{"id":21637,"date":"2017-08-24T02:46:18","date_gmt":"2017-08-23T16:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=21637"},"modified":"2025-03-12T04:43:43","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T17:43:43","slug":"guide-cycling-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/guide-cycling-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"A practical guide to cycling in Japan: things to consider before booking and what to pack"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japan is a beautiful country. With its forested mountains, rugged coastline and neon-lit streetscapes, the landscape is as varied as it is majestic. And there\u2019s no better way to explore it than from the saddle of a bike \u2013 seeing, smelling and feeling the place without the barrier of a coach window.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On a bicycle, you\u2019re free to pedal at your own pace. You can hop on and off to push through the crush of people at a fish market, pause for quiet reflection at a Shinto shrine or take in the beauty of a Buddhist temple. Of course, one of the best things is that you\u2019re also burning enough calories to ensure you\u2019ve earned your bento box and sashimi each day.<\/p>\n

Preparing for a cycling trip in Japan<\/a> is similar to other countries \u2013 but there are a few differences you should be aware of. Read our foolproof guide below to make sure you\u2019re ready to embark on your two-wheeled trip in the Land of the Rising Sun.<\/a><\/p>\n

A practical guide to cycling in Japan<\/h2>\n

Assess your physical fitness<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the key things to consider before booking your Japan cycling holiday is your physical fitness. Japan is a mountainous country (it\u2019s over two-thirds mountains) so you can expect some inclines on your two-wheeled trip, and you\u2019ll want to be in good shape so you can reach the summits.<\/p>\n

But – mercifully – it\u2019s not the same as cycling in the Alps. Many of the bicycle paths travel along flat routes and you\u2019re unlikely to need Tour de France-style cycling legs unless you intend to take on Mount Fuji or the Japanese Alps. Prepare before you go with some cardio exercise \u2013 such as cycling, running or HIIT classes \u2013 to get the most out of your holiday.<\/p>\n

During the trip, should fatigue or saddle sore strike, don\u2019t worry. A support vehicle accompanies all Intrepid guided cycling<\/a> trips so you can hop in if you\u2019re not up to the ride.<\/p>\n

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Bullet train, c\/o – Chris Jongkind, Intrepid photo competition<\/p><\/div>\n

Decide where you want to go<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Japan is a great country for bicycle touring, with an increasing number of bike paths, or \u2018cycling roads\u2019 as they are known locally. Popular bike touring areas include Kyushu, Shikoku, the Noto Peninsula, Hokkaido and \u2013 if you like steep hills \u2013 the Japanese Alps. Sign onto an Intrepid trip and you\u2019ll take in many of these areas, including the Noto Peninsula, home to an annual road cycling event, the Tour de Noto, a three-day event taking place every September.<\/p>\n

The great transport network – including an abundance of high-speed bullet trains – also means you can cover more areas in a short time. Pack your bike in a bag for train travel, or kick back and relax on a tour where bike hire is arranged at your different stop-off points.<\/p>\n

RELATED READING: WHY TRAIN TRAVEL IS THE ONE EXPERIENCE YOU CAN’T MISS IN JAPAN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Learn the lingo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japanese is a difficult language for Westerners to grasp and it\u2019s a good idea to brush up on some basics before you travel. \u2018Konnichiwa<\/em>\u2019 (hello) and \u2018arigat\u014d<\/em>\u2019 (thank you) are a good place to start. When it comes to cycling, a good word to know is \u2018mama chari<\/em>\u2019 (literally ‘mama’s bicycles’) as you\u2019ll see plenty of these bikes, ridden by women and laden with shopping and, usually, small children. And your guide may well finish every drink stop with the word \u2018ikimashou<\/em>\u2019 (let\u2019s go).<\/p>\n

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Brush up on the rules of the road<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Japan, you cycle on the left. Cycling under the influence of alcohol is illegal and you\u2019re not officially allowed to ride on the pavement or while speaking on the phone or carrying an umbrella. In reality, few of these rules are enforced – most locals actually ride on the pavement instead of the road, and many hold umbrellas and chat on phones. The best way to know what to do is to go with a local guide who will be able to tell you the rules and make sure you follow them. A guide will also point out cultural differences – like the fact that in Japan, few people ring their bicycle bell as it can be considered rude – and points of interest along the way.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Luke Attard, Intrepid photo competition<\/p><\/div>\n

RELATED READING: JAPAN IN ONE WEEK, THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Pack properly<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, and it\u2019s essential to pack accordingly. Will you need your waterproofs or a handheld fan – or both? Check before you go. Then, of course, you\u2019ll need your cycling essentials. Here\u2019s a quick checklist of things not to forget:<\/p>\n