9th Day (Saturday—12 April 2025) Free Day in Kyoto

Choices varied: Visiting more shrines and temples, shopping, laundry, relaxing, trains to nearby cities/sights. I shockingly opted to cycle, returning to the Katsura River cycle/multi-use path. Sunny, light breeze, 60-70F, just ideal. 

Navigating the trail can be tricky with multiple entrances, exits, diversions, and alternate paths around and under bridges. The trail is lined by sports facilities, community gardens, and small farms. People of all ages were playing playing baseball and soccer, fishing, gardening, running, cycling, gleaning herbs/plants, picnicking, and just basking in the beautiful Spring weather.

Getting to the trail through Kyoto streets was easier due to lighter Saturday traffic. The entrance lead to the trail south, the same way we went on Friday to Nara. I rode 22.5 miles south, including getting to the trail and multiple mistakes on diversions. Shortly after turning about, I was passed by 3 cyclists at my speed, about 18 mph. I wasn't looking for a draft, but I needed direction at the many turns. They were courteous, signaled turns and obstacles, and rode to the north end of the trail. I thanked them and took their picture.

I rode back south solo, looking for the correct exit and then direction to our guesthouse. I hate Google Maps, at least here in Japan. Monica had the same experience here and elsewhere. The map shows but the voice directions reverse left and right. After an hour I got close by just looking at the map. My total miles today was 55, surprisingly easy cruising. I stopped on the way for lunch: Peanuts, grilled chicken-on-a-stick, and an ice cream bar. Perhaps the first time I didn't overeat.

Fishing

Small Garden Farm

Baseball

One of my off-path diversions

Better when the diversion is paved.

Mostly Onions

Pruning. The care taken to prune trees of every size, type, and location is impressive. 

My pace line guides. The rider on the right expertly led the entire way. I passed a group of organized roller bladders who had leaders in the front, middle, and back, calling out when they encountered walkers, runners, and cyclists. They moved left and narrowed their stride.

North end of the bike trail.

Rare Japanese Trash Cans. Japanese simply do not discard trash unless by accident. Children are taught at a young age to pocket their trash until they can dispose of it properly.

Dog of the Day

Trail's End

Suburb Residential Street

More Gardens

Our Google Restaurant Search Criteria: Japanese food, nearby, sushi, family run, hole-in-the-wall leading to their website citing stools only seating. Seven of us walked 10 minutes for perhaps the best meal of the trip.

Yes, the counter is slanted.

Fat Roll. Tuna Avocado

A single order, normal diameter, 1.5" long, their smallest entree.

Our Sushi Chef