Kibiji Cycling Road - Cycling through the Japan Heritage of Kibiji with Kibi Chari

Cycling on the Kibiji Cycling Road!

I am looking forward to what kind of cycling it will be.

During the coverage, we enjoyed cycling following the steps and route below.

1. Rent a Kibichari at Araki Rental Bicycle
2. Depart from in front of JR Soja Station
3. Tsukiyama Kofun
4. Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple
5. Koumori-zuka Kofun
6. Tsuzuyama Kofun
7. Drop off at Wed Rental Bicycle in front of Bizen Ichinomiya Station

We cycled about 14 kilometers leisurely, enjoying sightseeing and taking photos, in about 4 and a half hours.

Here are some points to note when enjoying cycling on the Kibiji Cycling Road.

• Keep your luggage to a minimum (it's best to fit in the basket of the Kibichari as carrying too much can be tiring)
• Bring your own drinks
• Use a hat or sunscreen to protect against the sun

At Araki Rental Bicycle, where I rented, I was able to store my luggage for free.

You can rent Kibichari at the following locations.

Araki Rental Bicycle, Takaya Rental Bicycle, and Wed Rental Bicycle allow drop-offs.

The basic fee varies depending on the type of bicycle.

• Child seat option: +300 yen
• Drop-off option: +500 yen
  ※Return to a different store than where you rented

Reservations can also be made via the reservation form or by phone.

• Reservation Form
  https://kibiji-rent-a-bicycle-araki.jimdosite.com/
• Phone
  0866-92-0233

Ushida Cycle does not allow drop-offs, and the prices are different.

The fee is 330 yen (including tax) for up to 2 hours, 110 yen (including tax) for each additional hour, and 880 yen (including tax) for more than 6 hours.

Additionally, you need to make a reservation by phone (086-287-2167) by the day before.

Renting a Kibichari at Araki Rental Bicycle

I rented a Kibichari at Araki Rental Bicycle located in front of JR Soja Station.

Hidetaka Araki from Araki Rental Bicycle assisted me with the rental process.

Upon arrival, the Kibichari are lined up right away.

“They are often placed at the front because they look stylish. Some people stop and rent them saying, ‘This bicycle is cute,’” he said.

I applied for the drop-off option for Kibichari for 2,000 yen (including tax).

The rental procedure for Kibichari at Araki Rental Bicycle is as follows.

1. Read the rental terms and fill out the application form
2. Receive the document "Request for Use of Rental Bicycle 'Kibichari' as a Japan Heritage" and a cycling map
3. Receive an explanation of the cycling route
4. Inspect the bicycle together
5. Learn how to use the bicycle

What impressed me the most was the explanation of the cycling route.

Based on the original cycling map created by Araki's mother (distributed at Araki Rental Bicycle, Takaya Rental Bicycle, and Wed Rental Bicycle), I received a thorough lecture.

The map reflects feedback from cycling customers who have actually ridden, noting areas that were unclear.

There are illustrations to make it easy for foreign tourists who cannot read Japanese to understand.

"If you go to the Zoyama Kofun, the distance will be about the same whether you turn back and return here or go to the Ued Rental Bicycle in front of Bizen Ichinomiya Station."

With Mr. Araki's words, I decided to go to Bizen Ichinomiya Station.

I was also grateful to be informed of the return schedule for the JR Kibiji Line (Momotaro Line).

Additionally, for those who love kofun (ancient burial mounds), they can introduce recommended spots tailored to your interests.

At Araki Rental Bicycle, in addition to Kibi Chari, they also handle mini velo bicycles suitable for city riding, city cycles, and cross bikes.

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