score:4
A good quality road bike is going to set you back some 3000+ yen. There is a group in Osaka with higher end road bikes in the 3500 Yen realm (GlobalWheels). Longer rentals get better rates. But I can not comment on their quality as I only about of them through other cycling dealings with Japan.
Personally, for self-contained cycling, I would take my own bike and gear. You know its quality and state of maintenance. It fits your size and you are comfortable with its ride. The out of pocket cost is not that much different than renting.
Upvote:1
I'm pretty sure Globalwheels has a shop in Kyoto now.
One of my friends picked up from the Kyoto shop and then returned at the other shop in Osaka. I'm thinking of trying the ride myself.