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Japan Bike Tour

The majestic worlds of Kyoto, Mt. Yoshino, and the Nara region

Tour Duration

Signature, Classic Guided

Activity Level

Hotel Level

Trek Domane SL 5 Trek Electric-Assist FX+ 2 Stagger Trek Electric-Assist FX+ 2

Starting from

$ 8,599.00 per person

Have a question?

Delve into the hidden world of Buddhist pilgrims, ancient temples, and the cultural Nara region on this awe-inspiring bike tour.

There are few cultures, countries, and people as unique and magical as Japan's. Here, stark contrasts come together and create a majestic, disciplined and beautiful destination that's truly best seen from a bicycle. Your mind's eye most likely goes to the bustling electricity of Tokyo or the solemn quiet of the rice paddies, but that's barely scratching the surface. We'll show you a completely different side of Japan, steeped in traditional arts, nature, and history, where the first Japanese Emperors established their capitals and where many of the country's oldest shrines, temples, tombs, stone monuments, and archaeological excavations can be found. In between, you'll enjoy the country's numerous natural hot springs for a truly traditional Japanese unwinding, and of course visit local markets for a deep dive into the undiscovered riches of Japanese cuisine. Sushi is only the beginning, as you'll taste matcha tea, sake, and fish prepared so fresh, you'll never want it any other way. Discover this world of contrast where modern sophistication meets ancient cultures and natural beauty.

Bike through tea fields, visit magnificent temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites

Spend a night in a temple on the holiest mountain in Japan and experience a ritual morning meditation with Buddhist monks

Discover Nara, one of the oldest regions in Japan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese accommodation in an authentic Ryokan and rejuvenate in the soothing waters of an Onsen hot spring

Experience "Sado" or "the way of tea" in a private ceremony with a master of this classic Japanese art form

Temple in Koyasan

Visit this enchanting and marvelous place to escape for a moment from a hectic modern life. An overnight Japanese temple stay offers peace and tranquility, and the unique opportunity to experience life as the monks do — at a slower, contemplative pace.

What Guests are Saying

This trip far exceeded our expectations! Japan is the most incredible country that I have ever been to and there is no better way than to see it on a bike. The food was incredible and the accommodations were beyond what we imagined! If you have the opportunity to go, just do it!

Devin, Trek Travel Guest

Japan is like no other destination. The food is incredible, every meal is like a piece of art. You'll never forget the zen ambiance of traditional ryokans, the magical atmosphere of the temples and smiling Japanese people who have an exceptional appreciation for their culture, food, and life itself. This journey will introduce you to a unique way of life and if you enjoy it as much as I did, you'll want to come back.

Ilona, Trek Travel Trip Designer

The experience on the Trek Travel tour was the best and the guides truly make this an amazing holiday. The history and culture of this country and these people is incredible.

Bob, Trek Travel Guest

From a cycling perspective, I thought the itinerary in its entirety was well considered and “built up” beautifully to the last day’s fabulous descent. Clever! Nice mix of challenging hills and descents. Great guidance by the three guides. Diego, Vincent and Zack were rock stars

Jonathan, Trek Travel Guest

Uji to Nara

Cycle through the remote countryside with its rolling hills and lush tea plantations that produce the famous matcha green tea.

Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

Join Waitlist

Limited Availability

April 21-27, 2024 limited availability.

Hotels you`ll stay at on this date:

Noborioji Hotel

Chikurin-in gunpoen, dhawa yura kyoto.

Available bikes:

Trek Domane SL 5

• Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ 3

$ 8899.00 per person

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy from: + 2,499.00

May 12-18, 2024 Limited Availability

• Trek Domane SL 7

September 29-October 5, 2024 Private Reserved

$ 8699.00 per person, october 6-12, 2024 join waitlist, october 20-26, 2024, $ 8799.00 per person, october 27-november 2, 2024, april 13-19, 2025, $ 8599.00 per person, april 20-26, 2025, april 27-may 3, 2025, may 4-10, 2025, september 28-october 4, 2025, october 5-11, 2025, october 12-18, 2025, october 19-25, 2025, october 26-november 1, 2025, looking for a private tour with us.

Private tours can range in cost based on your group size. See below for specific pricing based on your group size.

Looking for a date that you don't see?

Look no further. Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll work together to deliver the same great trip on your custom schedule. Want to make a few changes to your itinerary, no problem. We will work with you to make sure your custom vacation is the ultimate vacation of a lifetime for your group.

You have another booking already in progress

Booking a new trip will cancel all of your previous booking progress. Continue your previous booking or proceed with your new booking.

Arrival / Departure

Where to Arrive

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Pick-up location :

Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Pick-up time :

Where to Depart

Drop-off location :

Hotel Dhawa Yura Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Drop-off time :

Additional Arrival Information

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays.

We recommend you fly into Kansai International Airport. There are various ways to get from Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station, but the easiest and fastest option is taking "terminal-to-terminal" Haruka Express Train, operated by JR West and takes approximately 80 minutes. There are frequent trains between Kansai Airport and Kyoto. You can use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder on www.westjr.co.jp/global/ to find a train time that suits your schedule.

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a one hour shuttle to Uji, one of the oldest cities in Japan, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River and famous for matcha green tea production. Here, we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Noborioji Hotel Nara (+81 0742 25 2591) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from Kyoto to the first hotel will take about 40 minutes and costs around $150.

Additional Departure Information

You will say farewell to your guides at the final dinner in Kyoto. The next day, you will depart from the hotel at your leisure. Check-out is at 10:00 AM. To get to the airport from the hotel, you can take a train from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport (~80 min) or hire a cab directly to the airport (~90 min). You can use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder on www.westjr.co.jp/global/ to find a train time that suits your schedule.

For extra assistance with transportation reservations, the hotel concierge is available during your stay.

Day 1 Explore winding roads through tea fields of Uji

Explore winding roads through tea fields of Uji

Welcome to Japan! Your trip starts in Kyoto, where you'll meet your guides at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a one-hour shuttle to Uji, one of the oldest cities in the country, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River and famous for matcha green tea production. Then we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week. We'll... Welcome to Japan! Your trip starts in Kyoto, where you'll meet your guides at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a one-hour shuttle to Uji, one of the oldest cities in the country, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River and famous for matcha green tea production. Then we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week. We'll enjoy lunch together and finish with a matcha ice cream before we roll out. This first ride winds its way on beautiful roads through lush forest and rolling hills polka-dotted with tea terraces. Here you'll stop for a sip of a tea in Wazuka, a small town in the countryside famous for tea fields and many tea farms. Our destination is Nara, which will also be your home for next two nights. Don’t be surprised if you see deer roaming through the town, as they are practically domesticated and a common sight in Nara deer park. This evening we'll gather for a social hour and conclude with a Japanese traditional dinner at a local restaurant. Read More

Noborioji Hotel Nara

Meals included

Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

Highlight of the Day

Enjoy lunch in a beautiful town of Uji with its fascinating shrines and temples.

Ride Options

Ride Option 1

TODAY'S RIDE:

Uji to Nara
- Approximately 24 mi | 39 km and 2,300 ft | 701 m

Day 2 Explore Nara and experience a traditional tea ceremony

Explore Nara and experience a traditional tea ceremony

Good morning in Nara! This vibrant city was once the first permanent capital of Japan and to this day remains an important historical and cultural center for the country, with eight temples and a former palace of the empire. Today it's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly one-of-a-kind. After a traditional Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, and grilled fish, we'll warm up our legs with the first climb of the day. We'll then descend on quiet, p... Good morning in Nara! This vibrant city was once the first permanent capital of Japan and to this day remains an important historical and cultural center for the country, with eight temples and a former palace of the empire. Today it's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly one-of-a-kind. After a traditional Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, and grilled fish, we'll warm up our legs with the first climb of the day. We'll then descend on quiet, pleasant backroads through the countryside. On the way back we'll spot a few temples nestled throughout the rolling farmland. We'll return to our hotel with plenty of time to explore the historical center of Nara before we experience the tranquility of a private Japanese tea ceremony. Afterwards, we will head to a local restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. Read More

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Tea ceremony

Experience the tranquility of a private Japanese tea ceremony.

Nara Loop - Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 2,800 ft | 853 m

Ride Option 2

 AVID OPTION:

Nara Loop with Climb -
Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 3,306 ft | 1,000 m

Private tea ceremony

Day 3 Ride to Japan's oldest temple and climb up Mt. Yoshino

Ride to Japan's oldest temple and climb up Mt. Yoshino

This morning, you'll say goodbye to the town of Nara and its green tea backdrop to continue south on small roads surrounded by local farms, rice fields and tumulus. We will first make our way to Sakurai and Asuka, where we'll visit the oldest official temple in Japan with the oldest statue of Buddha as its signature symbol. We'll have a light lunch and treat ourselves to a favorite ice cream shop. Our ride then continues, and the hills start to increase until we arr... This morning, you'll say goodbye to the town of Nara and its green tea backdrop to continue south on small roads surrounded by local farms, rice fields and tumulus. We will first make our way to Sakurai and Asuka, where we'll visit the oldest official temple in Japan with the oldest statue of Buddha as its signature symbol. We'll have a light lunch and treat ourselves to a favorite ice cream shop. Our ride then continues, and the hills start to increase until we arrive at the foot of Mt. Yoshino–our home for the next two nights. Mt. Yoshino is truly majestic, set high on a ridge with a collection of temples as its crown. We'll stay in a ryokan well-known for its beautiful 300-year old traditional Japanese garden, where you can relax or walk on trails against the backdrop of Kinpusenji Temple, the main temple of Mt. Yoshino. Tonight we'll dine together and enjoy a traditional multi-course meal featuring local fresh ingredients such as Yoshino arrowroots from the mountains and Japanese trout from the Yoshino river. Read More

Featured Meal | Chikurin-in Gunpoen

Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese ryokan experience, surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees and a historic Buddhist temple. Dressed in ... Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese ryokan experience, surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees and a historic Buddhist temple. Dressed in a yukata, you follow umami and green tea scents to a dining room adorned with gilded forest paintings. Here, a bento-style feast of Japanese specialties, including a hot pot with Wagyu beef, awaits you. A 60-year-old Japanese hostess, embodying tradition and warmth, enhances this culinary journey through a thousand years of Japanese culture and cuisine. Read More

Nara to Yoshino -
 Approximately 36 mi | 58 km and 3,300 ft | 1,005 m

Day 4 Bike through Mitarai Valley and explore the local market

Bike through Mitarai Valley and explore the local market

Good morning! Enjoy a Japanese breakfast in your cotton yukata against a mountain backdrop. Today we discover more of this gorgeous landscape, starting with a descent from Yoshino toward Mitarai Valley. We'll stop at a market on the way for a friendly visit with the locals and a sample of delicacies, including fried Shiitake mushroom or freshly made mochi. We head back to Yoshino on winding forest roads for a little rest and relaxation. Visit to the Niukawakami S... Good morning! Enjoy a Japanese breakfast in your cotton yukata against a mountain backdrop. Today we discover more of this gorgeous landscape, starting with a descent from Yoshino toward Mitarai Valley. We'll stop at a market on the way for a friendly visit with the locals and a sample of delicacies, including fried Shiitake mushroom or freshly made mochi. We head back to Yoshino on winding forest roads for a little rest and relaxation. Visit to the Niukawakami Shinto Shrine where a white or black horse was offered to stop or bring rain depending on the needs of the village. Take an exhilarating walk across a suspension bridge across a deep valley. Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the sacred center of Shugando, a religion predating Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism. It’s also the name of a pilgrimage to Japan's most famous spring cherry blossom bloom. We'll regroup for our dinner together at our ryokan. Read More

Local food market

If you're looking to experience the unique taste and flavors of Japanese street food, then visiting a local market is a must! Japan is known... If you're looking to experience the unique taste and flavors of Japanese street food, then visiting a local market is a must! Japan is known for its vibrant and bustling street food scene, where vendors sell everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. Read More

Yoshino to Shimoichi Loop -
 Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 3,500 ft | 1,066 m

Day 5 Ride along the Yoshino river, stay in a temple, and discover the Buddhist way of life

Ride along the Yoshino river, stay in a temple, and discover the Buddhist way of life

After another leisurely, delicious Japanese breakfast, it's time to hop on the bike and head down the mountain. The first section of our ride is flat, along the Yoshino river leading into the town of Hashimoto. Here is a good opportunity to grab a snack and coffee at one of their ubiquitous convenience stores or at local café at Red Iron Bridge. After fueling up, we'll start the climb to Koyasan on a picturesque road through the forest. You can re-charge on a small... After another leisurely, delicious Japanese breakfast, it's time to hop on the bike and head down the mountain. The first section of our ride is flat, along the Yoshino river leading into the town of Hashimoto. Here is a good opportunity to grab a snack and coffee at one of their ubiquitous convenience stores or at local café at Red Iron Bridge. After fueling up, we'll start the climb to Koyasan on a picturesque road through the forest. You can re-charge on a small downhill before climbing to the top of this sacred mountain where the views will be well worth the effort. Mt. Koya is the holiest mountain in Japan and it's where you can spend the night in a shukubo, or temple pilgrim lodging. This is our chance to discover the Buddhist way of life at its most authentic. We'll be hosted by monks and served a traditional vegetarian dinner, or  shōjin ryōri . Read More

Featured Meal | Shōjin ryōri

Let the monks host you and join them for meditation and shōjin ryōri (vegetarian dinner) at the temple.

Yoshino to Koyasan -
Approximately 38 mi | 61 km and 4,600 ft | 1,402 m

Day 6 Relax this morning at the temple and enjoy a luxury dinner in Kyoto

Relax this morning at the temple and enjoy a luxury dinner in Kyoto

Rise early today for a stroll through this picture-perfect town just as it's waking, or join choral chanting monks for their morning ceremony. After breakfast, take the time to visit the bright orange 150-foot tall Konpon Daito Pagoda and surrounding memorial grounds, or relax in the temple’s Onsen before it's time hop back on our bikes. We descend on a beautiful and secluded, albeit rough, narrow and winding road. At the bottom, we'll board a scenic shuttle back ... Rise early today for a stroll through this picture-perfect town just as it's waking, or join choral chanting monks for their morning ceremony. After breakfast, take the time to visit the bright orange 150-foot tall Konpon Daito Pagoda and surrounding memorial grounds, or relax in the temple’s Onsen before it's time hop back on our bikes. We descend on a beautiful and secluded, albeit rough, narrow and winding road. At the bottom, we'll board a scenic shuttle back to Kyoto. Tonight at social hour, we'll toast to a week of new experiences, discovering a new culture, and meeting new friends. We will say our goodbyes over a final dinner together. Read More

Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

Descend from the high mountains

Enjoy a nice descent through the peaceful pine tree forests of Koyasan back down to bustling Hashimoto. The curvy roads and impeccable views... Enjoy a nice descent through the peaceful pine tree forests of Koyasan back down to bustling Hashimoto. The curvy roads and impeccable views to the valleys below are bound to put a smile on your face. Read More

Koyasan to Hashimoto
- Approximately 28 mi | 45 km and 1,800 ft | 548 m

Day 7 Enjoy a relaxed morning with a cup of Japanese tea

Enjoy a relaxed morning with a cup of Japanese tea

Enjoy a slow breakfast and relaxing morning. Departure is at your leisure before check-out at 10:00 AM. If you are enjoying extra time in Kyoto, the hotel is very close to the town center and walkable to a wide array of famous sights in the area. Your guides will be happy to give you recommendations.

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Rider Information

Rider Level: 3

Terrain: Hilly

The terrain is varied with rolling hills, mountainous areas, and challenging climbs. Some days the hills are short and rolling while others include sustained climbing. Distance can be adjusted but difficulty of the rides is due to the elevation. The riding in Japan is technical since there are lot of small roads, steep winding descents, urban riding at the beginning and end of the ride and riding on the left side of the road. Japan is best suited for our Type 3 and 4 Riders. For those eager to experience every mile but mindful of their physical limits, our electric bike option offers a comfortable and enjoyable solution (please note that riders choosing the electric bike need to have general road cycling experience and good bike handling skills). Tandem bikes are not allowed in Nara and Wakayama prefecture therefore we can not accommodate tandem bikes on our trip.

Daily Average

30 miles | 48 kilometers

187 miles | 300 kilometers

3,200 feet | 975 meters

18,900 feet | 5,760 meters

This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Regulations in Japan prohibit the presence of any passengers in a support van. As a result, non-riders won't be able to join other guests on their cycling excursions and would instead have to spend their days on their own at the hotel or exploring the nearby towns, as well as arranging their own transfers between the trip hotels. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination. As an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866-464-8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available, such as:

• Amsterdam to Bruges
• Loire Valley Wine Country

We've got you covered on and off the bike! Our team of guides will always have one in the support vehicle and one on the bike, ready to fill up your water bottles, fix a flat tire, or give you a lift up the hill. They'll also give you the inside scoop on the best local spots. And when you're not riding, your guides are happy to help with anything you need - from massage appointments to finding that special local treat you've been craving.

• Fully guided and supported with two guides and one van minimum
• Three daily route options
• Additional guides and vehicles added dependent upon guest count and trip logistics

Located at the gateway to Nara park, Noborioji has an exclusive air about it, having only twelve rooms spread out on two floors and a gourmet on-site restaurant. It’s a truly unique experience, with a western feel and Japanese attention to detail. The comfortable, modern rooms have large beds and the restaurant offers both Japanese and western-style meals.

Traditional beauty is mixed with Japanese spirit in this magical hotel and garden. The old and new come together to welcome you onto its specially-made Yoshino cedar wood floor. The guest rooms of the main building feature traditional beauty while the new annex has modern facilities. The cultivated garden, together with a spacious Onsen, is a perfect place to relax after your day on the bike.

The Sekishoin is a Buddhist temple at the Koya Mountain and is located conveniently near the main street. Natural beauty offers a unique escape and total serenity, while morning meditation, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and sutra reading promise to calm your nerves and bring you back to your center.

This five-star boutique hotel is inspired by the destination that is enriched through arts, history, and cultural experiences. In Dhawa Yura Kyoto, East meets West and it’s a perfect blend of old and new. Its location is close to all the main city attractions — temples, shrines, shopping, restaurants, and museums.

Bikes & Gear

Trek’s latest innovation has led to the best bike on the road—a light weight, stable and technologically advanced machine to make even the hardest roads seem easy. Ride confidently, comfortably and longer in the most beautiful destinations around the world.

Trek Electric-Assist FX+ 2 Stagger

The FX+ 2 Stagger is a lightweight electric bike that’s perfect for making your Trek Travel trip even more enjoyable. It has an intuitive and natural-feeling pedal assist system that will glide you down those scenic roads, so you can just focus on the fun. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek and with just that little bit of extra power, you can roll up those hills with ease. The stagger frame style is available in small only.

Trek Electric-Assist FX+ 2

The FX+ 2 is a lightweight electric bike that’s perfect for making your Trek Travel trip even more enjoyable. It has an intuitive and natural-feeling pedal assist system that will glide you down those scenic roads, so you can just focus on the fun. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek as you pedal through all that amazing terrain, and with just that little bit of extra power, you can roll up those hills with ease. This standard frame style is available in medium and large sizes only.

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Additional Gear

• Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
• Trek Travel water bottles to keep
• Cinch sack day bag to keep
• Bontrager saddle
• Bontrager helmet
• Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
• Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
• Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
• A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
• For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

Trip Inclusions

• Six nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels
• Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
• Daily route support with both guides and our support van
• Daily breakfast, six lunches, and six dinners
• Two social hour of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
• Ride With GPS Experience for your phone with daily itinerary and route navigation information

• Up to two daily route options on riding days
• Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
• All gratuities for drivers, local experts and hospitality staff
• All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
• A digital photo album of your trip
• Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events

• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
• Lodging before and after the trip
• Personal items purchased during the trip
• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
• On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

Guide Gratuities

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we suggest a tip for your guides between $280-$350 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or Venmo or our staff can help before or after the trip. Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

• Lodging in Japan : A traditional Japanese inn includes tatami (woven-straw) matted floors, paper walls, and futon beds (a mattress laid directly on tatami and during the day folded in the closet). Inside of the buildings shoes are not allowed. Japanese inns are very tranquil and simple–rooms have everything you need, but nothing more. Even five-star western style hotels in Japan prioritize simplicity with fewer amenities and decoration. All hotels have Onsens which are natural hot spring baths. Most of the hotel rooms do not have a private bathroom and guests use communal hot springs. It might sound strange at first, but in Japan it’s a beloved part of traditional culture. There’s really nothing more relaxing or therapeutic than lying back in a hot bath after a long day. Once you’ve done it, you’ll never look back!
• Dining in Japan : Japanese cuisine is world famous. Dining here is not just about the actual food to eat, but also its presentation, design, sharing, and appreciation. Here you’ll be invited to try a typical Kaiseki cuisine—served in small dishes, beautifully presented and featuring seasonal favorites like sushi, sashimi, buckwheat paste, tofu, and fish. Rice is a part of each meal, and typical Japanese breakfasts contain miso soup, fish, beans, and eggs. We will also try Japanese rice-wine sake and matcha green tea. At most of our properties you’ll also have your choice of western-style meals. We will be able to accommodate most common dietary restrictions, with the exception of our vegetarian-only Buddhist meal at our night at the temple, but please check with your trip consultant before you book the trip.
• Biking in Japan : We want to make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on this trip, so it’s important to note that riding on this trip is technical since we will be riding on small, quiet roads with some steep winding descents. We will also ride in an urban area at the beginning and end of the ride with some traffic.
• Look right and keep left ! In Japan, you cycle on the left side of the road along with traffic. Extra attention and caution are required as you ride, cross intersections, and enter traffic circles if this is the opposite side of the road than you are accustomed to.
• Please note that the bikes you will ride on this trip are aluminium frames with mechanical shifting, which differs from our standard fleet. See the Bikes & Guides section for more information.

Before and After Your Trip

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It remains the cultural center of Japan and is also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining which consists of multiple courses of precise dishes, and geisha, female entertainers that are often found in the Gion district. You'll also see the iconic golden temple of Kinkakuji, encircled by a reflecting pool and beautifully manicured gardens. Despite its well-preserved heritage, Kyoto effortlessly embraces the future, with modern buildings, a high concentration of universities and a thriving technology industry. It’s Japan's cultural treasure house.

Where to Stay

Hotel Granvia

Hotel Granvia Kyoto is located in the renowned international train station in the heart of Kyoto and is within walking distance to many popular sites and facilities and a short bus, train or taxi ride to many others. www.granviakyoto.com

Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto pays tribute to the city's rich cultural heritage, while maintaining a level of luxury and service befitting a 5-star hotel. The downtown resort’s design concept is based on five key words and feelings: Utage (Festive), Seido (serenity and movement), Miyabi (elegance), Hana (splendid) and Nagomi (harmony). www.ritzcarlton.com

Solaria Nishitetsu

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier is located in the city of Kyoto, along the Kamogawa river. The hotel features a fantastic view of Kamogawa river and a beautiful Japanese garden directed by Mr. Kazuyuki Ishihara who is a worldwide garden designer. Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine with a touch of French-style cuisine at on-site restaurant. www.solaria-kyoto.nishitetsu-hotels.com

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Packing and Weather

Spring and autumn have mild temperatures and little rainfall, hence it is the best time for bike trips in Japan. However, it can be a sunny and bright one day and occasionally cold and wet the next, so please make sure to bring layers and rain gear to ensure a comfortable riding experience. Temperatures can vary between 60s (16º-20ºC) in the morning and 80s (27º-31ºC) in the afternoon. View our Packing List

Ready to book?

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

What happens once I book?

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

Guaranteed to run

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Bike trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.

Read our Cancellation Policy

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Travel Protection

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

Travel Services

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Signature trip, we recommend between $280-$350 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow . But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

General FAQs

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs

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Guaranteed trips.

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip.  Click here to view our full guarantee policy .

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more .

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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Cycling Tours & Bike Trips in Japan

Life is about the journey, not the destination and that couldn't be more true than on a cycling tour in Japan. Travel on countless routes lasting from 7 days up to 14 days, and with 11 Japan bike tours listed you're sure to find one for you. Click here to see all cycling holidays .

11 Japan bicycle tours with 24 reviews

Cycle Japan

The ride through Noto Peninsula

HERITAGE OF JAPAN BIKING TOUR

Stunning Shikoku Bike Tour Of Japan

Japan Bike, Walk & Onsen

Cycling in Japan

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Hiking & Trekking

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

It was a great adventure. The Kumano hike was very challenging which I personally was unprepared equipment wise.

Japan E-Bike Tour

• Self-Guided Cycling
• Christmas & New Year

Cycle Kyoto To The Coast - Self-Guided

Noto Peninsula Coast to Coast Bike Tour

Off-Beat Eastern Hokkaido Lakes & Coast Bike Tour

Regions in japan.

• Southern Japan (10)
• Central Japan (9)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Cycling Tour Companies 2024/2025
• 10 Amazing Private Bicycle Tours 2024/2025
• 10 Best Cycling Tours 2024/2025
• Japan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 2 Week (14 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries & Cost 2024/2025
• 1 Week (7 Day) Japan Travel Itineraries 2024/2025
• Best 3 Week (21 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries 2024/2025
• Discover the Best Japan Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Japan in 2024/2025?
• Weather in Japan in 2024/2025

Cycling Japan

“Cycling in Japan is an experience like no other: cycling routes that snake through valleys and up volcanoes, hot springs you can soak in, unforgettable ryokan hotels, historic shrines, warm hospitality, futuristic cities and delicious food.

Experiencing Japan by bike is an experience you won’t forget.”

Japan has been on our “absolutely must-visit” list for many years, but since we haven’t yet been able to experience it ourselves, we’ve enlisted the help of Rob from Bike Tour Japan (who we quote above).

Rob is originally from Syracuse, New York and moved to Japan in 2014. He started Bike Tour Japan in 2017 with the aim of creating cycling tours of Japan that share the best of the country’s riding and off the beaten track places. His passion for all things Japan and cycling, makes him the perfect person to help us with this guide.

Fancy cycling Japan?

If you’ve ever wondered about a cycling holiday in Japan, you’re in for a treat.

Below Rob shares tons of information on everything from the best regions and cycling routes in Japan to information on bike hotels and bike rental in Japan. Enjoy!

Looking for information on the Shimanami Kaido cycle route? Read our article here .

Why should cyclists visit Japan?

Japan is known by most for its bustling city life and dense urban areas, unique culture, and delicious traditional foods.

But for those wanting to cycle around Japan, a different side of the country awaits just beyond the tourist centres of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Get two hours away from the city, and you’ll find beautifully paved roads through stunning forests. Cycling through Japan lets riders explore twisting roads that climb up and over volcanoes, chat with locals in traditional villages, and finish off each day at a luxury ryokan hotel with onsen hot spring baths. Plus, there are car free river paths and a full range of routes to suit all levels, from gentle valleys to epic 2,000m+ gains.

In my opinion, Japan is home to all the perfect ingredients for an amazing cycling holiday. Every person who has joined us on a tour has left with unforgettable memories.

Japan’s cycling routes

Geography of japan, big cities, quiet countryside.

Over 80% of Japan is uninhabitable mountainous terrain, making its cities some of the most densely populated in the world.

On the flipside of this, most of the 80% of Japan that isn’t inhabited is gorgeous wilderness, criss-crossed with excellent roads just ready to be explored.

When you fly into Japan on a clear day, you can see just how huge the mountains are! Most of Japan is formed by volcanoes, many well over 2,000m tall, climbing up from sea level. And, while Mt Fuji receives all of the attention as the tallest peak in Japan, the best roads in Japan are in the centre of the country (and you can get awesome views of Fuji from Kita-Kanto and the Nagano Highlands – more on those below ).

Japan’s highest paved road, for example, is a beautiful one that climbs up a volcano in Nagano Prefecture, topping at just over 2,700m above sea level. If you’re a road cyclist that loves to climb, you’re going to love Japan!

Cities v mountains

Basing yourself in a small city or town outside of Tokyo allows for many opportunities to explore a different side of Japan with direct access to nature.

Just take a direct train north and east of the capital city, and you’ll find a variety of amazing scenery and cultural experiences without the bustling city streets of Tokyo. Our top recommendations for small cities that are easy to reach from Tokyo include: Kiryu, Ashikaga, and Nikko. They’re all in the Kita Kanto region (more on that below ).

What are the roads like in Japan?

Kids cycle in japan.

In general, cycling in Japan is part of the culture; it’s a way of life for many locals in suburban and rural Japan. Outside of the cities, nearly every kid and young adult from 10 years+ rides their bike to school. This means most Japanese people are, or have been, cyclists since childhood. Motorists are very familiar with seeing children on bikes everyday, and their courteous driving reflects this.

Courteous drivers

Japanese drivers are notorious around the world for being cautious rule followers. Road rage and aggressive driving are virtually non-existent in Japan, and drivers tend to drive at the speed limit, which is quite low in the countryside, around 30-50kph.

Road surfaces

Road surfaces in Japan are often an exact indicator of the amount of traffic a road receives. Most people in Japan drive just a handful of main roads in a town, leaving many smaller roads with great road surfaces and no traffic. What’s more, Japan is full of river valleys, many of which have bicycle lanes and beautifully-built relatively flat pedestrian and bike paths lining each side.

Route planning

When most drivers choose a route in Japan, they follow a GPS, so many end up on the same roads. So for cyclists planning cycling routes through Japan, my biggest piece of advice is don’t follow Google Maps driving directions unless you want cars passing you all day.

Instead, look at the main road, and look for parallel smaller roads, or better yet, rivers with river paths. Plan your route around these small roads and river paths, especially when in dense city areas. If you are riding out in the countryside, you can be more lax about being on major roads. Also checking the roads in Google Street View will give you a good sense of the traffic to expect through your route.

What are the best regions of Japan for cyclists

Japan is a land of huge variety in scenery, terrain, and climate. I think you find some of the best cycling in Japan in these three regions. The best one for you will depend on what kind of cycling you’re after and how important the weather and other tourist attractions are to you.

• Kita Kanto region – Japan’s sunbelt and cycling hub near Tokyo
• Setouchi Inland Sea – Home to the Shimanami Kaido bikeway, citrus and seafood, and Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest and most famous hot-spring baths in Japan
• Nagano Highlands region – Home to the highest roads in Japan

Map showing the Kita Kanto region in purple, the Setouchi Sea region in green and Nagano Highlands region in yellow

“The sunbelt and cycling hub close to Tokyo”

Kita Kanto, meaning “North Kanto” is a region in the upper northwest corner of the Kanto Plains. Stretching northwest out of Tokyo, the Kanto Plains are considered the main food production zone in Japan. In ancient times, it was said that he who ruled Kanto ruled Japan.

This region is unique thanks to its proximity to Tokyo, just 1-2hrs by train, making for an easy trip from the nation’s capital. Nikko National Park is home to stunning untouched wilderness, alpine lakes, and massive shrines dedicated to the most famous Shogun in Japan, Ieyasu Tokugawa. From Nikko, you can reach the historical silk mills of Kiryu as well as Japan’s first ever school in Ashikaga. In between these regions are an endless string of beautiful valleys, river paths, mountains, and rindo (forest roads) connecting the region, making it perfect for exploring by bicycle.

In the western corner sits two massive stratovolcanoes: Mt Akagi and Mt Haruna. With summits over 1,500m and 1,000m respectively, both volcanoes have beautiful winding roads up to their caldera lakes. Below these towering mountains sits two of Japan’s largest rivers: the Tone River and Watarase River, both with beautiful car-free cycling paths winding through the small towns and cities they connect.

This region is famous for its fresh grown local veggies, Ayu sweetfish, wagyu beef, joshu pork, and shiitake and matsutake mushrooms. If you have never had matsutake mushroom soup, this is a must for anyone visiting the region in the Fall. A simple soup made from just matsutake mushrooms, daikon radish, mitsuba leaf, and a local breed of the green citrus called yuzu, it is a warm hearty broth that captures the essence of Fall in the mountains of central Japan.

Lastly, this region is known for its sun, something we all can appreciate when on a cycling trip. While the rest of Japan averages the same average sunlight as London (and about 4x as much rain!), the Kita Kanto Region is sheltered by mountains on three sides and far from the ocean enough to avoid the humidity of the sea. This means more sunny days, fewer wet days, and a much longer riding season than anywhere else in Japan.

Setouchi Inland Sea

“Home to the Shimanami Kaido, citrus and seafood, and town of Dogo Onsen”

The Setouchi Inland Sea has arguably become the most famous region for bike riding in Japan thanks to the promotion of the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route . But beyond the Kaido, there is much more to explore in the region for those with the curiosity to explore off the beaten path.

I love this region because of the beautiful teal-coloured water, the fresh local seafood, and the accessibility of the cycling routes. The Shimanami Kaido, for example, is very well marked and great for those looking to dip their toes into bike touring for the first time. Beyond the standard 70km course, there is a whole other set of roads and oceanside cafes.

I also recommend time to explore the famous hot spring resort of Dogo Onsen and the castle in Matsuyama City, just past the end of the Kaido’s end point in Imabari.

If you are hoping to catch the cherry blossoms, you can expect the pink flowers in this region to bloom earlier than the rest of Japan. And for Fall colours, we recommend coming here in early December, which ties nicely with the citrus season.

This region is very accessible to all levels of riders, and even non-riders on the Shimanami Kaido bike route.

Those looking for challenging days and good amounts of climbing will find the Kita Kanto and Nagano’s Highroads Regions a better bet.

Nagano Highlands Region

“Known as the Japanese Alps, home to the highest roads in Japan”

While many will recognise Nagano Prefecture as the host of the Winter Olympics back in 1998, it is also home to some of Japan’s highest roads. The pinnacle of these mountains is Mt Norikura, with a 2,702m summit that towers above the rest with a whopping 2,200m of gain from the city of Matsumoto below.

This climb is made all the sweeter by the fact that the final 13km are on a car free (yes you heard me, no cars allowed!) “Eco Line” with only the hourly bus to worry about.

Having done many of the big passes in Europe, such as the Stelvio, Alp D’Huez, Iseran, Isoard, etc, I have to say this car free climb to the sky is really one of a kind.

But even beyond Mt Norikura, there are also many other amazing summits topping over 2,000m above sea in the area. My personal favorite is the Utsukushigahara Highlands, or the Venus Line. But due to the height of the region and heavier precipitation, much like the high passes in Europe, the season is much shorter, often just mid July to the end of October.

This can make finding the perfect time to cycle in this region a delicate balancing act with Japan’s rainy season (which runs from June through September).

A final note on cycling in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is not in our top 3 best places in Japan for cycling. While Hokkaido can be a great place to visit, the season is quite short and is limited to the peak summer months. While it’s less wet than Honshu, you can still expect roughly 1 out of 3 days to be rainy and cold. This is in contrast with the Kita Kanto Region in spring and fall which averages one day of rain a week.

The scenery in Hokkaido is beautiful! However, between sights most of the scenery can be long straight roads with mostly crop fields to get between areas. So for riders looking to do less than 100km/day it can be quite repetitive. Whereas in Kita Kanto, Setouchi, or Nagano areas you can have vastly different microclimates and scenery within 50km of riding.

There is a reason that Hokkaido is a favorite for bikepacking; the long distances and vast wilderness is more conducive to camping and bikepacking trips than hotel-based day rides and bike tours.

Like Rob to show you around?

He would love to help!

Rob’s passion is helping cyclists who want to explore the rural corners and best cycling roads Japan has to offer.

For more information, head to  the Bike Tour Japan website  or reach out to Rob and the team at  [email protected] .

What are the best cycling routes in Japan?

Below I share some of my favourite Japanese cycling routes in the regions identified above.

Kita Kanto region

Hard – akagi.

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Mount Akagi is the centerpiece of the Kita Kanto skyline. A 1,800m tall stratovolcano that looks more like a mountain range than a single mountain, Akagi erupted some 30,000 years ago. This created the jagged top and two caldera lakes you see today.

The best cycling route is to take the small old road up the southeast side where cars seldom drive. Then, into the caldera for a lap around the lake and a visit to the Akagi Jinja Shrine atop the lake. Finally, fly down the pristine two lane wide road for over 1,400m of ripping descent!

It’s not every day you can say you climbed up into a volcano, and Mount Akagi is the best place to do this by bike.

Easy – Kiryu Ashikaga Loop

For those looking for a more relaxing ride in Japan, the Kiryu-Ashikaga loop is a classic that any level of cyclist can enjoy.

Starting from Kiryu City, the loop takes you out of town to the Lake Umeda Recreation Area. Then, over the Nagaishi-Touge (tr Long Rock Pass) for a beautiful view of the valley below.

Then, fly down into Ashikaga City, where you can grab lunch, see Japan’s first school, and stroll through the beautiful central Bannaji Temple in town.

Finally, hop on the car-free Watarase River Cycling Road back to Kiryu to check out the local silk mills. All along the way, there are options for delicious local udon and soba, as well as more international food if you prefer!

Hard – Extended Shimanami Kaido cycling road

For those looking to go beyond the Kaido’s standard route ( below ), our favourite route wiggles around each of the islands to hit the best sights on each one.

While it covers much more distance, exploring the islands by bike is a lot of fun and it is possible to break this into multiple days as well and stay a few nights on the islands.

Things you’ll see on the way include far-reaching views from Muku Bay Observation area, the Kousanji Temple complex, the sandy Hata Okiura Beach and the huge ship building works at Aiesu Shipyard.

If you’re interested, don’t miss our in-depth article on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route .

Easy – Classic Shimanami Kaido

Don’t fix what ain’t broken. For those looking for an easy route in the Setouchi Sea area, the classic 70km Shimanami Kaido Route is a great day trip option.

As Japan’s most famous cycling course, it is well-labelled and designed with plenty of infrastructure to help riders along the way.

You’ll find sea views, small fishing towns, citrus groves, and the longest suspension bridge in Japan. However be aware that it’s not all sandy shores as, due to the typhoon season each year, the shorelines are usually protected with concrete reinforcements.

There’s more on bike hire for the Shimanami Kaido  below .

Also read our article on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route .

Hard – Norikura

There are few places in the world that you can climb for over 50km and gain more than 2,200m.

That is exactly what you’ll find on Mount Norikura, a huge stratovocano surrounded by high peaks.

Beyond that, the final 13 kilometres (and 900m of climbing) are car free!

As the tree line recedes, a landscape of volcanic rocks and sweeping views from the top of Japan’s Alps awaits.

Easier – Utsukushigahara

While not much easier than Norikura (this is the highroads region after all!), my personal favourite climb in the area is the Utsukushigahara.

A mouthful for non-Japanese speakers, its name translates into “The Beautiful Highlands”, and it really lives up to the name.

Summiting just over 2,000m above sea, this high grassland plateau sits directly east of the high peaks of Nagano. Once you reach the ridge, the final 7km of road seemingly dangles off massive cliffs that drop to the city of Matsumoto below, giving stunning views of the high alps across the valley.

Do I need a guide to do a cycling tour in Japan?

Cycle touring comes in so many different flavours, and each style is unique and valid. I love a great bike-packing trip just as much as I love a great organised tour – they just fulfil different desires and comforts.

When exploring Japan by bicycle, there are lots of ways to have a great time on a self-organised tour, and I have done many of these myself and with friends over the years, exploring different corners of Japan.

Organised cycling tours of Japan aren’t always necessary

For example, you really don’t need a guide for a route like the Shimanami Kaido as the route is impeccably marked out for you. Couple that with decent rental bike options at both ends, many lodges listed on western booking sites, and you can have a smooth and fun trip.

That said, for those looking to explore beyond these well-marked paths, I think there is a lot of value in booking a guided or self-guided cycling tour of Japan.

Advantages of an organised bike trip to Japan

One of the main things I hear from those that organise their own bike tours in Japan is about the heavy traffic they encountered while on their tour. Funnily enough, the exact opposite is said in our guests’ reviews for our trips. In fact, one guest mentioned how they “couldn’t believe we rode for 4 hours through amazing scenery and saw monkeys, deer, kamoshika, and just two cars!?”

Besides knowing that you are getting top-notch routes that are optimised for maximum enjoyment while on the bike, you are also getting the top picks of the area when it comes to food, hotels, hot springs, and sights to see.

For me, this is where a lot of value comes in booking a high-quality tour, guided or self-guided. Choosing an accredited tour company optimises your enjoyment of the limited time you have in Japan. Why ride in high traffic, shuttle between locations, depend on scouring the internet for the best restaurant option, or waste time doing chores such as laundry and snack shopping, when this can all be taken care of by good trip designers?

When it comes to guided tours, it really is a chance to spend the most time doing what you love and letting the guides take care of “travel chores”. Our team takes care of navigation, carrying luggage and extra layers, doing the laundry so you have a fresh pair of bibs for each day’s ride, cleaning and maintaining the bikes, and setting up scrumptious smorgasbords of Japanese treats and fresh fruit at the top of climbs. For those looking to focus on cycling, a guided tour is really the best way to make the most of it and soak it all in.

Looking for a cycling tour in Japan?

Get in touch with Bike Tour Japan ; they would love to help you plan your trip.

Bike Tour Japan is run by Rob, a longtime resident of Japan and the brains behind this guide you’re reading. He loves to help guests explore Japan’s impressive landscapes on the best cycling roads.

For more information, head to the Bike Tour Japan website or reach out to Rob and the team at [email protected] .

Key road cycling events in Japan

Hill climbs in japan.

Japan is home to a large bustling Hill Climb Race Series. Here, hill climbs are more like mountain and volcano climbs than hills, with most gaining over 1,000m! Better yet, they are all mass start events. That means that 3-5,000 cyclists, at the sound of the horn, will begin racing up a massive volcano. Sounds fun huh?

There are five main races each year, and two of the big ones are right near us in Kita Kanto: Mt Akagi (in September) and Mt Haruna (in May). Along with them, Mt Norikura, the highest road, has one, as does the Subaru Line on Mt Fuji (in June). Take a look at the official websites and you can see how to sign up!

Tour de Noto

On the Tour de Noto, riders cover 400km of roads on the Northern Coast of Japan in just three days. Starting from Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, cyclists go north to Wajima, around the peninsula to the island of Notojima, before heading south to the finish line.

We recommend that riders spend at least a week in this region to soak in the cultural and culinary experiences to be found in the small towns of Wajima, Anamizu, and Himi. We also suggest spending an extra night or two in both Wajima and Kanazawa, two unique communities that are extremely proud of their long history of traditional sea-inspired foods, crafts, and architecture.

Japan Cup Cycling Race

Besides these amateur races, Japan also hosts the Japan Cup Cycling Race each year at the road race course in Kita Kanto (a small loop in Utsunomia, in the east side of Kita Kanto region –  info here ) as well as in Utsunomiya City. In fact, the Bridgestone Cycling Team is based out of Utsunomiya, and spends much of their time training in the same mountains we ride in the Kita Kanto Region.

Best accommodation for cyclists

Bike hotels that cater specifically to cyclists do exist in Japan, but they tend to be in the more well-known spots for tourists, such as the Setouchi Sea.

For riders who want to explore beyond, we recommend finding accommodation at minshuku (guesthouses) or ryokan (traditional Japanese hotels). Ryokans are our favourite places to stay!

I love the Japanese ryokan experience. If you have never stayed in a ryokan, they are a Japanese traditional hotel most similar to a B&B in the west. Often, you will have breakfast and dinner prepared on site, and the best of these ryokan have world class chefs that go out of their way to share the freshest local flavours and cuisines.

The ryokan experience also comes with artfully-crafted onsen hot spring baths to soak your tired legs after a long day in the saddle. After each day’s ride and soak, don your traditional yukata robe & slippers, and enjoy the zen of a beautiful Japanese room. This is the best way to step away from the busy modern world and immerse yourself into a traditional and truly serene experience each night!

There are lots of types of Ryokan, from small hotels with as little as six rooms, to larger ones that are more similar to traditional hotels, but with Japanese flair.

Check the rules before you stay

When cycling, most ryokan and hotels are happy to have cyclists stay, but calling ahead and confirming their rules with bikes is important. Many hotels in Japan are not accustomed to holding bikes inside, so many will assume you will leave your bike in the parking area, with the cars. So, if you want to be able to bring your steed in with you, it is best to confirm before booking.

As long as you are willing to wipe down your frame and wheels, most hotels are very understanding. Ask politely, and most staff will permit you to keep your bicycle in your room; if your room is tatami, they will likely put your bicycle inside a locked luggage storage area. (For those not familiar with “tatami”, it means straw mat floor. Here is some info on them.)

As for staying at ryokan, most will have you change out of your shoes at the door and into slippers inside.

There are also two things some guests will want to watch for before booking with ryokans:

Futon bedding: Most traditional ryokans use futon bedding, which is laid on tatami floor. Multiple futons can be stacked to make a softer bed feel if that’s your preference.

Bath: Most traditional ryokan will have two ofuro, or public baths, one for each gender. These are large rooms, often crafted of fine woods or stone with showers along the walls and one or more large baths. Expect to be naked.

In my opinion, these two aspects of ryokan stays are unique opportunities to live like the locals and fully experience Japanese culture! If this is not something you are interested in though, we recommend searching for western-style hotels or checking with the ryokan to see if they have western amenities before booking.

Face masks: Though masks have never been mandated in Japan, mask-wearing is still quite common in public spaces. Recently, the government has encouraged citizens to not wear masks while outdoors, and citizens are slowly beginning to shift their behavior. Cyclists in Japan don’t need to worry about wearing a mask while on the bike. However, some riders still choose to wear a mask indoors in order to blend in. In our personal experience, most shop-owners don’t mind either way and the ones who want you to wear a mask will politely ask you to do so. When travelling in Japan, we recommend carrying a mask or a buff for these situations.

Favourite ryokans for cyclists

In the regions mentioned, my favourite ryokans are

Hoshi no Yado, Kita Kanto region – central to Nikko town. Used to cyclists. English speaking staff with amazing food. Great launch point for amazing rides.

U2, Setouchi Sea – a town centre bike hotel that acts as the hub for visiting cyclists in Onomichi, and a great place to meet other riders. There’s also a bike shop inside the buliding.

Yumoto Ya, Nagano region – traditional Ryokan where the hot spring baths have sweeping views of the Japanese Alps. Great meals too. Located just outside town/castle, quiet but town is just a short bike ride away.

Bike rental in Japan

Japanese cities and towns have lots of great places for bike hire, as does the Shimanami Kaido cycle way.

That said, if you plan to ride outside of the main cities or the Kaido, you are best off hiring while within the city and taking the bike out, as most hires will not deliver beyond the town/cities. This will also ensure you get the quality road bikes you want without having a degree in Japanese!

Be aware that hire bikes will be set up “UK style” Left is rear, right is front for brakes. They will not switch this for you at any shops that I am aware of.

Shimanami Kaido bike rental

Most rentals around the Shimanami Kaido are mid to low-end hybrid or road bikes, so if you are looking to rent a high-end road bike, we recommend renting one from Tokyo or Osaka.

Japan bike shops

Shimano is King. Japan is Shimano-land, and if you have Shimano parts on your bike, they can be easily repaired and replaced at most shops. If you have Sram or Campy, most parts must be ordered.

Almost every town in Japan has a bike shop, but most shops service a mix of simple town bikes, hybrids, and road bikes. So if there is something proprietary about your bike it is best to bring extras just in case.

Want to find the real Japan?

Get in touch with Rob and the team at   Bike Tour Japan . They would love to help you plan your trip.

Rob is an American cyclist who has lived in Japan for many years. He wrote this guide you’re reading and knows all the best places for cyclists visiting Japan.

Check out his website at Bike Tour Japan or reach out to Rob and the team at [email protected] .

When to visit

Japan has many microclimates and you will need to consider the weather for each unique region you plan to visit. We have run tours where guests can go skiing one day, and the next day, we are in short sleeves cycling in 25’c sunny weather just 100km away.

As regards my favourite regions, generally speaking,

• Kita Kanto region is best from March to mid-June and September to early December.
• Setouchi is best early March to May and November to mid-December. 
• The Mountains of Nagano are the most limited season: September to October.

Beyond this, most of Japan’s summer is hot, humid, and wet from mid-June to the end of July. This is called Tsuyu, or the first rainy season. After this, August is typically drier but extremely hot and still very humid. Then in late August/early September, the typhoon season comes in, bringing big rainstorms weekly from the south.

This is another reason we love cycling the Kita Kanto region, the mountains to its west protect from the Sea of Japan’s rain and snow, and the southern mountains protect it from typhoons. Its distance from the sea also protects it from the Pacific Ocean’s humidity.

Lastly, for Hokkaido in the great north, the best season is when the rest of Japan is hot, in August. Though June to the end of September is generally a good time, much of Hokkaido can still be quite wet over the summer, with rainy and cloudy days not uncommon for half of each week. Note that Hokkaido is a different island that sits north of Honshu, it’s completely separated from the main island of Honshu, which includes Nagano, Gunma, Tochigi. We usually don’t recommend road cycling in Hokkaido, but it is a commonly-asked and searched place.

Road rules in Japan

It’s vital to understand the traffic laws, and obey all signals when out riding. You’ll find some pointers below. Some are Japan specific, some are general good practice.

• Ride on the left side of the road and the left side of the lane. Look out for the infamous ‘drift-right’ that is common for those from countries who usually ride/drive on the right side of the road!
• When you are at a light you must stop and wait for the signal to change. Japan has no ‘right on red’ (or in their case ‘left on red’) law.
• Bikes and pedestrians have the right of way, and most drivers are respectful to cyclists on the road. However, if you see that traffic is building up behind you, return drivers’ courtesy, and pull off for a moment to let traffic pass.
• Familiarise yourself with  Japan’s traffic signs .
• Wear a helmet.
• Always ride in the direction of traffic.
• Do not wear headphones or earphones while riding.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Communicate with those around you with your hands/arms well in advance, for example “right turn”, “left turn”, “slowing”, “stopping”, “car up”, “car back”.
• Make eye contact with motorists when possible.
• Avoid erratic movements on the bike. Keeping a straight line is the best way for drivers to predict what you’re going to do.
• Always be aware of weather and road conditions, and how this may affect your ability to stop or turn the bike. Give yourself double braking time and distance in wet conditions. 

Tips for planning a Japan cycling trip

When planning a cycling trip to Japan, it is best to consider what you are looking for. There really is so much variety in this country that you can spend a week or two and only scratch the surface of its geography, food, and culture.

Japan is really well set up for cycling in many ways, but it is not always obvious for visitors just how much cycling infrastructure and how many quiet roads there are.

If you are looking for an easy ride, the Shimanami Kaido is great and anyone can figure it out on their own. If you want to hit the big mountains or get lost in the wilds of the countryside, it will take some research, Japanese language skills, or a guide to really get the most out of that side of Japan. And if you want to just connect A to B by bike, I highly recommend planning your route without Google Maps.

How fit you need to be to cycle Japan

Japan is very mountainous and if you want to get a taste of those mountains, it’ll help if you’re fit. We can offer guests electric road bike hire – and of course we can tailor trips to include flat river routes where possible, but a base level of fitness will certainly help you get the most out of a trip.

Best food to buy from convenience stores

If you are cycling around Japan’s main island you are rarely more than 15km from a convenience store (they call Conbini コンビニ), where you can find a myriad of treats, food, and drinks. Even gas stations tend to be well-stocked. This is great for those on a self-guided cycling tour as you can easily stock up on snacks (we recommend tasty onigiri rice balls – the dorayaki pancake sandwiches and canned iced tea are awesome too).

Do you need to speak (some) Japanese?

While it never hurts to speak the local language, Japanese people are generally very excited to help or work with foreign tourists who come to their shops.

If you are going it alone, Google Translate can help a lot, but most chains will have picture menus or some English. That said, most of the smaller local restaurants will still have handwritten signs and menus, so your mileage may vary when you get off the beaten track. Going with a tour company will allow you to have an ambassador and easier access to understanding the local language and culture.

Surprisingly, despite being very technologically advanced, Japan is a cash-based economy. That means you need to assume you’ll be paying in cash at restaurants, markets and many shops.

7-Eleven convenience stores will accept international debit cards – and so will some department stores, hotel chains and taxi chains. But you can’t assume it will be possible, so carry cash. Theft is rare.

There are ATMs at post offices and convenience stores.

Tipping is not expected (and not really done by the Japanese themselves).

Bargaining/haggling is not done (unless you’re at a flea market).

Japanese culture

Japan is the only country in the world that still has a reigning emperor. Emperors don’t have power but they are looked up to as a symbol of the country’s traditions. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo (the home of the Emperor) is definitely worth a visit.

Japan is known for its distinctive etiquette. Here are some headline things to watch out for – but just do your best and don’t stress, you won’t be expected to know all the rules!

• Head-bowing instead of hand-shaking.
• No shoes indoors. Keep your eye out for the show rack at the entrance.
• Speak quietly at temples and shrines – and don’t worry about coming in in cycling kit (though do zip up your jersey!).
• Tea is important and regularly offered, but you don’t have to finish your cup; stop drinking when you’ve had enough.
• If you’re in an onsen or public baths, expect to bathe naked. Shower before entering the bath. Put a small towel on your head, or beside the bath, not in the bath water. Leave your large towel in the changing area. No tattoos are permitted in some onsens.
• If you’re confused, look at what the locals do and do as they do! 

How to get to Japan

Getting to Japan is largely a function of where you plan to visit on your trip.

In general, most fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda International Airports when riding in the Kita Kanto or Nagano Regions.

For those cycling down in the Setouchi Sea, Hiroshima International Airport is closest, with Osaka not too far away.

This site shows flight connections all over the world; it’s handy for seeing which airports in Japan you can fly to from your home airport (remember to use the city name/airport code in the search box).

Thanks to Japan Rail’s Shinkansen high speed rail, even Tokyo to Hiroshima is just 4hrs by bullet train.

From Tokyo’s Asakusa Station, you can get out to the major Kita Kanto hubs of Kiryu, Ashikaga-Shi, and Nikko train stations directly in 1-2hrs via express trains. To start the Shimanami Kaido, take trains to Onomichi Station from Hiroshima or Osaka.

Transferring your bikes

For those flying in with bikes, airports have great service at the Yamato Shipping Counter (aka Kuro Neko, “Black Cat”). From here, you can ship any luggage for very reasonable rates anywhere within Japan with quick two-day delivery. Bike boxes typically cost around 5,000yen one way.

This is by far the easiest way to travel around the cities before you begin cycling.

A big thank you to Rob for sharing such valuable insights on cycling in Japan.

Don’t know about you, but we are feeling more inspired than ever to visit!

More about Bike Tour Japan

For any cyclists who want to explore a deeper side of Japan in the rural corners of this wild country, please head to their website or reach out to Rob and the team at [email protected] .

You can also check out what Rob is up to on Strava.

They can’t wait to ride with you!

Have you cycled Japan?

Let us know how you found it; share your experiences below!

Also feel free to comment below if you’ve got any questions about planning a trip here.

Got a question for Rob?

Fill out this form and we will send it to Rob. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours wherever possible!

We will use this info to send the enquiry to Rob and/or their team. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.

Rob fell in love with cycling as a way to explore natural landscapes at the perfect pace.

After graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 2014, he spent a year working, cycling, and creating a community in Japan. Since then, Rob has returned each year to delve deeper into the secluded countryside.

Now he lives in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It’s a funky mountain town about 1.5 hours by express train from Tokyo. It has a rich history of silk production and Japanese hipster cafes and restaurants.

Rob is driven by the desire to create unforgettable cycling trips for guests from all over the world. He loves surprising travellers with unique and immersive experiences that exist just outside the international hubs of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima.

In addition to creating intimate adventures throughout Japan, Rob also previously worked with Duvine Cycling in Northern California. When he is off the bike, he enjoys playing classical guitar, and chatting with the locals at a nearby cafe or hot-spring Onsen.

Find out more about Bike Tour Japan and check out our Strava. .

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

Privacy Overview

• Southern Japan Cycle
• Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku
• Stay and Ride Short Stay Tour Series

We Ride Japan

Guided cycling tours in japan, multi-day guided cycling tours in japan’s countryside.

Experience the culture, the food and the amazing cycling on one of our top-class cycling itineraries. Based in Japan we are a local company that offers our guests authentic and professional guided cycling tours in some of Japans most beautiful regions. Welcome to We Ride Japan! 

Southern Japan Cycle - Hiroshima to Nagasaki

Gear up for an incredible road cycling tour that traverses both Shikoku and Kyushu islands in southwestern Japan. This trip offers so much diversity, from the stunning islands and fishing villages of the inland sea to the deep river valleys and ancient temples of Shikoku, culminating in the volcanic landscapes of the Kyushu highlands. 

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Difficulty level: 3/5 (moderate to challenging)

Price: JPY 580,000

Book early and receive a 5% discount!

2024 Dates:

April 22nd – May 1st Closed

       September 18th – 27th G

October 20th – 30th F

Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku Cycle

Embark on an immersive cycling tour of the picturesque Shikoku region in southern Japan. Traverse the islands of the inland sea on the stunning Shimanami Kaido and cycle the quintessential rural roads of Shikoku, through beautiful river valleys and along rugged coastlines. This guided cycling adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness the authentic essence of Japan, delving deeper into its rich history and culture.

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Difficulty level: 2/5 (moderate)

Price: JPY 520,000

    May 13th – 21st Closed

   October 1st – 8th F

   November 4th – 12th F

Looking for a shorter trip?

Stay and ride.

Short stay local experience cycling tours in Shikoku

Why travel with us?

Local connections

Working closely with local businesses, tourism boards and councils through our work in regional tourism development, we offer our guests authentic and sustainable experiences utilizing our extensive network. 

All of guided cycling tours in Japan include unique local experiences allowing our guests opportunites to form deeper connections with region they travel in and locals they meet. 

We are passionate about cycling and ethical travel and feel strongly that a cycling holiday can be a very sustainable travel product. 

• Professionaly designed and operated itineraries
• Local and professional guides
• Amazing experiences on and off the bike

Experience and passion

We bring a ton of experience to our tours through years of work in the cycle and tourism industries. To add to this experience our passion for cycling and the regions we tour in comes accross in our unique itineraries. 

The Best Japan Bike Tours and E-Bike Tours

Boutique and personalized cycling & e-bike tours in Japan for every journey.

4.6 out of 5

Explore Our Japan Cycling Holidays

Kyoto to Sea of Japan Bike Tour

8 days from $3,995

stay at casual inns

Off-Beat Eastern Hokkaido Bike Tour

Noto Peninsula Plus! the Alps Bike Tour

Shikoku E-Bike Tour

E-Bike Tours

8 days from $3,695

Essence of Shikoku Bike Tour

End of tours

Reviews from our friends

Teri from US

Well organized, great guides

After having been on a great trip in Rajastan with Art of Bicycle, we knew they organized excellent trips. So when we heard about the Eastern Hokkaido trip in Japan, we had to go. The trip was wonderful: Well organized, great guides, cozy and often extravagant accommodations with onsens usually on site. Not to mention fabulous Japanese food always provided at lodgings. The terrain was varied. We saw wildlife and we stopped to see other sights along the way ( Ainu museum, hatchery , etc) We will look forward to another Art of Bicycle trip In the future!

End of reviews

What Does a Day On Your Japan Bike Tour Look Like?

At Art of Bicycle Trips, we believe in experiential travel. Our tours combine cycling with cultural activities and nature exploration.

An average day on tour includes 4-5 hours of biking, with the rest of the day reserved for local experiences such as exploring local attractions, interacting with local communities, visiting monuments and museums, learning local crafts, trying local cuisine and more.

Each guided Japan bike tour is led by an expert trip leader who is also a local. ABT trip leaders are a repository of local knowledge, routes, customs, cultures, and cuisines. By employing only local guides, we also help generate employment opportunities for local communities.

All hotels on tour are carefully chosen for their character, comfort, and cuisine, and each hotel becomes an experience in itself that guests can enjoy.

A support vehicle accompanies guests at all times, and if at any point a rider does not feel like biking any further, they can always load their bike and sit in the support van.

We pride ourselves on the degree of customization we provide on each tour, and are always happy to accommodate any special requests from our guests relating to the tour.

What Types of Accommodation Should I Expect On a Bike Tour in Japan?

A central element of any great Japan bike tour is experiencing its tradition. This is why on most of our Japan bike tours, we include stays in traditional Japanese-style inns known as ryokans which are a unique experience for a traveler.

Ryokans are built in the traditional Japanese style, with sliding doors, tatami-matted floors, communal baths, and serve traditional Japanese food. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable Japanese clothing and can always talk to the owner.

Yet, another type of accommodation on offer is at onsens. Onsens are hot springs that have a traditional inn or ryokan attached. Since onsens are an integral part of any Japan biking experience, all our tours have a fair share of stays at onsens. Most onsens have communal baths as well.

Most hotels in Japan have a mix of western and Japanese-style rooms. If you have a preference for a certain kind of room, you can let us know in advance. However, we cannot guarantee a certain type of rooms as they are subject to availability.

Are There Opportunities to Try Local Cuisine Along the Way?

Yes, Japanese cuisine is consistently rated as being among the finest in the world, and we constantly strive to allow our guests to try the best of Japanese food.

On most days, lunches are not included in the itinerary, so that guests can try local cuisine at restaurants and inns along the way.

On several days on the tour, we stay at traditional Japanese ryokans where guests can savor authentic Japanese cuisine. There will also be opportunities to try western staples.

For more details, refer to the detailed itinerary for your chosen Japan bike tour, or have a look at our Japan cycling guide to know more about some must-have dishes on a Japan bike tour.

Which Types of Bikes Are Provided On Your Cycling Tour in Japan?

We provide hybrid bikes and road bikes on all our Japan bike tours. E-bike upgrades are also available. Let us know your particular bike requirements and we will be happy to accommodate your request.

What Is the Terrain Like in Japan?

Japan is a mountainous country, so expect some hills pretty much everywhere. The difficulty level depends on where you’re headed.

Hokkaido : Cycling in Hokkaido can be a little more challenging than most other places in Japan. The Shiretoko Pass is a 734m (2,408 ft) climb that rewards the cyclist with breathtaking vistas all around. Lake Mashu, often called the clearest lake in the world, involves a hard 550m (1,800 ft) climb to get to. The Akan Mashu national park also sees a few ascents of over 700m (2,300ft).

Shikoku : In Shikoku, the beautiful Iya Valley, which was once the preferred hideout of renegade samurais, has climbs of around 600m (1,970 ft). Nakatsu is another mountainous region with a similar elevation profile. Most other days on the tour are relatively flat.

Kyoto : In Kyoto, the area around Miyama sees elevation gains of around 600m (1,970ft) while the rest of the terrain is relatively gentle.

Noto : The Noto peninsula mostly consists of undulating hills. However, we typically bike longer distances on this route.

If you book a private tour, we can always customize the itinerary to include easier or more challenging routes as per your requirements.

What Is the Best Time of the Year to Go On a Bicycle Tour in Japan?

The best times to do a Japan bike tour are Spring (March to Mid-May) and Fall (September to mid-November). The average temperature hovers around 15°C - 22°C (59 - 71 °F) during this time.

However, there is also considerable regional variation depending on where you want to bike in Japan. For instance, Hokkaido is great for cycling in July and August as well due to its cooler climate.

For detailed information on the weather and the best time to visit for each of our Japan bike tours, refer to our Japan cycling guide .

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour, and What Is the Booking Process Like?

It is advised to book your bike tour at least 6 months prior to departure.

To book a tour, we require a deposit of 10% of the tour price per person. Once the deposit is received, we’ll send you a confirmation mail. The remaining payment needs to be made 2 months prior to departure. For more details, refer to our Terms and Conditions page.

Our tours are all-inclusive, which means meals, permits, fees, transportation and other additional costs are included in the price of the trip, unless otherwise stated.

Japan Bike Tours — Frequently Asked Questions

Are bicycle helmets required in japan.

Yes, wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is required by law in Japan. In April 2023, the Japanese cabinet approved the revised Road Traffic Act that requires all cyclists to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in Japan.

It is important to note that as of now, the act does not yet specify a strict penalty for those not following the rule, and you may see some locals riding bicycles without helmets. However, as visitors to the country, it is advised that you should follow the law at all times. At Art of Bicycle Trips we provide good quality helmets for our guests on all our Japan bike tours and highly recommend that they wear helmets at all times while riding a bike in Japan.

Why Is Double Riding Illegal in Japan?

Double riding, or riding a bicycle side-by-side with your friends or riding partners is illegal in Japan because not only does it put both cyclists at risk, it also obstructs road space for other drivers. Riding side-by-side can incur a fine of up to JPY 20,000.

Also, two people riding a bicycle designed for only 1 person is also illegal. However, tandem bikes are fine.

Is It Illegal to Wear Headphones While Riding a Bike in Japan?

Yes, it is illegal to wear headphones while riding a bike in Japan as this can cause safety issues. It is also illegal to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol, as well as riding a bicycle while talking on a mobile phone.

Do You Lock Your Bike in Japan?

Yes, you should lock your bike in Japan if you plan to leave it unattended. Even though Japan has a low crime rate, bicycle thefts are pretty common. However, when on a Japan bike tour with Art of Bicycle Trips, it is best to ask your trip leader to watch over your bike if you plan to leave it unattended, or to load it on the support vehicle.

Can I Ride My Bike On a Sidewalk in Japan?

Yes, you can ride a bike on a sidewalk in Japan, unless there is a sign prohibiting you from doing so. However, it is best to leave the sidewalk for pedestrians and to ride on the road itself.

Is It Safe to Ride a Bike in Japan?

Yes, Japan is one of the safest countries to ride a bicycle in. People follow traffic rules, and motorists are not aggressive towards cyclists.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive in Japan?

Japan is a left-hand drive country. This means that while riding your bike, you should stick to the left side of the road, and overtake from the right.

Do You Offer Any Discounts On Your Japan Bike Tours?

Yes. Holders of our Silver Riders Club Membership get a 5% discount on the trip price, and additional benefits such as complimentary e-bike upgrades that add up to another 5% of the trip price. For more details, refer to our Silver Riders Club Membership page .

Do You Have Any Family-Oriented Bike Tours in Japan?

If you plan to travel with your family including children, write to us with your requirements, and we will try our best to design a custom itinerary that suits your requirements.

Let's Start Planning!

Contact us today to book your Japan bike tour or inquire about custom options.

Japan cycling guide

Read our complete guide to cycling in Japan .

Join Bicycle Touring Japan for an Unforgettable Experience!

We believe Japan is the place to experience the fun and adventure of bike touring. 

Lotus Cycle was created to help guide you on the best cycle touring Japan has to offer.

Join us now, explore Japan and expand your horizons!

Guided Tours

6 Reasons to travel with LOTUS CYCLE

Your Adventure

It’s your own adventure. Our specialists will help you choose the itinerary that suits you the best. We have a holiday for you!

Awesome Local Guides

We are a locally Japanese owned and operated company. Not only are guides knowledgeable and expert, we are also friendly, helpful and flexible travel companions who cheerfully invite you behind the scenes to experience the real Japanese culture like you never have before.

Small Group

Cycling tours are a great way to explore a destination under your own steam. You'll be accompanied by a small group of like-minded travellers who will provide a warm and social atmosphere for your trip. 

Amazing Cycling Routes

We have spent decades on the bike and traveled all over Japan since we were kids. Our enjoyment of Cycle Touring in mind guarantees that you will explore the hidden gems of Japan and secret spots and make unforgettable memories.

Great Bikes

We offer a variety of bicycle options to suit different riding styles.

Your expert guide will make sure your bike is properly set to your body dimensions before the start of your tour.

Best Accommodations

Accommodations are more than just a place to sleep and reenergize. They can be marvelous escapes to rejuvenate your soul with a peaceful mountain or coastal view.

They can be outposts for the delicious cuisine unique to each region.

My experience on this tour was among the best!

" I have bicycled in many countries(Canada, USA, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Vietnam, Croatia, Thailand, Cuba) both guided and self-guided. My experience on this tour was among the best! I would highly recommend the Kanazawa to Kyoto tour to anyone who has a thirst for nature and unique cultural experiences. "

—  Will, Canada

Our mission

Our work will contribute to creating a better future.

Connect with people through shared our passoin for cycling and the spirit of adventure.

Make Japan accessible to visitors without a car, in order to reduce the carbon footprint of travelers in our destination. We are committed to run our business sustainably and engaged with the Travelife certification program.

Blog & Galleries

Our Services

We have 3 services.

Please check details from the below.

FULL GUIDED TOUR

We have some great

full supported tours for cyclists.

SELF GUIDED TOUR

You can flexibly arrange tours

in Japan by yourself!

RENTAL BIKES

We do offer rental bicycles

for adventure seeker.

Previous Tour Gallery

Bike Hidden Japan

Discover authentic Japan in your most soul-stirring cycling holiday ever.

OUR MISSION

Empower local people, Boost local economy and Sustain beautiful rural life in Japanese countryside through providing life-changing cycling experiences.

We are local. We are responsible for the sustainability of local economy and natural environment in our region of Japan. We live here, we know every detail of this place, and we have a lot of local partners. So, we can continuously provide carefully planned unique cycling tours in this region and through it, we can empower local people, boost local economy and sustain beautiful rural life in this region.

FEATURED TOURS

Gravel & Craft Bike Tour NASU – MASHIKO

[6 days 5 nights] Ready to immerse yourself in Japanese culture? You will visit "Craft Masters” of Japanese Traditional Handicrafts during Gravel Biking through breathtaking countryside landscapes between Nasu and Mashiko. Learn and experience Bamboo grass weaving, Japanese Paper (Washi), Indigo dyeing, Pottery and Organic Japanese Sake directly from their enthusiastic “Craft Masters”.

TRANS-TOHOKU Bike Tour

[12 days 11 nights] Our Signature tour with many praises from our guests and recommendation from Japanese Ministry of the Environment. The Tohoku region, the northernmost part of Japan’s main island, is known for its gorgeous natural environment, rich local history, and delicious agricultural produce. Experience a more traditional side of Japan and follow in the footsteps of famous Japanese "Haiku" poet Matsuo Basho and his journey along “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”.

Foodie’s Bike Tour NASU – NIKKO

[6 days 5 nights] In this foodie's bike tour, you will go on an eating spree and experience a wide variety of great food that Japan has to offer. You will visit historic towns and stay at long-established hotels and ryokans (inns), which have been welcoming VIPs from inside and outside Japan for a long time, and also at accommodations that are committed to serving high quality meals.

KUMANO KODO Pilgrimage Bike & Hike

[7 days 6 nights] In this tour, you will be biking and hiking on Japan's oldest ancient pilgrimage roads called "Kumano Kodo", in the south of Wakayama. Visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, and will find yourself completely immersed in the beautiful nature of spectacular mountain ranges, massive and strange rocks, clear streams of water, and magnificent waterfalls.

Aizu SAMURAI Gravel Tour

[5 days 4 nights] Immerse yourself into the gorgeous nature of rural Japan through four days gravel riding on off the beaten tracks in Aizu! And discover a “hidden side” of Japanese culture and history in Aizu, a historical town famous as the former stronghold of the Last Samurai 150 years ago!

Mt. NASU Self-guided Bike Adventure

[1 day - 3 days or more] Nasu is easily accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen (70 minutes) and is the best biking area close to Tokyo. Nasu’s natural environment offers us the ability to plan a wide range of inviting bike routes to match your preferences and stamina and to make the most of the seasons. Our plans include scenic hill climb rides, biking through vast rural areas, traveling in a ranch landscape along gentle hills, and gravel riding through forests that look unexplored.

NEWS & REPORT

Cycling off the beaten path, enjoying temples and gourmet food！ A private 5 days cultural bike tour in Kyoto – Nara

A private 5 days cultural bike tour in Kyoto – Nara has finished. Cycle through off the beaten paths around Kyoto – Nara, visit mountainside temples and taste local specialties!!

Learn ceramic art, gravel hillclimb and beautiful sake tasting as finale! “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko” has finished！ stage 4

Learn about ceramic art at a famous pottery in Mashiko, challenge gravel hills, visit a beautiful thatched roof temple and finish cycling at a local Sake brewery followed by really fancy Sake tasting experience!! The final, stage 4 of “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko”, our latest cultural cycling tour!

Visit a traditional craft town and experience washi paper making and indigo dyeing！ “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko” stage 3

Ride through Tochigi’s Satoyama countryside, enjoy riverside gravels, and experience Washi (Japanese Paper) making in Karasuyama and really traditional Indigo Dyeing in Mashiko!! The stage 3 of “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko”, our latest cultural cycling tour!

Ride along quiet, winding forest roads and learn about sake making at a 100-year-old organic sake brewery！ “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko” stage 2

Endless windings in a long quiet forest road, a gorgeous picnic lunch in front of a solemn Zen temple in the deep mountainside, and Sake production learning at a 100 years old Organic Sake Brewery followed by wide variety Sake tasting!! The stage 2 of “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko”, our latest Cultural Cycling Tour!

Cycling on the gravel road and experiencing Nasu’s traditional crafts using local bamboo！“Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko” stage 1

Exciting gravel ride in Nasu and local “Shinodake Bamboo Craft” experience followed by beautiful onsen ryokan!! What a great combination!! The stage 1 of “Gravel & Craft Nasu -Mashiko”, our latest cultural cycling tour!

Cycle into ancient pilgrimage road by 400 years old giant cedar trees and visit historic Nikko！“Foodie’s Bike Tour Nasu-Nikko Autumn version” stage 4

After beautiful rice fields in countryside, cycle into an ancient pilgrimage road for SAMURAI surrounded by 400 years old giant cedar trees and arrive Nikko, a spiritual town with long history. Of course enjoy local gourmet including super fresh river fish, bagels and cakes!! The final stage of the Autumn version of Foodie’s Bike Tour Nasu-Nikko!

Join our cycling tours that offer dynamic road trips, biking from one town to another, for 5+ days. Each tour is planned under an interesting theme. You will be biking less traveled areas and roads in various parts of Japan. You are sure to rediscover the heart of Japan in an epic ride experience. Of course, all tours are guided and under full support.

Relaxed Tours

They are guided and fully supported tours designed to enjoy biking in areas around hotels and ryokan (inns) while indulging yourself with relaxing stays at luxurious resort hotels or onsen ryokans (Japanese style hot-spring inns). Suitable for family trips and people who love to enjoy cultural experiences more. Slower riding speed with shorter (30 – 60km) daily distance.

Self-Guided Tours

In these easy-to-get-going tours, you will rent a bike and a GPS navigation device with preinstalled recommended routes and enjoy riding while following the navigation. There will be no guide or support. You will be free from the hassle of riding in an unknown area while constantly checking a map in one hand. You can now bike like a local while savoring the air and landscape of the area. These tours are recommended for those who want to enjoy biking the Japanese countryside at their own pace or those who can handle bike trouble. Solo riders are welcome. The tour route or length can be adjusted to the season, time, or your requests and biking skills.

One Day Tours

These are half-day to one-day guided cycling activities in Nasu that anyone can join. If it’s your first time to ride a sports bike, don’t worry. Our guide will teach you how to maneuver it. On the calendar select a date when a tour is on and sign up for it at least two days in advance.

Custom Tours

We will prepare a special, chartered bike tour for your group by arranging the theme, area, schedule, route, and riding distance to your preferences.

Reviews from Our Guests

Evizel Seymour

Wow - a super professional company with great friendly English speaking staff. If you’re looking for a cycling adventure, then look no further. They will adapt the tour to what you would like to do. A great mix of cycling, cultural events with extremely comfortable accommodation. oh, don’t worry about going hungry, the food is exceptional...

Richard Breedon

The cycle routes and site visits were well chosen. The hotels were excellent and all had onsen baths, which provided welcome respite at the end of each day of cycling. The visits to the various craft centers were fascinating and enjoyable. It was a unique experience to guided by the master craftspeople themselves. We learned about weaving with bamboo grass, indigo dyeing, and made our own postcards with traditional Japanese paper (washi)...

John and Mary Griffioen

Firstly, the cycling experience was great. Scenery is varied from rural agriculture (plenty or rice fields), small towns, tropical forests, mountain passes, and ocean views. The guides were very capable, friendly, conscientious and very safety conscious. Secondly what we did not appreciate coming into the tour, which was just as meaningful as the cycling was the cultural experience. Stops along the way included “Shrines”, “Temples”, a Saki brewery, bake shops, orchards, hot springs, museums…….. Accommodations were always at first rate traditional inns/onsens or modern hotels/onsens. Meals were a feast to the eyes and stomach. There is no way that I could have seen or discovered this aspect of Japan on my own; especially with the language barrier. This was completely different from my earlier more urban visit to Japan; vastly more meaningful...

Anne Condon

Our guided Trans-Tohoku tour with Tetsuya and Yoshi was truly epic! Each day was filled with opportunities to learn about the history, culture, and food in ways that would not have been possible by ourselves...

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Japan By Bike

Japan's superb infrastructure, postcard-perfect scenery and renowned courtesy make it a paradise for cycle touring. In fact you could argue that Japan is the ultimate bike tour destination! Explore modern cities, marvel at cherry blossoms in spring or the amber hues of Autumn, and cruise by rural scenery from tea plantations to evergreen forests and Shinto temples. The best way to genuinely immerse yourself in the country’s distinctive culture and unique beauty is to discover it by bicycle. And after a fantastic day of cycling, rejuvenate with a soak in one of the many onsen hot springs. Explore some specially crafted active adventures in Japan below.

Cycle the intriguing island of Shikoku which features gorgeous natural scenery and great cycling on well-made roads.

Japanese food is so fresh, healthy, and delicious it’s perfect to fuel your cycling!

The Land of the Rising Sun is culturally unlike any other- check it out for yourself!

Japan is an extremely cycling-friendly country, with great infrastructure and routes for bike riders.

Pick Your Japan Trip

Destinations

Tour Styles

Riding Levels

All Tours Guaranteed to Depart

Japan Bike, Walk & Onsen

Bike, hike, and kayak your way from Fukuoka to Nagasaki, exploring the scenic wonders of Japan. From Fukuoka’s vibrant streets to Yufuin’s hot springs, embark on a journey that takes you through mountains, rivers, and historic towns.

Multi-Active Tours

8 days | 7 nights

| KM | 4590 USD

Stunning Shikoku Bike Tour of Japan

Cycle through Japan: a land of ancient castles, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist monasteries and statues, where traditional cultures and etiquette overlap with futuristic modern wonders - The ultimate bike tour of Japan

Classic Tours

| KM | 4625 USD

Japan E-bike Tour

Cycle tour Japan's beautiful Shikoku Island on a pedal-assisted e-bike tour, taking in diverse & scenic landscapes on quiet, bike-friendly Japanese roads

E-Bike Tours

7 days | 6 nights

| KM | 4550 USD

Cycle Kyoto to the Coast - Self-guided

A thrilling, independent adventure exploring highlights of Japan on a self-guided bike tour. Trace through the roots of Japan's cultural heartland from ancient temples to forested roads, with many hidden gems to discover in between.

Self-Guided Tours

| KM | 2995 USD

Customized Tour

• Flexibility
• Professional Advice
• Local Knowledge

We make it easy and affordable to arrange private departures that fit your needs. Use our trip designer to start crafting your perfect tour.

Why Grasshopper Adventures?

Create lifelong memories through inspired travel

Escape the monotony and distractions of daily life

Explore the world and learn from what you see and experience

Connect with nature, people and reinvigorate your senses

GO PRIVATE?

Let us help you craft the cycling tour of your dreams with our Custom Tour Builder Tool.

The Rewards of Cycling in Japan

Bike discoveries.

Japan is made for cycling! Its well-maintained roads, accommodating traffic, and a large variety of lanes, paths, and tracks are perfect for two wheels. Challenge yourself with steady uphill climbs, then be rewarded with a mountaintop view, or pedal peacefully down scenic coastal roads. With incredible scenery, precise infrastructure, and plenty of hot springs to relieve sore muscles, Japan will provide an extremely satisfying cycling experience.

Japan is renowned for its unique cuisine, and you’ll have the chance to see why on your cycling journey. Eat at our favorite local hotspots, try traditional sweets, and feast upon the flavors of Japan! Enjoy Japanese noodles and tempura, or branch out and try local specialties. Eating is often a cultural experience in Japan, and you’ll see this for yourself with a dinner served in traditional style at a Ryokan, or a monk’s breakfast in a Shukubo accommodation suited for traveling monks.

Past Meets Future

One of the rewards of visiting Japan is seeing the mix of traditions and ancient structures with modern wonders and efficient cities. Pedal to Buddhist centers on mystical mountaintops, or switch gears and check out the modern art scene in the former capital city of Kyoto! You’ll have the chance to stay in traditional Japanese accommodations such as Shukubo and Ryokan, where you sit on tatami matting and must not wear shoes and where onsen (hot springs) are available. Indulge your creativity with traditional washi papermaking before hopping on an extremely efficient train. This living dichotomy of Japan will leave a lasting impression long after your cycling trip is completed.

Our Expertise

You take care of the cycling and we handle the rest! We’ve found the best quiet back roads, eating spots, and interesting accommodations to supplement your in-depth discovery of Japan. Our cycling routes are challenging but doable and will leave you with lasting memories and lessons! Enjoy the company of a Grasshopper guide who has the knowledge and experience to provide you with the ultimate touring experience. As always, they are looking out for your safety and comfort at all times.

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT…

If you like windy and fresh ocean rides, with lots of kilometers of water and rocks and waves and stunning views; if you're fond of speedy road bike rides on excellent road surfaces; If you enjoy the look of aquamarine mountain rivers and brooks; if you love the challenges of climbing the exhausting hills which later fill you with pride of yourself that you just have made another achievement; if you find the small fishermen villages enchanting, if you find those temples and ashrams fascinating; if you feel like riding huge endless magnificent bridges and finally, in case you are a big fan of Japanese cuisine and simply can not have enough - that would be a great trip for you to make! I just did and I loved it!

Bike Touring Japan with Grasshopper Adventures

From the road.

Marvel at real footage of cycling tours in Japan and gain inspiration for your own active adventure by checking out our Youtube channel.

Why Us? The Grasshopper Adventures Experience

Kent's adventure in asia, bike taiwan, cruise & cycle the iconic mekong river, the grasshopper experience, meet our team, japan experts.

Team Japan started with Takuro San - a former pro cycling athlete and a one man army at the time of Grasshopper's humble beginnings in Japan. Since then, Takuro has been joined by Yoji, Reiko and Norman - forming a team like no other.

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Bike Tours Japan

The bespoke specialist for private group guided cycling holidays in Japan.

Crafting exceptional bike journeys which will take you deep in to the culture, history, landscape and culinary delights of the country.  

Please  request  a custom trip with your prefered destinations. Learn more about our destinations .

• Travel Tips

Guide: How To Go Bicycle Touring / Bikepacking Japan

Table of Contents

Bicycle touring & bikepacking japan, what bike should you take, hotels, guesthouses, rider houses, trains, buses, ferries, taxis, keeping clean, my recent japan adventure.

Japan is a dream destination for bike travellers. With a unique culture, incredible landscape, an abundance of great food and lots of places to camp – it’s a delight to go both bicycle touring and bikepacking in Japan.

I’ve now cycled around 5000km on the four main islands, and it’s safe to say that Japan is one of my favourite bike touring destinations.

Let me arm you with information so you can get the most out of your time in Japan.

It’s easy to enjoy yourself in Japan but be prepared to work hard for your keep.

Japan is located near multiple fault lines, so it’s littered with mountains, volcanoes and steep winding roads. The backroads are almost always more hilly than the main roads, but this makes them all the more scenic.

You can travel around Japan on any bike.

On my first trip to Japan, I cycled on a tandem touring bike with panniers, and more recently I rode a road bike with racing slicks pulling a trailer. I don’t think there is any perfect bike for everyone, but a bike with a couple of panniers will be comfortable, durable and will take you on mixed terrain.

The most important thing about your bike is that it should have a really small climbing gear ratio. I’m a very strong cyclist and found myself in my smallest gear (34x42t) multiple times per day – yep, it’s that hilly.

Click HERE for my low gear ratio resources; I recommend using as close to 20 gear inches as possible.

There are some excellent bike routes available for Japan. I’ve completed many of the routes listed below and can verify they’re all great.

The big advantage of following these routes is that they’ll shuffle you onto the smaller back roads which you normally wouldn’t find. They also provide the easiest way through the big cities, minimising busy roads and making navigation a pleasant experience.

JapanCycling.org has 4552km (2828mi) of routes from the south (Kyushu Island) to the north (Hokkaido Island). I’d recommend downloading the GPX files to use as a guide as they take in so many of Japan’s highlights.

The Japan Odyssey is a yearly, long-distance cycling event which has riders creating their own route around a series of checkpoints and mandatory roads. The course designers aim to include the best roads in Japan, so I’d suggest seeing if any of the following segments can fit into your tour.

Japan Odyssey segment details: 2017 Odyssey Tour 2016 Odyssey Tour

Rob from HokkaidoWilds.org has been busy establishing some really nice cycling options on Hokkaido. There are 1 through to 10-day cycling routes zig-zagging all over the island. You can easily connect up multiple routes for a month-long tour (or longer).

Given the heavy snowfall in winter, Hokkaido often has road closures. Bookmark this road information website  because you may need to plan around them.

If you’d like to go exactly where I went on my 2017 tour: 1. The Tokyo to Hokkaido Commute 2. My Loop Around Hokkaido

You’ll come across multiple tunnels per day in Japan.

Tunnels are extremely noisy to ride in; the smallest cars sound like the biggest trucks. While initially quite scary, you will gain confidence after tackling a few. The Japanese drivers will reduce their speed well below 50kph/30mph in tunnels and only pass you when it’s clear. The longer tunnels have a footpath to the side that you can cycle on. Make sure you turn on your front and rear lights before entering.

Supermarkets are located in most towns. They all have a large range of fresh local produce, tofu, noodles, bread, pasta and sauces. I normally prepare my own breakfast and dinner from supermarket produce because I can piece together large, healthy meals at a really low cost. Shop after 6 pm for 20-50% off the HUGE range of pre-prepared food.

Small restaurants provide affordable meals in most towns. Expect to pay between 500-1500 yen (US $5-15) for a lovely traditional meal which is typically only available in the local area. You’ll notice vast differences in the type of food available, region to region. Everywhere has its own speciality.

I travelled to Japan as a vegan  (all of my trips are fuelled by plants). It was really easy to find everything I needed in both convenience stores and supermarkets, but a little more difficult in restaurants. I used the ‘Happy Cow’ app to great effect to find vegetarian and vegan places to eat.

But here’s the good news: you can almost camp anywhere in Japan if you’re happy to wait until sunset and pack up early. I’ve camped in parks, temples and even museums. In towns with a river, there will usually be a grassy park running alongside it. The Japanese people are very accommodating and will almost never ask you to leave.

I regularly used this map of free campsites and onsens . I imported the data as a ‘KML layer’ into my smartphone mapping apps ( Maps.me and MapOut ) so that I could see when I was approaching a potential sleeping or cleaning location.

Note: the paid campsites in Japan very rarely have showers. More on that below.

On the island of Hokkaido, there is an ultra-budget accommodation called a ‘Rider House’ available to motorbike and bicycle travellers only. These bare-bones establishments are typically located away from towns and are only open in the warmer months. THIS  is a map of all of the Rider House locations on the island.

You can take your bike on trains provided it’s either in a bike box or packed in a ‘rinko’ bag. The latter involves removing the two wheels from your bike, putting them either side of your frame, and packing it all into a lightweight cloth bag. The bag doesn’t have to be fully closed, but it should be enough to not get grease or dirt on anybody.

You can get Rinko bags from all bike shops for between 3,000-6,000 yen (US $30-60), but some people buy bike covers and a bit of tape from a ‘100 Yen Store’ and make do for a one-way or temporary solution. Buses will require you to pack your bike into a Rinko bag too.

You can roll your bike directly onto most ferries. Every ferry I’ve taken has had a place for bikes, and sometimes they’ll strap your bike down to a railing. Ferries are a great way to connect up the hundreds of small islands off the coast of Japan.

When catching taxis, ferries, trains and buses, you’ll need to make sure you have cash. Most don’t accept credit cards, and if they do, they probably won’t accept international cards.

The onsen (communal bath) is a cultural institution in Japan.

Every town has one, simply ask around for its location. You’ll fold your clothes into a basket, get naked, wash yourself down and then be able to sit in any of the hot pools for as long as you like. Occasionally the natural onsens are free, but cheaper onsens start at about 200 yen (US $2) while expensive hotel onsens are about 800 yen (totally worth it!).

It’s unusual to find campsites that have showers, so if you’d like to have a good wash, make sure to find an onsen in the nearest town first.

Japan is a really long country. This results in vastly different climates between north and south. The island of Kyushu (south) is almost tropical, while the island of Hokkaido (north) is freezing in winter and hot/dry in summer.

Monsoons tend to affect everywhere but Hokkaido, so expect heavy rain between July-September anywhere south of Tokyo.

Cycling in the North: June-August Cycling in the South: March-May and September-December

You can find free internet at convenience stores (7Eleven, Family Mart and more recently Lawson) as well as tourist information centres.

But if you want to be a bit more mobile, you can hire an ‘egg’ from the airport which creates a wifi signal that multiple phones can connect to. These aren’t cheap but can be great for a short trip. SIM cards can be purchased from BIC Camera stores if you feel the need to have the internet everywhere you go.

With the abundance of convenience stores (seriously, it’s every corner) you can probably travel without mobile data.

Have A Question? Drop A Comment Below, Or Try THIS Facebook Group of Local Cyclists.

• travel guides

27 comments

What is your experience riding a tandem bicycle in Japan. Is it still illegal in most of the country?

It is technically illegal – but as far as I know, it isn’t enforced to travellers. I didn’t have any issues for the two months I cycled there.

I can’t wait to read your opinion re trailer vs panniers… I am thinking about getting this one http://www.extrawheel.com

hi, how do you transport your bicycle into Japan? i was thinking of using my bike box, but i can’t seem to find any place to store it for 2 weeks while i’m out cycling.

You throw away the cardboard box and find a new one when you leave. Or you strap it with wrap directly at the airport, as well as strap your panniers together.

Hi Alee, Thanks for this! I just got back from a one-month bicycle tour through Norway – my first big(ish) bicycle tour – and I can’t wait to do it again. Japan is very high on my list, so this is very useful. Do you have any recommendations on books about Japan and it’s culture/ landscape? And what was your experience with communicating with locals (language-wise)? Thanks again.

I just finished my second trailer tour yesterday. Should be some resources coming soon!

You might be able to find a hotel/hostel/host to hold it for you. If not, all bike shops get cardboard boxes when bikes are delivered. Just allocate half a day before you leave to finding one (we found two within 30 mins of searching).

I haven’t done a lot of reading about Japan, most of what I know is anecdotal or from my own experience. Communication with locals isn’t particularly common because the Japanese either don’t get to practice the English learned in school, or are too shy to use it. You can use various online translators to have a conversation if you need. We were lucky enough to stay with a few English-speaking locals via Couch Surfing and Warm Showers.

Hi Alee, great post, thanks. Any hints about stoves and fuel for Japan? What worked best for you? Thanks, Daniel

We used a canister stove. We found one canisters at Snowpeak outdoors shop and another at a tools/car accessories/fishing type general store. Two canisters lasted five weeks!

Thanks Alee, good to know. Which kind of canister stove do you use btw? MSR Whisperlite?

It was a 360 Degrees Furno Stove.

Hi Alee Since Japan is a short flight for me it’s on my list of places to visit. So how common is English there? Are there any Japanese words or phrases you’d recommend learning?

Thanks. Phil North Pole, Alaska.

I go to Japan every few years. Most young people speak broken basic English but they are not going to use it generally, so it is hit and miss. Generally I have found that people who work in stores that sell outdoor supplies for hiking tend to speak more English. Bikes shops are better sometimes too.

Thanks a lot Alee for this great information. I’m currently planning to cross Japan in August 2018 with my road bike. Starting in the far north (near Wakkanai) and finishing near to Kagoshima in the south. Normally I’ve stages of 150-200km a day. Can you recommend such a tour, also the far north and south part? If yes, should I take on the main island the north route along the see or your route from Tokyo to Hokkaido. Would be very thankful for any recommendations!

Hi Kurt. You’ll want to link up as much of the back road stuff as possible. They’re certainly the best roads for cyclists, however they tend to be steep and a little bit indirect. I’d use the JapanCycling.org routes as a general guide and make some modifications to suit how long you have and what you’d like to see. Alee

Thanks a lot Alee for your advice. Will now start the planning and would be happy to come back with some more questions!

Hello Alee, Love the Post! My friend and I will be traveling to Japan for the first time from early April-late May this year (2018)and we would love to do it on bikes (for the adventure and to save train ticket money)! Do you know of any great and reliable places to rent bikes at a good price for those weeks? Do you have any tips for us first time Japan bike travelers? We’re thinking of going to these following places, any help and advice is greatly appreciated!! Thank you! Tokyo, Kanto to Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Chubu to Kyoto, Kansai to Osaka, Kansai to Nara, Kansai to Hida Takayama, Chubu and back to Tokyo, Kanto.

Between this article and my book “Bicycle Touring In One Hour”, you should have enough information to tour Japan confidently! Check out JapanCycling.org for routes, or if you’re mapping your own, a good way to do that is through Komoot.com to stay off busy roads. Sorry, not too sure where you can rent bikes.

when touring trough japan do you need a new real expensive tour bike, or could you just use your own fixed up bike and if it were to brake down buy a new one there ??

You can use any bike. I’d suggest packing light and avoiding any rough dirt roads to prevent part failures.

Great info – many thanks.

We’re looking to do Seoul -> Tokyo via the Busan – Shimonoseki ferry. Very helpful input. Thanks again.

A question about your gear.

What’s the bag you have on your back?

It’s an old Rapha Bonk Bag (musette). They don’t make them anymore, but you can find similar things if you search ‘cycling musette’ in eBay etc.

should i bring a bike with me or could i find a good deal in kyoto? like $350 with panniers….

Comments are closed.

O Cycle Japan

Japan self-guided cycling tours, the japan bike tour 🗾.

Embark on an exciting 7-day Japan Cycling Adventure that encompasses 6 days of invigorating cycling and unique cultural experiences along the way. Experience the beauty of Japan as you pedal through picturesque landscapes, covering an average of 50km per day. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of 6 different cities.

Explore a variety of cycle-friendly accommodation in each city, ranging from traditional Japanese Ryokans and ancient temples to modern western-style hotels, carefully handpicked for their hospitality and uniqueness. These local gems offer complimentary breakfast and ensure secure bike storage during your stay. Many locations boast the indulgence of hotel hot springs (Onsens), where you can unwind, immersing yourself in an ancient tradition after a day of cycling. Embrace the perfect blend of comfort and cultural experiences throughout your cycling journey!

What’s Included? 📦

• Bike rental & helmet
• Route map electronic & paper
• Cycling Computer with route
• Accommodation with breakfast/ 2 dinners
• Luggage transportation between locations
• Custom jersey
• Site-seeing and restaurant recommendations

A self-guided tour is one where the traveler has a route, information, and some amenities arranged by a company, but is responsible from getting between point A and B each day on their own.

What’s Not Included?🚫

• Airfare 
• Transportation between locations
• Travel & Medical Insurance
• Snacks and any meals not listed
• Alcoholic beverages

These tours are NOT supported by a guide and therefore all riders must be able to navigate using GPS, which will be provided with preloaded maps. The ability to fix a flat tire and minor bike adjustments is required.

Working with a local rental shop from Osaka, we offer hybrid touring bikes. These bikes offer a combination of road bike speed and city bike comfort and versatility. It’s a perfect fitness bike and casual touring bike. You choose flat or clip pedals. Road bikes are available for an additional cost.

from Road Bike Rental Japan

When can I go? 📅

Fall 2024 – wednesday departures, japan cycling tour, day 1 -kansai airport > wakayama.

Leaving the hotel outside of the Kansai Airport your day begins after a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Be sure to enjoy the wide variety of Japanese and western breakfast delights to fuel you for an exciting first day. The first day will take you along the coastline of Japan with views of the ocean, palm trees mixed in with traditional Japanese sites.

Cycling Info

• Distance: 57kms
• Elevation: 465m
• Duration: 4-6 hours

Sites and Delights

• Ocean and beach views
• Traditional Japanese Gardens
• Wakayama Castle
• Watch the sunset from roof top patio while relaxing in your Yukata (Japanese cotton Kimono for men and women)
• Traditional Japanese formal dinner and breakfast
• Savory pancake
• Let the journey begin
• Blue line cycling route
• View of Wakayama
• Room with a views
• Sunset views

Day 2 -Wakayama > Hashimoto

Cycle from the ocean north into the interior, where there is a rich history including stories of Samurai and Ninja’s. Hashimoto is a quiet town with plenty of delicious places for dinner but the exciting experiences will be found along your journey including the Kudoyama museum and Jison-in temple.

• Distance: 60kms
• Elevation: 385m
• Japanese country side riding
• Kokawadera Temple
• Kudoyama Samurai museum, view traditional Samurai suits
• Jison-in temple
• Need to fuel up? Vending machines with water and juice can be found everywhere.
• Let us introduce you to a local hidden gem an Izakaya bar near the hotel. With an impressive sake collection.
• Japanese breakfast
• So many options for lunch
• Vending machines
• Samurai museum
• Hashimoto Hotel
• Try some Sake
• Izakaya food Hashimoto

Day 3 -Hashimoto > Nara

Cruise through the Japanese country side and into the tourist town of Nara. With a rich history as one of the country’s original capitals, the temples, castles and unique history provide an abundance of options. Be sure to visit Nara park conveniently located across from the hotel and meet the deer who bow in exchange for Senbei (Japanese rice crackers). The pace gets busier and the streets have more traffic. Be prepared for a busy day with many things to see, experience, eat and drink.

• Distance: 63km
• Elevation: 400m
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Japan’s oldest street, Gojo Shinmachi-dori
• Kashihara jingu Shrine
• Yamato Brewery
• Todaiji Temple
• Kingyo street and muesum
• Yakushiji temple
• Buffet breakfast
• Hotel in Nara
• Evening in Nara
• Sashimi (raw fish)

Day 4 – Nara > Otsu

Leaving the beauty of Nara and exploring the country side on your way to Biwako (Biwa lake). Along the journey stop to visit one of the oldest Sake producers. Otsu is located near Biwa lake, the largest lake on the main island of Japan. This is a popular location for Japanese cyclists.

• Distance: 54kms
• Elevation: 510m
• Duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
• More relaxed quiet riding in the country side
• Gekkeikan Okura Sake museum and Fushimi
• Biwa lake, beach and biking
• Stay at a Japanese Buddhist temple and visit the summer home of an Emperor
• Listen to the morning Buddhist pray ceremony
• Participate in a Japanese tea ceremony
• Try traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals
• Picturesque views
• Biwako (Biwa lake)
• Popular bike destination
• Where emperors stayed
• Vegetarian meals
• Fushimi Inari

Day 5 – Otsu > Kyoto

This is a short cycling day to allow plenty of time to indulge in the traditional activities and sites of Japan. Dress in a traditional Kimono and learn how to be a Samurai. If you prefer more biking the pathway around Biwako offers close to 200km of dedicated bike paths around the lake.

• Distance: 26kms
• Elevation: 240m
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple while wearing traditional Japanese clothing
• Visit traditional Japanese market
• Samurai experience
• Tempura and anything with Macha green tea
• Country side views
• Local events
• Ramen lunch
• Green tea ice cream
• Kyoto Hotel
• Relax at the hotel bath
• Breakfast buffet

Day 6 – Kyoto > Osaka

You will cycle in the  city where you will see many amazing sites along the way. Take a cable car to a hill top temple, Iwashimizu Hachimangu temple before entering the city. Once in Osaka you can decide to continue to explore historical activities in the city, such as a cooking class or more modern sites.

• Elevation: 190m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Iwashimizu Hachimangū
• Visit Dotonbori street
• Santori Beer factory
• Shinsekai neighbourhood
• Umeda Sky building
• Osaka Castle
• Universal Studios Japan
• Sumiyoshi Taisha
• Jizo Statue
• Traditional Japanese Dress

Know Before you Go 🎌

If this is your first time going on a cycling tour in Japan, there may be some cultural differences that you should know before you embark on your adventure. We have provided some tips on various areas, ensuring your cycling experience in Japan is not only filled with picturesque landscapes and invigorating rides but also culturally enriching.

• Toilet Etiquette
• Biking and Road Etiquette
• Tipping and Service Charges
• Meal and Restaurant Etiquette
• Shrines and Temples
• Garbage Disposal

Embark on your cycling adventure in Japan with confidence, knowing that our tours are designed to not only showcase the beauty of the country but also immerse you in its rich cultural tapestry. Enjoy your cycle tour tailored to foreign visitors, where every pedal brings you closer to the heart of Japan’s landscapes and traditions.

• Understanding Japanese Etiquette
• Bathing Etiquette
• Onsen facility
• Washing hands before approaching a temple
• Park bikes outside shrines and temples
• This way to the toilets
• Finding the washroom
• Instructions on using Japanese toilets are often found in English
• Shrine entrance
• Guest Yukata provided for your stay

Your Adventure Awaits.

Still have questions.

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Where timeless traditions meet modern wonders

Japan bike tours.

At the heart of Japan is "omotenashi", the concept of genuine and wholehearted hospitality that is deeply ingrained in all aspects of Japanese life. A journey to this welcoming land reveals a cultural richness, from the artistry of tea ceremonies to the performances of Noh and Kabuki theater, and the exploration of ancient temples and imperial palaces. Culinary enthusiasts can savor Japanese cuisine, featuring sushi, ramen, tempura, and a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Across the country, natural wonders abound, from iconic cherry blossoms in spring to serene mountains and rejuvenating hot springs. In urban hubs like Tokyo, you’ll find technological marvels and futuristic architecture, while the Akihabara district showcases the world of anime and manga.

Exploring Japan by bike offers the opportunity to experience its varied landscapes and unique cultural heritage, spanning buzzing Tokyo streets, coastal roads, mountains, and charming rural villages.

“Riding through bamboo and cedar forests, rolling along the spectacular coastline, and crossing long bridges on quiet safe roads and paths, was a truly memorable cycling holiday.”

Learn more:

• Japan bike tour reviews

Cycling Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route

COUNTRY: Japan

Guided from JPY 695000

Guided: May 26 - Jun 6, 2024 (minimum of 4 participants)

Description: Embarking on a cycling adventure through Japan's incredible landscapes and cultural sites allows you to uncover the country's fascinating history. From Lake Biwa to Kumano in the Kii Peninsula discover a mythical journey into Japanese folklore. Kumano's…

Island Symphony: Cycling Through Japan's Shikoku and Beyond

Guided from USD $ 4625

Guided: Mar 21; Apr 8; May 10, 15; Jun 3; Sep 2, 30; Oct 14; Nov 4, 18, 2024

Description: This extraordinary Asian island-hopping bike tour carries you through landscapes that resonate with the history, culture, and dynamic spirit of both ancient and modern Japan. Tracing the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route across the Seto Sea, this fully…

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The Four Seasons of Cycling in Japan

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Japan is a truly magical land with beautiful but severe seasons. A mountainous nation of islands stretching over a large range of latitudes, Japan is home to hundreds of micro-climates from the tropics of Okinawa, to the snowy mountains of the Alps and Hokkaido and everything in between.

In this article I will focus on the main island of Honshu and present a brief overlook of the seasons. If you want to cycle in Japan during its optimal seasons, just join one of our guided group tours. We have specifically scheduled all of our group guided tours to capture the best of each region.

The Four Seasons 四季

Japan has four distinct seasons broken into Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (in Japanese, Haru 春, Natsu 夏, Aki 秋, and Fuyu 冬).

Interestingly, the Japanese believe the year begins with the spring. Therefore, all calendar years for business or school begin on April 1st.

Though temperature patterns mimmic much of the northern hemisphere in the west, with the warmest time of year in the summer and the coldest in the winter, the precipitation is almost the opposite.

Most of Europe and North America experiences the wettest and cloudiest time of year in the winter. But in Japan the wettest cloudiest time of year is actually the peak of summer, in the months of mid June through mid September.

This is not to say there is any lack of snow in Japan in the winter, but this tends to be in the Alps, where there are plenty of ski resorts. In fact, much of Japan has a largely cold, dry, and sunny winter season.

Spring in Japan 春 | Warm Air, Cherry Blossoms, and Flower Parks

Mid-march through mid-june.

Spring is a wonderful time in Japan. It is the only season where you can ski an alpine mountain in the morning and go for a bike ride in short sleeves in the afternoon.

It is also when everything begins to bloom, and the whole of the countryside lights up with cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, and a rainbow of wildflowers.

In the Kita-Kanto Region the days can range from cool to hot, and precipitation is usually around 2-3x per week in brief drizzly rain showers. Meanwhile, the high mountains to the west can get significantly more clouds and fresh snow to spring rain.

Snow still sits on the mountain peaks, but typically by mid April in Kita-Kanto all of the high roads are accessible and warm enough to ride.

Summer in Japan 夏 – “Everything is Green” Season

Mid-june through mid-september.

Summertime in Japan is a rollercoaster. A sandwich of two rainy seasons with a heatwave in between. Japanese summers can be a tricky beast to navigate, but still contain some amazing riding.

Summer is typically broken into three parts, the “rainy season” Tsuyu 梅雨, August, and Typhoon Season .

They each last around a month. Within just three months, about 70% of the yearly rainfall occurs, making for a wet and wild couple of months.

Average daily highs on the main island of Honshu can easily hit 30-35°C (86-95°F) in July and August and lows around 20-25°C (68-77°F) are the norm. Unless you are at altitude or in Hokkaido, and most of Japan is not, expect the sun to rise as early as 4:30am. Couple this with humidity reaching 90-100% regularly and you have what I like to call the “Rainforest Season” of Japan.

EVERYTHING WILL BE GREEN. Or blue, if you are Japanese.

PART 1: TSUYU, OR PLUM RAIN 梅雨

In Tsuyu (mid-June to mid-July), expect moist dense air and lots of low clouds, mist, and fog with frequent bands of rain washing over the mountains.

Roads less traveled frequently turn green this time of year with moss. Be very cautious! Wet moss on rubber can become extremely slick. There is an average of 17 days of precipitation for most of Japan in this time.

Even on days that are not raining, don’t expect too much sun. Though not impossible, a big blue sky, or clear visibility this time of year is very very rare.

Also worth note is that this is peak heat + humidity time so hydration and care not to over exert oneself is crucial.

But with all of that this is the only time of year you will see the flooded rice paddies, something that can be truly mesmerizing to ride through.

Part 2: August, AKA The Heat Wave

Once Tsuyu is over, the second wave of summer begins, typically around the end of July or beginning of August. I like to call this the “Heatwave” period. This can be as short as a week or two, or as long as a month long.

Though rain is no longer wafting through the air on in dense low clouds, instead expect pleasant but hot semi-humid mornings that build to big afternoon showers or thunderstorms most days.

This time of year, while still hot and humid, can often be a great time to get out early as the sun rises at around 4am and you can get a great ride in the forest canopied roads before it gets too hot.

If you are in the high mountains, this is a great time for rides as the heat is far less intense up there. Midday rain showers are still present even up high.

We like to head up to the high mountains of Gunma , Tochigi , and Nagano Prefectures at this time of year. Our top recommendations for places to ride include: Hakuba Valley, Mount Akagi , Mount Haruna, and Kusatsu Onsen Town.

Part 3: Typhoon Season 台風

In the Americas they call this Hurricane Season, and that’s exactly what a typhoon is, a tropical storm. Typically beginning mid August and running into mid or late September this season is still decently hot, but less so than August.

Though it may rain some quarter of the days this time of year, the rain falls quickly and swiftly. As the storms move in expect a day of strong wind followed by a day of torrential downpours. But! The day after will often be the best day of the year.

You heard me right, the day after a typhoon is just heaven. The storms come in, suck up all the moisture, dump it, and leaves. And with that you get crystal clear days, low humidity, and beautiful weather.

This is a pretty great time of year to ride as you usually only miss one day out of a week to a big storm, and the other days tend to have pleasant to amazing weather.

It can still be hot, but usually it’s only humid when it rains, and there is moderately dry air when it’s sunny.

Cycling Japan in Typhoon Season 台風

Fall in Japan 秋 – Crisp, Cool, Colors and Clear Skies

Fall in Japan is my favorite season for riding. The second sunniest season (only to winter) fall delivers consistent strings of warm sunny days. Highs of 15°C even into December are common for the Kita-Kanto Region . Lows can hit freezing, but on most days, by 9am, the sun is high and the air is dry – perfect weather for cycling.

Skies are clear most days, leaving room for a big warm sun that instantly makes it feel 5°C warmer than the current temperature. The air is also cool, so breezes are refreshing and welcome.

It’s a layers time of year for sure, but a safe rule of thumb is if you are in the sun, it’s short sleeves and sunglasses. And, if you are in the shade you will probably want an extra layer or jacket.

Late September, October, November, and even through mid-late December can be a real treat to ride in. Especially because of the ever moving fall foliage down the mountains into the valleys.

Winter in Japan 冬 – Sun, Snow, and Wind

Winters in Japan are very depended on where you are. The east side of Japan ( Kanto & Kita-Kanto ) has its sunniest season, while the westside of Honshu is getting pummeled with snow and is starved for sunlight.

In general, you can expect eastern Japan to have cold to frigid evenings with cool to even warm days. Big warm sunny skies and a decent cold wind blowing are the key features. You’ll want a few layers to block the wind and you will often find yourself unzipping on the way up and zipping back up for the descents.

On the west side of Japan and in the high mountains, expect buckets of clouds and snow, perfect for skiing. But even there the occasional bluebird days can be had if you are lucky!

Riding this time of year is really quite nice and just requires some layers. Full length pants, jackets, and gloves are a must, but you will still want to dress in layers as it is still warm in the sun.

This is also one of the best times of year for visibility, a great time to get to the top of the mountain and soak in the views.

Why Ride in the Kita-Kanto Region?

In the Kita-Kanto Region , where most of our tours take place, we love the fact that we live in one of the sunniest area in Japan. It is also THE DRIEST area in all of Japan, meaning we get less rain, humidity, and clouds than anywhere else!

What does this mean for you as a rider? This means the best weather for cycling!

Spring in this region brings warmer weather faster, meaning that we can easily be in short sleeves by early March. Summer is less rainy, meaning less wet rides compared to other areas. Our Fall is drier and sunnier meaning longer fall colors and more clear skies to see them in. And our winters are the least wet, and even as warm as southern Japan, meaning you can get lots of warm sun all day.

Now that all sounds pretty great, so what’s the catch? Remember that “Heatwave” in August I mentioned? Well Kita-Kanto has the hottest August in Japan. As in it can hit 40°C+ and not get below 30°C in August.

It’s certainly not every day, and many days will be very enjoyable to ride in the mornings in August. But, that’s the price we pay for an otherwise incredible 11 month long riding season.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the best of this region!

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Cycling Japan’s Historical Nakasendo Trail

Spring and Fall

Tokyo is 1.5 hours away

Intermediate

Traditional Japanese minshuku, ryokan or a modern resort hotel

Things to know

No time machine, no problem! The 8-day Nakasendo Trail cycling trip will take us back to 17th century Japan, retracing the steps of samurai warriors, merchants, pilgrims, and other travelers moving between Kyoto, the Imperial Japanese capital and Edo (Tokyo), the political capital of the time. We’ll stroll through historical post towns, feel the serenity of bamboo groves, marvel at centuries-old shrines and temples, and spend nights in traditional minshuku and ryokan. This will be an adventure to remember!

Feel the centuries of cultural interchange of goods, ideas, and traditions

Gastronomic riches reflect centuries of diverse cultural influences

Dive back into the 1600s and stay at ryokan and minshuku at post towns

The Nakasendo Trail is more than just a cycling adventure—it’s a step back in time, a week-long journey to the Japanese Edo period, with well-preserved reminders along the trail. You will visit some of the most important and most beautiful post towns on the route, including Tsumago and Magome among many others. The rest of the cycling tour goes through serene woodlands, cobblestoned paths meandering through the mountains, remote villages, and a myriad of other landscapes. Join this guided journey and prepare for a total immersion into the Japanese Edo period, its culture, traditions, and its food.

The itinerary is just a sample—it is not set in stone, and neither are the daily distances, but this is what your cycling adventure should look like.

Make your way to GS Astuto Cycle Base in Annaka, where you’ll meet your guide and your team. Set up your bike, go through a briefing, and prepare for the upcoming days! Today you’ll cycle from Annaka to Saku.

Distance : 50 km / 31 miles

Day 2: Saku — Narai Distance: 80 km / 50 miles

Day 3: Narai — Nakatsugawa Distance: 75 km / 47 miles

Day 4: Nakatsugawa — Inuyama Distance: 65 km / 40 miles

Day 5: Inuyama — Maibara Distance: 72 km / 45 miles

Day 6: Maibara — Kyoto Distance: 65 km / 40 miles

Your Nakasendo cycling adventure comes to an end. Take the train to Kyoto—either depart home or stay longer to explore Japan.

Meet your guide

Very highly recommended. Tim has great bikes and excellent local knowledge. I spent one night before a good early breakfast and then headed out for a loop as recommended by Tim which was the best 80kms I’ve ever cycled. Stunning scenery, beautiful ancient shrines, epic climbs on deserted roads and awesome food stops.

Little gem keeping it real. Great hosts, great location with endless adventures awaiting. Good food and an incredible treasure trove of bicycles and equipment and boundless knowledge and advice to go with it. What’s not to like.

Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable hosts. You’ll leave with your stomach full, a smile on your face, and with the information you need to enjoy the Nakasendo.

If you are tired of city life, GS Astuto is the best place for you to have a countryside bike adventure. It has easy access to forest road, paved road and trails. I have been there many times but still the wonderful experience surprises me every time!

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
• 7-day Nakasendo bike tour (6 days of biking)
• Rental bikes (mainly titanium or carbon gravel road, e-bikes available)
• Accommodation (best value and available option—mainly traditional Japanese minshuku, ryokans or a modern resort hotel)
• Luggage transfer
• Breakfasts and dinners during the tour

What’s not included:

• Transportation to Japan
• Domestic transport (train tickets, buses, airplanes)
• Support & gear on demand (while there is van support, the group is not followed and there is no support with incidentals)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Guide gratuities — optional

In order to join this Nakasendo bike tour, you need to be in great physical condition. You will be cycling for a week, anywhere between 50 and 80 km per day (31-50 miles). Daily elevation gains are around 150-200 m (490-650 ft), with the biggest elevation gain in a single day being around 1,200 m (3,940 ft).

What else is on the offer in Japan? Check out this biking & hiking Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage or a cycling tour of Hidden Japan on Shikoku Island .

Any diet or medical concerns need to be mentioned prior to the tour. Each guest is required to have personal medical and trip insurance.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
• Sneakers or sport shoes
• Breathable outside layer or jacket
• Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
• Daypack with snacks
• Biking gloves are optional but recommended
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

Touring in Japan covers mountains, plains, and coastal areas, where rain is not uncommon. Weather in the winter can also get quite cold in the winter. Make sure to bring clothing appropriate for the season. Generally, pack light and use layers. Due to high humidity, a waterproof hardshell is great and effective as any membrane shell. High-quality Merino fabric base layers as well as high-quality bib or riding shorts are strongly recommended. You’ll be able to do laundry in most lodgings so you might not need as much clothing as you think.

All attendees should have their own smartphone device with local data provisioning (e-Sim or similar).Each rider is responsible for their own cycling clothes and shoes.

If you’re bringing your own bicycle or equipment, you will be 100% responsible for any spare parts, repairs, damages or losses. Your en-route guide is equipped for most mechanical issues, but they do not carry spares for bikes other than their own. Read more about this in the next question.

Rental bikes High-end conventional bikers or e-bikes typically featuring 1×11 or 2×11 wide range components are included in the price of the tour. You also get a repair kit (pump, tool, patches, etc.), safety lights, and “rinko” bags for the train. Helmet, rental clothing or shoes are not provided. If you bring your own saddle and/or pedals, they will be installed for you. Please do not bring racks, panniers, or other components without consulting first. Rental bikes are suitable for bikepacking type saddle bags, frame bags, or front, and not old-school expedition racks and panniers.

Your own bike You can also bring your own bike! However, please keep in mind that land logistics in Japan may be challenging for bike boxes or cases that are larger than 200 cm (LWH). If you have a question regarding your specific box or case, just let us know. Also, if you bring your own bike, you will have to pre-arrange your own liability insurance (if you take your guide’s rental, you will automatically have liability insurance).

For taking your bike on the train, you need to use a full coverage bag. They’re called “rinko” bags and they are generally provided with rental bikes on request. By removing wheels, the bike can fit easily into the bag and be placed in the designated area inside the train.

Lodging along the Nakasendo Trail is a step back in time, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and modern comfort. The towns are strategically positioned along this ancient route and they’ve evolved into havens for travelers seeking an authentic experience. You’ll be taken back to the Edo period with meticulously preserved architecture and interiors that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Staying in these lodgings offers more than just a bed—it’s a chance to become a part of the living history of the Nakasendo. From tatami-matted rooms to soothing communal baths, every detail speaks for the trail’s rich cultural heritage.

This tour is more than just cycling—it’s also a culinary journey. The gastronomic tapestry of dishes reflects the diversity of landscapes and cultures that the trail has linked for centuries. From traditional tea houses offering matcha and wagashi confections to the charming inns with hearty local dishes, each top along the way is a taste of the past intertwined with contemporary culinary craftsmanship. Whether savoring mountain vegetables, river fish, or succulent wild game, the culinary experiences on the Nakasendo encapsulate the essence of Japanese “washoku” principles—a harmonious balance of flavors, colors, and textures.

Group sizes and prices:

• The group size for these tours is 10 people with 1 guide.
• If there’s more than 4 people on tour, the price goes down by $250 per person.

Nakasendo bike tour can be arranged for bigger groups, ideally up to 20 people to keep the experience authentic. Groups of over 10 people will usually be s plit into max 4-6 riders per guide to have a bit more dispersion and safety . Contact us prior to booking if your group has more than 10 people.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.

If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to GS Astuto base, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Tokyo and one of its two airports, Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) . From there, you can take a train or a bus, it will take you 1.5-3 hours.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Japan, please refer to Japan’s foreign travel advice .

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

100% pre-payment to secure your place is due upon booking for set dates in 2024.

Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

• Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
• Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
• The final balance is due 4 months (120 days) prior to departure.

Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the booking…

• Up to 60 (sixty) calendar days prior to departure date, Client is entitled to refund in the amount of 90% (ninety percent) of the total amount of the trip.
• 60-30 (sixty to thirty) calendar days prior to departure date, Client is entitled to a 75% refund.
• After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.

Other things to do in Japan

Cycling Tour of Hidden Japan on Shikoku Island

Nasu to Nikko: Bike Tour & Culinary Delights in Japan

Bike and Hike Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

View all (14) adventures in Japan

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ITINERARIES Cycling the Shimanami Kaido Onomichi

Cycle from honshu to shikoku on this scenic 70 km-long bike route., how to get there, from tokyo: 4 hours 30 minutes.

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station (3 hours 30 minutes). Change to the JR Sanyo Line bound for Mihara or Itozaki to Onomichi Station (20 minutes).

From Hiroshima: Around 1 hour

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station (30 minutes). Change to the JR Sanyo Line bound for Mihara or Itozaki to Onomichi Station (20 minutes).

The most important temple is Senkoji, built in 806. It is perched high above the town and is accessible by a small ropeway. On the temple's grounds, you can find the Tama no Iwa, a large rock said to contain a legendary gem with the power to light up the night.

The temple's Senkoji Park has an observatory which offers stunning views of the town, sea, and the Shimanami Kaido.

After Onomichi, cyclists will cross Mukojima, and then pass on to Innoshima. This island is known for Suigun Castle. Built in 1983, this structure houses a museum on the Murakami Suigun, an armed naval clan active in the area from the mid-14th to the 16th centuries. As they demanded tolls from passing merchants, they are often referred to as pirates. Here you can see weapons, armor, and artifacts that once belonged to the clan.

Ikuchijima is a great place for cycling for families and couples.

Beyond Ikuchijima is Omishima, the largest island along the Shimanami Kaido. The island's Oyamazumi-jinja is one of the most popular tourist spots on the route. As the shrine is dedicated to the gods of sailors and soldiers, many military leaders have left their swords and armor here as offerings over the centuries. Thus the shrine now has the largest museum of samurai-era military equipment in the country.

Next on the route is Hakatajima, known for Kitaura Hachiman Okami-jinja Shrine. Originally built in 673, it is said to be the oldest shrine on the island.

If you have some time to spare before crossing over to Imabari, you may want to visit the Yoshiumi Rose Park on Oshima Island. The park contains 3,500 roses from 400 different species. Stop by between mid-May and December to see them in bloom.

The local favorite in Imabari is a dish of fried pork and eggs over rice. Other specialties include ramen made from the especially tasty local sea bream.

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• Itineraries
• Cycling the Shimanami Kaido

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