Cycling and Japanese hot spring (onsen) culture are a match made in heaven. And there’s no better place to experience this synergy than Kyushu, an island in the southern Japanese Archipelago, celebrated for its rich heritage of traditional onsen. This 6-day traverse across northeast Kyushu leads us on backcountry roads through rice fields, along rivers, up mountain passes, and to historic temples and cultural landmarks as we connect a string of onsen towns by bike.
Beginning in Fukuoka, Kyushu's urban hub, we head east and begin cycling from one of Japan’s most prominent Shinto shrines to reach Hita via farmlands, the Chikugo River, and forested hills. The following two days will involve more ascents and descents as we tackle the Fushiki Pass, once a part of the “Kaido” highway, and trace the slopes of volcanic Mount Futago to reach the coast of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Our last riding day leads us to Beppu, one of Japan’s onsen meccas, where we finish the tour. The cycling is complemented by plenty of cultural highlights, such as one of Japan’s oldest wooden temples (Fuki-ji) and smallest Samurai castles (Kitsuki).
Join us as we bike & soak our way across Kyushu!
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Get ready to experience authentic and historic Japan on this 7-day cycling tour of the Kansai region. Visit Kyoto's must-sees before embarking on a breathtaking circuit encompassing natural vistas, traditional villages, onsens (hot springs), majestic temples, peaceful shrines, manicured tea plantations, delectable cuisine and so much more. These are some of the best roads for cycling in all of Japan - perfect for first time visitors and frequent travelers to the country alike!
The adventure begins in historic Kyoto, pedaling back in time as we explore the stunning legacies of the city’s history and some of Japan's most valuable cultural heritage. The following days we cycle on a lovely route taking us through an undulating landscape of forests and rice fields dissected by mountain streams and dotted with traditional villages, farms, Shinto shrines, and legendary temples. We skirt the shores of the beautiful Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and then ride on a series of scenic roads leading to Nara, a quaint city lovingly referred to as “mini Kyoto”. Along the way we’ll explore the Edo-era canals of Omihachiman and pass through the Wazuka region, a truly stunning rural area comprising tea fields expertly carved into the hillsides over many centuries. We will spend two nights in Nara, where we’ll discover its proud heritage sites and take part in a traditional tea ceremony! The last day we ride back to Kyoto with a visit to the photogenic Arashiyama bamboo grove along the way.
This is quintessential Japan done right!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
San-in is one of Japan's least populated and least urbanized regions, making it an alluring setting for an off-the-beaten track cycling adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun! On this tour, we'll traverse across San-in's diverse geography of rugged shorelines, dramatic volcanic landscapes, colorful forests, and expansive farmlands. We'll encounter quaint fishing villages, bustling maritime towns, timeless shrines and temples, grand Samurai castles, and breathtaking views. We soothe our muscles in hot springs, sleep in cosy accommodations, and indulge in an outstanding variety of local delicacies.
Meeting in Tottori City we begin with an easy warm up ride to Japan’s largest and most visually striking sand dunes. The following day we cycle inland via lakes, rivers, rice paddy fields and rolling hills to reach a renowned onsen (hot spring) town. We then descend back towards the coastline and ride along the slopes of Mount Daisen, an extinct volcano that towers over the region. Once we reach Sakaiminato City we'll ride to a stunning inland sea before catching a ferry to the Oki Islands. We’ll spend two days island riding and island hopping in a remote part of offshore Japan, exploring three of the volcanic archipelago’s four inhabited islands! Back on the mainland, we then ride to visit the intricate Miho Shrine before continuing along scenic headlands in pursuit of the historic city of Matsue. Matsue will be our base for two nights and here we'll explore the majestic “Black Castle” and embark on a rural loop to one of Japan’s prettiest zen gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art. The tour concludes with a picturesque ride skirting along a lake and two rivers before arriving at Izumo Taisha, another of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. We spend the final night in the city of Izuomo from where you can easily continue your travels onwards in Japan.
Join us in exploring the remarkable San-in region and see a different part of Japan, differently!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
While Honshu holds Japan’s most famous landmarks and cities, the island also offers rugged beauty along its western coastline and the nearby mountains. Tucked into these peaceful landscapes are historic towns, hot springs, hushed temples, and artisans’ workshops that allow us to explore Japanese culture and history while escaping from modernity. This tour is a rich, refined cycling experience within a delicate balance of nature and artistry, revealing Honshu’s treasures in a striking blend of coastline and mountains!
We first meet for dinner in Kanazawa, an atmospheric medieval town that once rivalled Kyoto as the jewel of mainland Japan. On Day 2, we cycle along the Sea of Japan, a wonderful introductory ride that immerses us in local life on the coast. The next morning, we pass numerous rock formations and waterfalls and visit a maritime museum before turning inland to Echizen. Learn about the making of traditional knives on Day 4, then cycle on a converted historic rail line, gliding back to the coast through serene countryside. On Day 5, explore the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay in a natural park with glorious views. Day 6 offers a change of pace: we trade our bicycles for seats on the sleek high speed rail to Takakoa. On arrival, we do a little city cycling to impressive sacred sites and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Day 7’s ride brings us into the Japanese Alps, an idyllic region that also features nice riverside riding, with onsens available to unwind at the end of the day. Our final day of cycling provides the biggest challenge, with a long gradual climb for the first part of the ride, taking in the views of lakes and forests. We are rewarded with great descents to cap off our journey, arriving in Hida Takayama with its quaint, atmospheric architecture for a final night celebration! On Day 9, we say goodbye and depart for onward travels.
Join us on this 9-day journey and discover a beautiful, hidden side of Honshu!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers