Sonobe City Bike Rental
Eleven electric bikes at JR Sonobe Station West Exit
Overview
Sonobe is an authentic Japanese rural town just 25 minutes by train from Kyoto — and the birthplace of Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario. Rent one of eleven electric-assist bikes at the JR Sonobe Station West Exit and explore the superb countryside that helped inspire the world of Mario Brothers. Unlock your bike through the bLink app; register in advance for a smooth rental. If you need personal assistance, call bLink customer service (Takahashi, 090-8460-0209 — English OK). When registering, allow Bluetooth (Nearby devices) and Location permissions. Operated by the Nantan City Tourist Bureau.
Pricing
- Each hour — ¥300
- Up to 4 hours — ¥1,000 maximum
- Until 9:00 a.m. next day — ¥2,000 maximum
- Multi-day rentals available — daily maximum applies each day
Rides shorter than 10 minutes are free — if you rent a bike by mistake, end the ride in the app with no charge.
Access
JR Sonobe Station West Exit, Sonobechō Sonobe, Nantan, Kyoto (〒622-0001). About 25 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR San'in Main Line (Sagano Line via Kameoka). From Osaka, take the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto and change. The Nantan City Tourist Bureau (〒622-0041, Koyama Higashimachi Minobe 6-21) operates the service — tel. 0771-62-0050, info@nantankanko.jp.
Highlights
- Shigeru Miyamoto's hometown — explore the rural Kyoto landscape that inspired Mario Brothers
- Sonobe Castle ruins — a hilltop castle site with views over the town and Katsura River valley
- Amabiki countryside — quiet farm roads and traditional village scenery east of the station
- Kameoka & Hozu River gorge — continue toward the Sagano Scenic Railway and Arashiyama area
- Nantan rural Kyoto — rice fields, rivers, and forested hills without the city crowds
Tips
- Register the bLink app and enable Bluetooth and Location permissions before you arrive at the station
- Electric assist makes the rolling hills around Sonobe much easier — ideal for a half-day countryside loop
- For a full day out, keep your ride active in the app until you return to Sonobe Station West Exit
- Sonobe is a great escape from Kyoto's tourist crowds — pack water and sun protection for summer rides
- Multi-day rentals are supported; the daily maximum resets each calendar day until 9:00 a.m. the following morning