Cycle Japan





Take a mind-blowing cycling tour of historic, cultural, rural and modern Japan
From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle. Our cycling adventure gives you a slowed down, up close look of this fascinating country and allows ample opportunity to meet locals and glimpse the unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. From the temples, shrines and geisha of Kyoto to the frenetic but exhilarating chaos of Tokyo, and the beautiful mountain serenity of the Gifu Prefecture countryside in between, this cycling adventure has it all.
4.4
14 reviewsStart: Kyoto, Japan
End: Tokyo, Japan
- Duration
- 11 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 14 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Cycling
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Cycling allows you to get closer to the real Japan – from bicycles to Pokemon, serene temples to the organised chaos of the big cities, this classic adventure has it all.
- Choose to end rewarding days in the saddle with amazing Japanese feasts of sushi, unagi, tempura or even fugu, all washed down with a traditional sake or Sapporo beer.
- Ride both bikes and trains for the ultimate change of pace.
- Cycle through peaceful landscapes that show a land far from the big city lights of Tokyo.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto. Serving as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is the spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism and one of the most historically important cities in Japan. Unlike many of its neighbours Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II and thousands of temples, shrines and other historically invaluable structures survive in the city today. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Afterwards, head out on an evening walk before enjoying a welcome dinner.
If you arrive early, Kyoto offers a myriad of options to explore. For a taste of Shogun life, head to the World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle, perhaps the best surviving example of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. See how the Emperor lived at the Sento Imperial Palace within Kyoto Imperial Park, an attractive park in the centre of the city. Or for a quieter moment, you may wish to contemplate silently in one of the serene karesansui (Zen gardens) that dot the city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- 9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling
- 9 Days Included Bicycle Hire
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
- Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
- Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - JPY600
- Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden - JPY500
- Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free
- National Museum - JPY700
Ride distance – no included riding today
If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details, next of kin information, address and phone number (for local insurance purposes) at this meeting, so please have these on hand.
After breakfast and a safety talk by your leader, familiarise yourself with your bike and take a short test ride before cycling with the group west from our ryokan to the Katsura River, then north along a dedicated cycling path past traditional houses and community gardens to the ancient imperial resort of Arashiyama. Time allowing stop off for a coffee break in Arashiyama, well-known for its gorgeous bamboo forests. After a caffeine hit and a chance to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, ride on to Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple, with its famous white Zen rock garden. Pause here to contemplate the sound of one hand clapping and then move on to contemplate some lunch.
Afterwards, cycle east across the north end of Kyoto and then onto the Path of Philosophy and the Higashiyama area before returning to our accommodation. The ride today will be gentle, with only slight elevation on the roads as we head into Arashiyama. We start with a 5 kilometre ride on a main road, then follow dedicated bicycle paths and secondary roads for the rest of the day.
On arrival back into Kyoto, take an evening orientation tour of Kyoto's Gion district. Observe Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) from key spots in the city's old back streets and be tempted by some of the area's great local restaurants, perhaps doubling back to visit for dinner after the tour has ended.
Kyoto’s streets are laid out in a convenient grid pattern, which is unusual for Japanese cities. In the 8th century, imperial city planners copied the grid layout of Chang’an (now Xian), the capital of the Tang Dynasty China. That’s not the only benefit we reap from the Tang Dynasty today – two well-known Tang engineers, Ma Jun and Zhang Heng, invented the mechanical gear system used by the bikes we ride around this easy-to- navigate city. Arigato Tang Dynasty!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden - JPY600
- Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) - JPY500
Ride distance: approx. 40kms/25 miles, undulating with approx. 230m/755ft of elevation gain.
While we aim to visit the Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple there are times we visit different temples depending on the season.
The cycling route takes you through beautiful Japanese scenery on a dedicated riverside cycling path from the old capital of Kyoto to the even older capital of Nara. Here, you'll see the Giant Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure on the planet. This city is well known for its Todaiji Temple and its cute, free-roaming wild deer. Head south along the river for most of the day, stopping briefly at Nagarebashi Bridge, a 356-metre wooden bridge that is a popular film location for samurai dramas.
Return by train to Kyoto.
- Ryokan (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Nara - Todaiji Temple
- Nara - Kasuga Grand Shrine - Free
Ride distance: approx. 50kms/31 miles, mostly flat with approx. 240m/790ft of elevation gain.
Leave Kyoto behind and transport to nearby Otsu, located on the shores of the sprawling Lake Biwa. Today is a long but relaxed ride as you cycle around the mostly flat shoreline of Japan's largest freshwater lake. Enjoy a lunch stop Omi Hachiman, a tiny historic trading town on the ancient Nakasendo trading route, with its well preserved old buildings and central canal before ending your ride in lakeside Hikone.
While small, Hikone is home to the feudal Hikone Castle, one of only five castles in Japan designated as a national treasure. If you have time it is well worth the visit. Otherwise enjoy a free evening wandering the streets are dining at one of the local cafes and restaurants.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Omi Hachiman historic village visit
- Kyoto - Hikone Castle - JPY800
Ride distance: approx. 56kms/33 miles, mostly flat with approx. 240m/790ft of elevation gain.
Start the day early and take the train approximately 4 hours north into the heart of the Gifu Prefecture to the hot spring town of Gero Onsen. After checking in to your hotel its time to step back in time and check out the the Gassho Village, an open air museum of farmhouses. These centuries-old traditional steep roofed houses and traditional folk art give you an insight into a Japan far removed form its bustling cities. Take some time to explore then enjoy gather with your fellow cyclists for an included dinner in the evening.
- Hotel/Japanese Inn (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Gassho Village open air museum
- 3 visit Onsen (spa) pass - JPY1300
No included riding today
Today its back on your bike, following the Hida River as it winds it's way between the rolling green hills north to Takayama. Today's journey takes you through some beautiful scenery as you ride the quiet roads up the valley, flanked by wooded green hills and mountains on both sides.
Arriving into Takayama (also known as Hida-Takayama) in the early afternoon you will have ample time to explore this fascinating small city. Be sure to visit the beautifully preserved old town, dating from the Edo era. The area is home to traditional sake breweries, handicraft shops, and local food stores, offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and lifestyle, and is a great place to unwind after a good day cycling.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Hida Folk Village - JPY700
- Takayama Jinya historic building complex - JPY440
- Matsuri no Mori festival museum - JPY1000
Ride distance: approx. 55 kms/34 miles, with approx. 450m/1475ft of elevation gain.
Rise early and head out to the famous Takayama morning market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. Cruise the many shop and stalls selling everything from fruits and spices to craft wares then it's time to saddle up for the ride to Gujo Hachiman. At 70 kms/44 miles this is the longest ride of the trip, but all of the climbing is done first, giving you 40kms of mostly downhill cruising on the quiet roads that meander through the mountainous landscape of the island's winter skiing region. On arrival you will have ample time to wander the quiet streets and canals of this small traditional town and perhaps take in it's historical centrepiece, the 16th century Hachiman Castle.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takayama morning market visit
- Hachiman Castle - JPY300
Ride distance: approx. 70kms/ 44miles, with approx. 800m/2625ft of elevation gain. The first 30kms/19 miles are a gradual uphill, gaining 500m/1650ft then it is a 40km/25 mile mostly downhill ride into Gujo Hachiman.
Today is your last rural ride as you cycle the undulating but mostly downhill from Gujohachiman to the riverside city of Gifu. While now a modern city Gifu has had a significant impact on Japanese history since the 15th century. Discover a bit of history yourself and stretch your walking legs on a visit to Gifu Castle on nearby Mount Kinkazan - the views are spectacular! The rest of the day is free for you to perhaps visit the museum dedicated to the epic Battle of Sekigahara, further explore or simply relax after a long but rewarding ride.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Gifu Castle visit
- Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum - JPY500
Ride distance: approx. 70 kms/44 miles, with approx. 300m/985ft of elevation gain.
No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the country's legendary train system. Swap your bike for a train and watch the scenic landscape fly by on a journey (approx. 5 hours) to Tokyo. Hit the streets on arrival for a night-time orientation walk. Explore the contemporary centre of town as well as the old streets, and feel the hum of modern life in this famous city.
Riding distance: None
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Hold on to your helmets because there's a real treat today – two rides in one day! Get a better feel for the different areas of the city this morning as you cycle along the same local paths Tokyoites use to cut through the city. There are surprises, both old and modern, waiting at every turn along the way and architecture aficionados will be in heaven.
Along the way we visit many of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks; the first ride passing along the cherry tree lined paths of Ueno Park, home of Tokyo’s most popular museums and temples, Akihabara gadget town, the ‘Japan Bridge’ district of Nihonbashi, and upmarket the district of Ginza with its dazzling array of high-end shops, galleries and cafes.
We break between rides to enjoy lunch at the famous Tsukiji Outer Fish Market before commencing our second ride to see such luminaries as the Edo-era Imperial Palace, the 333m-high Eiffel Tower lookalike Tokyo Tower, the elegant Hachimangu Shrine, Tsukishima (Moon Island), the manmade island in Tokyo Bay, and of course the Skytree Asakusa, at 634m the tallest building in all of Japan
Later enjoy an included farewell dinner then take the rest of the evening to spend as you see fit - enjoy a quiet night, let loose at karaoke, or walk and drink your way across the city with your local leader.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
- Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum - JPY600
- Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY3300
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Karaoke - JPY2000
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Nippon Professional Baseball League game - JPY2000
- Soba noodle class - JPY4000
- Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson - JPY2000
Ride distance: approx. 40kms/25 miles, mostly flat with approx. 200m/650ft of elevation gain.
Sadly it's time to say farewell to this great Japanese adventure. There are no activities planned for the day and you’re able to depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time is 11 am but if you're departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you have time why not check out the amazing Urban Adventures on offer in this eclectic city. Read more at: http://www.urbanadventures.com/en/tokyo
- Breakfast
Ride distance: none
Inclusions and activities
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Train
Hotel (8 nights), Ryokan (2 nights)
- 9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling
- 9 Days Included Bicycle Hire
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Nara - Todaiji Temple
- Omi Hachiman historic village visit
- Gassho Village open air museum
- Takayama morning market visit
- Gifu Castle visit
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
- Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
- Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - JPY600
- Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden - JPY500
- Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free
- National Museum - JPY700
- Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden - JPY600
- Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) - JPY500
- Nara - Kasuga Grand Shrine - Free
- Kyoto - Hikone Castle - JPY800
- 3 visit Onsen (spa) pass - JPY1300
- Hida Folk Village - JPY700
- Takayama Jinya historic building complex - JPY440
- Matsuri no Mori festival museum - JPY1000
- Hachiman Castle - JPY300
- Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum - JPY500
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
- Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum - JPY600
- Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY3300
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Karaoke - JPY2000
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Nippon Professional Baseball League game - JPY2000
- Soba noodle class - JPY4000
- Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson - JPY2000
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short (anywhere from 10 to 80 km / 6 to 50 miles of cycling each day) the terrain of the Gifu Prefecture is naturally hilly and the climate can vary dramatically. Most people with a reasonable level of fitness will enjoy the trip, but you will always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.
- To complete this trip it is important that you are confident and competent in riding a bicycle, both solo and in a group environment.
- While we always aim to ride to our next accommodation, outside of the main cities a support vehicle will also be with you at all times. In Japan, we can fit a maximum of four cyclists in the support vehicle.
- On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back-marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back-marker.
- If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip. Limited sizes are available so book quickly!
- When we aren't cycling on this trip, we primarily use public transport, which is efficient and convenient in Japan. Please pack light and compact as you will be expected to transport your luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.
- Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
All accommodation at traditional Japanese Ryoken has shared bathroom facilities.
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. Some of such properties will only give 1 key for each room so you can leave the key at the reception so that you and your roommate won't have to conform to the same schedule when you are out exploring.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the Itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis, unless otherwise stated in the Itinerary. There may be times when facilities are shared, rather than ensuite, which will also be mentioned in the Itinerary if applicable.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination before checking in.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Accommodation in Japan can be difficult to secure at short notice. If you are travelling in Japan before or after your trip, we recommend booking accommodation at least 1 month in advance of travel, especially in high season (March to May, September to November).
Hearton Hotel
405 Funaya-cho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto-shi
Nakagyo Ku
Kyoto
JAPAN
Phone: 081 752221300
Description
The hotel is located near one of the major intersections in Kyoto, where Karasuma Dori meets Oike Dori, than the subway below this intersection is the junction of the Karasuma line and the Tozai Line. Some of the major attractions of Kyoto (Nijo jo, Honganji etc) are within walking distance, as is the Wining / Dining and Shopping area of Kawaramachi.
The front desk is open 24 hours, and the staff are only to happy to help you with tourist information, or choosing a great place to eat. Rooms are comfortable and modern, with western beds and bathrooms. For those on longer stays there is a coin operated laundry on site.
We are unable to offer additional accommodation at Hearton Hotel. For additional nights please book online:
http://www.heartonhotel.com
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 and Day 7 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. Please bring your own bike helmet from home. Helmets can be purchased in Kyoto if needed.
5. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available, and they are an 'on request' basis only.
6. Due to operational restrictions clients are unable to bring their own bikes on this trip.
7. Under Japanese law, all cyclists must have third-party liability insurance in the prefectures we ride through. As many travel insurance policies do not include this we will enrol you in local cover. To do this, we’ll need to collect your address and phone number at the welcome meeting.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
Reviews
Filter by rating