that eco-conscious mindset.
The bicycle culture is strong in Kyoto. While walking through the residential neighborhoods, you'll notice bicycles everywhere, parked outside of homes. Adults and children, alike, like riding their bikes!
This is in contrast to in my hometown of San Bernardino where people rarely ride bikes, preferring to either walk or drive.
