Cycling in Japan

5.0Based on

Bicycle Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Kyoto, Japan

Highlights

Cycle rural roads through peaceful Japanese countryside

Discover temples, Zen gardens and geisha districts in Kyoto

Ride the tranquil Fukui coast by the Sea of Japan

Visit the Unesco-listed historic village of Shirakawa-go

Itinerary

Discover Japan’s stunning landscapes and timeless culture from the saddle on the 14-day Cycling in Japan tour. Starting in Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this challenging bicycle tour is tailored for experienced travelers eager to combine rural adventure with immersive cultural experiences. Pedal along the scenic Fukui coast, through remote mountain villages like Shirakawa-go, and across picturesque farmlands to Takayama. Enjoy temple visits, bustling markets, relaxing hot springs, and the iconic Zen gardens and geisha districts of Kyoto. A standout highlight is the special cherry blossom departures, letting guests witness Japan’s sakura season in all its glory. The tour’s unique blend of cycling and cultural exploration ensures you never have to choose between active travel and seeing the best of Japan’s traditions and modern wonders.

day 1 - Adventure starts in Tokyo

Our tour starts in Tokyo, the busy capital of Japan, which has a unique contrast of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples.

Around 6pm, say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Japanese welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Tokyo? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:Shinagawa Prince Hotel or The B Ochanomizu (or similar)

day 2 - Morning orientation walk and free afternoon to explore Tokyo

Today we enjoy a half-day orientation tour encompassing some of the city highlights, starting from the popular Asakusa district, where we visit Senso-ji, a seventh-century Buddhist temple. We approach the temple via the Nakamise, a shopping street home to a variety of traditional snacks and souvenirs. We then continue towards the Ueno area and walk through the beautiful public park filled with temples, shrines and about half a dozen museums. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing; your leader can recommend other local attractions, such as Shibuya, known for the busy crossing, and Meiji Shrine.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Shinagawa Prince Hotel or The B Ochanomizu (or similar)

day 3 - Train to Kanazawa; afternoon cycle loop and sightseeing

In the morning, we take the express train (approximately 2hr 30min) to Kanazawa, in the western Ishikawa Prefecture, an atmospheric town that once rivalled Kyoto as the historic jewel of mainland Japan. After lunch, we enjoy a short cycling loop around the city, a good opportunity to fine-tune the bikes while enjoying some of the main attractions in town. We ride through the popular Nagamachi Samurai District, an area that preserves a historic atmosphere with samurai residences, narrow lanes and canals. We also visit Kenrokuen, one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Dormy Inn Kanazawa (or similar)

day 4 - Cycle from Kanazawa along the seaside coast; enjoy sunset at Oshima Bridge

We depart Kanazawa after breakfast and cycle to the sea on a dedicated cycling path along the rugged coastline and past fishing villages. After a leisurely and flat ride by the Sea of Japan, we arrive at Kaga, a town known for hot springs and traditional crafts. Here, we take a break from cycling to enjoy a local lunch.

Recharged and rejuvenated, we visit the splendid house of a ship owner from the Edo period before continuing the journey towards the resort town of Kyukamura, our final destination, and enjoy sunset at nearby Oshima Bridge.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Kyukamura Echizen Mikuni (or similar)

day 5 - Ride the Echizen-kaigan Coast; journey inland towards Echizen

Cycle south along the Echizen-kaigan coastline, winding past dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, we pause for a scenic oceanside lunch before turning inland towards the town of Echizen, the city of artisans.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Route Inn Takefu Inter Hotel (or similar)

day 6 - Experience traditional Japanese knife-making; ride along the old Hokuriku railway line to Tsuruga village

We start with a deep dive into the world of traditional Japanese knife-making at the Takefu knife village. During our visit, we not only learn about this centuries-old craft, but also make our own letter opener.

Afterwards, we stop at an inn from the late Edo period where you can order soba noodles before riding towards Tsuruga through the former Hokuriku railway line.

This evening, we enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in the village of Tsuruga, where we spend the next two nights.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga (or similar)

day 7 - Final ride in the Fukui prefecture, taking in the lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay

After breakfast, for our final ride in the Fukui prefecture, we embark on a loop around the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay, including a break for lunch at a seafood restaurant in a tranquil setting.

Today’s cycling route also passes through Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park and offers magnificent views throughout.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga (or similar)

day 8 - Travel to Unesco-listed Shirakawa-go village by train and bus; overnight in a traditional ‘gassho-zukuri’ farmhouse

We take a break from cycling today and experience a dramatic change of landscape as we travel inland by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa and then bus (approximately three hours) to Shirakawa-go, a secluded mountainous region cut off from the rest of Japan for a long period of time. Villages in this area are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which were declared a Unesco site in 1995. Their unique architectural style is characterised by steep thatched roofs, built to withstand heavy winter snowfall, and provide a large attic space for the cultivation of silkworms. We arrive in Shirakawa-go in the afternoon in time to enjoy a leisurely walk through the picture-perfect mountain village, with the opportunity to visit some of the oldest buildings. Although not always guaranteed due to limited availability, we usually spend the night at one or more gassho-zukuri, run by local farmers, allowing us to get a real feel of a Japanese family home.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Gassho Zukuri Houses or Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute (when gassho-zukuri not available)

day 9 - Challenging ride to Hida Takayama, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps

Today is the most challenging ride of the trip as we cycle inland to Hida Takayama, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Riding out of Shirakawa-go, from an altitude of approximately 1,640ft (500m), we gradually climb up 3,610ft (1,100m) for the first 28mi (45km) of the route. There are some wonderful views to enjoy along the way, from the picturesque shores of Miboro Lake and quaint rural villages to hillsides and forested valleys that burst into colour during autumn. On the last section of the ride, we enjoy two great descents before reaching our destination: Hida Takayama, often named Little Kyoto because of the similarity of its architecture and quaint atmosphere.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Takayama Ouan (or similar)

day 10 - Cycle to the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, past little villages, local shrines and paddy fields

Today we cycle the Hida Seseragi Highway, a beautiful route following swift mountain streams (and one of the most popular places to experience the striking autumn colours in Japan). Riding past little villages, shrines and paddy fields, we reach the pleasant riverside town of Gujo-hachiman, known for its pristine waterways and 16th-century castle. Before dinner, we have time for a pleasant stroll through the vibrant town centre and along the atmospheric canals and waterways, which are still used daily by the local people for washing rice, vegetables and laundry.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Others:Onoso Ryokan (or similar)

day 11 - Cycle along the Nagara River to the town of Gifu

After breakfast, we have the option to walk to the hilltop Gujo Castle built in 1559 by the local feudal lord, where we can enjoy wonderful vistas.

Today’s pleasant and more leisurely ride follows the Nagara River, famed across Japan for its clear water and quiet beauty. Some sections of the riverside are particularly picturesque during cherry blossom season when more than 400 cherry trees are in full and glorious bloom. We pedal along the river for most of the day and stop in the pleasant town of Mino, a century-old production centre of high-quality traditional Japanese paper. Our final destination today is Gifu; we should arrive in time for an optional visit to the castle atop Mount Kinka. We overnight in Gifu City.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Resol Gifu Hotel/Comfort Gifu Hotel (or similar)

day 12 - Travel to Kyoto by train; free time for sightseeing

We take a break from cycling today; instead, we travel by train (approximately two hours) to the wonderful city of Kyoto. With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage and remains one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. The day is free for individual sightseeing with many highlights to explore, including Nijo castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns; Kiyomiduzera temple; and the scenic Fushimi Inari Shrine, featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). We also recommend a walk in the historic district of Gion, which is at its most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geishas flit about the backstreets as they head to their appointments.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Monterey Kyoto (or similar)

day 13 - Final circular ride in Kyoto exploring the pleasant district of Arashiyama and two seasonal temples

Today’s cycling loop explores some of the best areas and attractions of Kyoto, heading first towards Arashiyama, a pleasant district in the western outskirts of the city. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185) when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. After pedalling through the charming centre, via the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove, we continue back into Kyoto following a different route. On the way, we stop for a visit to Ryoanji Temple, the site of the most famous rock garden in Japan, and the splendid Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion), an icon of the nation.

Finally, we cycle via the Philosopher’s Path, a pedestrian and cycling path that follows a cherry tree-lined canal in northern Kyoto, until reaching Kyoto station where our last ride finishes.

In the evening, the leader arranges an optional celebratory farewell dinner in one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Monterey Kyoto (or similar)

day 14 - Adventure ends in Kyoto

The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts and six dinners

Transport

All transport and listed activities

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Others

Local bike hire

What's Excluded

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