Kyoto Rickshaw Drivers Philosophers Walk

京都人力車

The rickshaw is alive and well in Kyoto.

The Chinese characters literally mean "man powered wheel" - and the men (and occasional woman) who pull these elegant rickshaws around Kyoto are indeed powerful.

Tan and sporting heavily muscled calves, the drivers can be found in Arashiyama, around Heian Shrine, along the Path of Nene, and near Philosopher's Path.

They wear tabi boots and tight-fitting pants, and cut quite a figure as they zoom around town.

These two were looking for customers along Philosopher's Path.


Photo ©Matsuda Mona

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Hanoi Rickshaw in front of Hoan Kiem Lake

ハノイの人力車

A parade of rickshaw ferried of group of Korean tourists through the streets of Hanoi in March.

In the background is Hoan Kiem Lake, in which the Turtle Tower can be seen in the background.

Like all streets in the Vietnamese capital, traffic is dominated by scooters, mostly Honda Cubs.

Traffic in Hanoi is horrific, but slow moving.

Crossing the street is a dance, a slow dance, in which eye contact is key.

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Kyoto Rickshaw

京都人力車

Not far from the Museum of Modern Art, in Okazaki, this rickshaw driver was pulling a couple through the streets of Kyoto.

A very fit and bronzed guy in his early 20s, he kept pace as he ran, head down, up the slope heading towards Chionin Temple.

Most impressive was that he kept up a steady patter of tourist information as he climbed, his torso literally parallel to the pavement below him.

In other words, he was speaking down to the ground - as he pulled - for the benefit of his clients.

And he had them laughing.

Kyoto rickshaw can be found mainly in Arashiyama; the area around Heian Shrine (the area pictured); and near the Path of Nene, which is on the other side of Maruyama Park from Chionin.

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