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.

Trip code: CJXC

Start: 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


From
USD $6,114

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.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Cycle Japan including Japan

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
Japan
Meals

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Ryokan (2 nights)

Included activities
  • 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

Optional activities
  • 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

Dates and prices

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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.

Essential Trip Information

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

4.4 . 14 reviews
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Bryan
Traveled July 2025
Lucia
Traveled May 2025
Linda
Traveled April 2025
Eileen
Traveled September 2024
Sarah
Traveled September 2024
Cycle Japan
From
USD $6,114