This route goes all the way from Kyoto to Nara via two bikepaths linked with a short section of regular road. Since the main bikepath follows two rivers, first the Katsura River and then the Kizu River, the route is almost perfectly flat. And because it goes between two of Japan's major tourist attractions, there are advantages to going in either direction. We'll assume you intend to start out at Kyoto, the more centrally located of the two cities and the one with the most access options. Although the Kyoto-Hachiman-Kizu Jitenshado bikepath (shown in blue) starts at Arashiyama, it also passes through the western side of central Kyoto, so you can get to it from anywhere in central Kyoto - the nearest train station is Katsura on the Hankyu line, six stops from Hankyu Kawaramachi and the central Shijo-Kawaramachi area.