A Second Run in Kyoto

This was my second run in Kyoto since recovering from a back injury. After sightseeing the day before, I left my wife and kids asleep at the hotel and planned the route using Komoot, cross-referenced with Garmin maps. That usually works well in Europe, but Japan has fewer users on these platforms, which led to a few “trip hazards” (pun intended).

This morning, I wanted to test out hills for the first time in months, and Kyoto certainly delivered. Unfortunately, after following a very nice, though lightly used path to the top of a small hill, the track vanished into the bamboo, and I heard some rather alarming noises. There have been a few black bear attacks in the area recently, so I made up my mind to find a path back to civilization as quickly as possible.

Call it an omen or not, I emerged into a massive cemetery. I really struggled to find the exit, and running through it was obviously out of the question.

It turned into a totally unexpected adventure - not necessarily the prettiest side of Kyoto, but definitely memorable and something I never would have encountered without running.

The route is available below on Komoot… though I strongly suggest avoiding the second half of the loop from the top of the hill.