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!
Embark on an unforgettable cycling tour in Japan, where you’ll explore the modernity blending seamlessly with traditional Japan. Pedal through the picturesque countryside, immerse yourself in local culture and savour a traditional Japanese meal at every stopover. Our Japan cycling tour invites you to experience Japan at its most breathtaking on a bike, from cycling along the scenic coastline of the Noto Peninsula to discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go villages. Along the way, unwind in traditional hot springs, savor local Japanese cuisine, and connect with the warm hospitality that defines Japanese culture.
To ensure a seamless start, your cycling journey begins with our reliable Door-to-Airport Service, so you can begin your adventure relaxed and refreshed. With every detail covered, from airport transfers to travel logistics, you’ll experience a stress-free travel experience from start to finish. All of our small group tours include a complimentary one-way chauffeur service, 24/7 local assistance, and an airport meet-and-greet with your local tour guide, so you’re supported at every step.
Our exclusive “local-host” experience, offered by Tweet World Travel, allows you to explore hidden gems and lesser-known attractions in Japan, guided by those who know the landscape and culture best. With every turn of the pedal, you’ll discover why Japan is the ideal destination for a cycling adventure, where scenic beauty, heritage, and world-class hospitality come together to create memories that last a lifetime.
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!
There’s no cycling experience in South Korea more iconic than the journey from Seoul in the north to the southern seaside city of Busan. On this 9-day peninsular traverse, we plant our wheels on Korea's world-class cycling paths to follow meandering rivers, climb and descend through forested hillscapes, immerse ourselves in a tradition-rich yet rapidly modernising cultural heritage, and rub shoulders with locals over barbecues and endless refills of kimchi. With moderate daily distances and elevation gains, an entirely point-to-point route with no required vehicle transfers, cosy lodgings, and great food, this is the ideal tour for anyone looking to take a big bite out of South Korea by bike!
We kick off with a warm-up ride through the backstreets of Seoul before heading south along the Han River Bicycle Path. Transitioning from urban sprawl to rural bliss, we cycle through lush farmlands, visit an ancient Buddhist temple, soak in hot springs, and try our hand at the art of Korean paper-making. By day four, after some climbs through the Sobaek Mountains, we join the Nakdong River Bicycle Path, tracing Korea’s longest river past weirs, scenic bridges, and expansive rice paddies. In Sangju, we stay overnight at a hanok, a beautiful wooden house typical of pre-modern Korea, and in Waegwan, we visit a sombre Korean War Memorial. The last stage takes us through wild marshes filled with tall reeds before an epic finale over the “Busan Alps” leads us to the sprawling city of Busan, pressed up against the East Sea Coast. The tour ends with a celebratory dinner by the beach and a night in Busan.
Join us on an unforgettable Korean cross-country biking adventure! Check out our blog for an insider look into this tour.
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!
Take a cycling adventure through South Korea and see all the highlights (and lesser-known spots) from the perspective of two wheels. While you’re staying active, you’ll ride through Seoul, the seaside city of Gangneung, Sokcho, Gyeongju and Busan and discover the Four Rivers Bike Path with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader to watch your back and show you the fun secret spots. Visit the famed DMZ and soak up Korea’s interesting history, tuck into delicious local cuisine like hotpot and barbeque, see riverside towns and countryside roads and stay in a glamping park where you’ll get stuck into traditional South Korean culture. Then, travel along the coastline, relax on golden sands and spend free afternoons walking along park trails or taking nighttime river cruises. Visit the Daereungwon Royal Tombs on an evening cycle, ride on a fast train and deep dive into K-pop culture (if the heart desires!) – what better way to see South Korea like a local.
Cycle from Guangzhou through stunning rural countryside and the limestone pinnacles of Yangshuo, visit the Terracotta Warriors and historical sights of Beijing. On this trip you go as a traveller, only to find that you become the main attraction, as local people are delighted to see that we travel as they do - on bicycles. We jostle for room with lumbering buffaloes, friendly farmers and of course local cyclists while at other times we cycle for long periods in complete serenity on country roads. Our cycling pace is relaxed with time to stop in villages or any other sites of interest. A mini bus accompanies us to carry our gear and provides a welcome break when you have had enough cycling for the day. Following our cycle ride we have ample time to appreciate the rich culture and history of Xian (with its thousands of terracotta warriors) and Beijing (including a remote section of the Great Wall) to provide an incomparable panorama of rural, ancient and modern China. No wonder this is one of our most popular trips.
Cruise the dynamic streets of China's most vibrant city by bicycle and experience the energy of its 23 million inhabitants. Taste Shanghai's urban life and see a city with many contradictions.
Wheely will visit the backstreets which are normally not seen by visitors, but also the most famous landmarks from a perspective not experienced before.
This tour is a unique combination of sightseeing, exercise and exploring. The tour covers the former French Concession, markets and bazaars, Shanghai's Old Town and its back alleys and after that, we'll stop for a drink on the Bund to take in the impressive skyline of Shanghai.
A short tour, that shows you the beautiful architecture that is so typical for Shanghai.
Beijing has its hutongs, Shanghai has her lilongs, or longtangs in the Shanghainese dialect. Behind the facades you see throughout Shanghai, a nearly invisible world can be found. Small streets that accommodate the Shanghainese communities in a way that makes it seem time stood still.
Wheely shows you a few of these lilongs and shows you the Shanghainese life the way it was about 100 years ago These lilongs are mainly located in the French Concession and Wheely seizes the opportunity to show you some more of this gorgeous city. A Russian orthodox church, the former headquarters of a mob boss, Shanghai will have no secrets left for you after this tour. Almost!
The former French Concession is the most visited part of Shanghai, which is not difficult to understand if you look at its beautiful streets, great architecture and historic sites. Wheely takes you to the Western part of the French Concession and goes back in time to when the French lived in this part of Shanghai.
With a stop at the Propaganda Museum, you'll find an absolute treasure trove of Chinese Propaganda Art and at the same time, gain a little more understanding of the tumultuous but recent history of the country. The tour will have a quick stop at Tianzifang, where Wheely will guide you through this beautiful and well conserved artist area, hidden in Shanghai's back alleys.
The entire tour you'll be cycling through the beautiful, leafy streets of the former French Concession and you'll get a great idea of the life in Shanghai now and then.
