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Japan > Kyoto > Kyoto

Daigo-ji Temple to Uji.

This trail has five ascents and five descents, so you are sure to get some exercise and lose a lot of sweat. Commencing at Daigo-ji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture) your first ascent, after a nice 1km ride, will require you to walk as the trail is very steep and rugged. Once at the top you begin your first descent. Don't get too carried-away as your turn-off is easily missed. After your next ascent, you will be greeted by a quaint wee shrine (an ideal place to take a break). About 500-meters further on, you will exit the road and descent through a wee village and, if it's the right time of year, rice fields. Your next ascent will require you to walk as it is also a bit steep and rugged. Once at the top, you arrive at another shrine. Take some time here to admire the scenery before moving-onto Iwamasan Shouhou-ji Temple. Leave your bike and take a stroll through the complex. Your next descent may be easily missed, it is on your left and, again, I recommend you walk the next section. Once back on the road you back-track to the quaint shrine, mentioned earlier, with a slight detour. At the shrine you turn left before your next descent. Check you speed here as it is very-windy and the next turn-off comes suddenly. Back on the road again, your next turn-off is about 500m then your next ascent. This is a long climb so don't push yourself. The descent, like the previous one, is also windy and, if you are going too fast, you may miss your turn-off, which is on the left. From this point you have finished with the ascents/descents and the trail takes you through some picturesque villages. The suddenly you arrive at the Uji-gawa (Uji River). Before turning to bike down river into Uji, turn left and take-in the Amagase Dam.From here it's a nice cruise into Uji and the end of the trail at the "Tale-of-Genji Bridge".by The Outdoorholic