Japan: Shrines & Ancient Cities (Self-Guided Cycle)

Japan's cultural epicenter encompasses more than just history, temples and tradition, which it has plenty of with the mighty Imperial Palace and the Golden Pavilion shimmering against the lake on which it sits. The UNESCO world heritage site is also a hub for Japan's dynamic modern art scene. On this arrival day, nothing is planned until the late afternoon briefing, so you are free to explore this fascinating city on your own. Our briefing is arranged at your convenience, designed to run through the practicalities of the trip and introduce you to your bikes and equipment.

Riding: 20.3 mi 32.8 km

Meal: B

Kyoto is such a great city to explore by bike. Wide roads and shared pathways everywhere, considerate and careful drivers and little alleyways along canals, this is typically fun riding in this cycling-friendly country. The city was the capital of Japan for so long (at two separate times), that it is very much the heritage and cultural capital still.

The ride starts out along the river and takes you up to the north of the city where you can visit the Bamboo Forest and at certain times of the year the iconic cherry blossom gardens. There is a stop at the Tenryuji Temple which is typical of the ancient architecture that has endured the passage of time.

You then ride onto Ryoanji in the east, famous for its UNESCO favorite zen-style garden. On the way, you can stop at Kinkakuji and take in a great view out over the city.There are lots of traditional sweets available on the route, so you can stop and graze on these before rolling back into town along the Kamo River. The stops you make are up to you, so take the route and our audio guide and decide for yourself. This evening is free for you to explore the incredible dining options, but we have plenty of suggestions for the best local eateries.

Special Information: 

Today's ride covers 32.8km (20.4mi) with a 228m elevation gain throughout the day. You'll enjoy mostly paved roads, with a few unpaved trails and about 3km (1.9mi) of off-road cycling.

Ride at your own pace and use our mobile app for tips and recommended stops along the way. 

Riding: 32.1 mi 51.7 km

Meal: B

Leaving a city the size of Kyoto by bike may sound daunting, but in reality it is not. The roads are well planned and the drivers are courteous. After only a few kilometers on the roads, you will connect to the bike path and then it is smooth sailing as you ride a levy by the river. There are some junctions and some road intersections that you need to negotiate, but for the most part, you are on an uninterrupted path past Bamboo forests, corn crops and green tea plantations. A small cafe that is welcoming to cyclists can be found for morning tea and there is a viewing tower with a spotless bathroom about halfway through the ride. These recommendations and more will be on the Grasshopper Self-Guided app.

You will now be staying in a cross between a hotel and a Ryokan. It features beds rather than futons, but from reception throughout the property you’ll find Tatami matting. You will be staying right in Nara, just next to the main train station. The Nara Park and the key temple sites of Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji are just a short ride away (3km), but there is also a shuttle bus that runs a circular route through the area.

Special Information: 

Today's ride spans 51.7km (32.1mi) with a 291m elevation gain throughout the day. Expect mostly paved roads with some unpaved trails in between.  

Riding: 36.5 mi 58.8 km

Meal: BD

You stayed on the northern edge of Nara last night, so this morning you get to ride through the remnants of the ancient city. To be fair, there is not much left of it but there is an impressive replica of the palace that you will ride past.
The Nara period was from AD 710-794, during that time the city was modeled after Chang'an, the Tang Capital of China. The upper class at the time adopted the Chinese system of writing and also adopted Buddhism as their religion.

As you pass through Nara you will see that it is a city of some size. The cycling route takes you on a somewhat complex, but navigable route to avoid riding with any heavy traffic. Once you clear the city, the riding turns to very pleasant little backroads through the countryside. You will start to encounter hills, but most are not significant in length. You will find yourself pedaling among more agriculture and smaller villages.

As the day wears on, the hills start to increase until you reach the foot of the climb up to Yoshino. This is only about 6km, though, and the gradient is not severe. Yoshino is a picturesque location set on a ridge with a collection of temples atop. Tonight you will stay in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn. This means a room with tatami matting that you can sit on and which you must be careful not to wear shoes, there is also a thermal onsen on site so you can soak your sore legs and your dinner will be served in traditional style. This is a fantastic opportunity for cultural immersion.

Special Information: 

Today’s ride is 58.8km (36.5mi) with an elevation gain of 634m throughout the day. You’ll mostly stick to smooth, paved roads, but there are a few unpaved trails to keep things interesting. 

As you roll on, the hills will start to rise, leading you to the foot of a 6 km climb up to Yoshino. Don’t worry—the climb is gentle, and you can stop as often as you like to soak in the beautiful views of Yoshino. 

Riding: 37.7 mi 60.8 km

Meal: BD

After another delicious Japanese breakfast that must be enjoyed at a slow pace, it's time to saddle up and glide down the hill. The second third of the day will have you cycling undulating terrain with some sharp little uphills at times. Lunch is available at a great location at a red iron bridge or the ubiquitous convenience stores. You can then push on towards the big hill of Japan's holiest mountain. The climb is in two parts, the first is around 4km long, then there is a 3km descent and some undulations before you get into the main climb of 8km. The road is very narrow, but there are few vehicles, if any, and the views are spectacular. As you reach the top, there is a section that undulates all the way into your accommodation. 

If you feel like taking it easy on this day then there is a picturesque alternative to the climb. After the initial 35km of cycling, you will come to Hashimoto Station. Here, you can lock up your bikes, purchase your tickets for the Nankai Koya train line, then board one of Japan's longest funicular to the top of Mount Koya where your Shukubo awaits.

Special Information: 

Today is the longest and most challenging day of the tour, with 60.8km (37.8mi) and an elevation gain of 1,358m throughout the day—all on paved paths. 

Feeling like you want to take it easy? No problem! After the first 35 km, you’ll reach Hashimoto Station. Here, you can lock up your bikes, grab a ticket for the Nankai Koya train line, and ride Japan's longest funicular to the top of Mount Koya, where your Shukubo awaits. 

Riding: 35.2 mi 56.8 km

Meal: B

Start your day early to catch Koyasan at its most serene. This sacred mountain, once known as Kong-Obb Ji, is the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism. As you ride through the quiet town, you'll see moss-covered rocks, lush greenery, and maybe even monks heading to meditation. Key spots include the stunning 45-meter Konpon Daito Pagoda and the peaceful memorial grounds. 
  
Back at the Shukubo, a breakfast of vegetarian delicacies, just like the monks enjoy, will be waiting for you in your room. If you’re up for it, a relaxing Onsen dip is a great way to start your day before setting off by 10 a.m. at the latest. 

The descent from the mountain is exhilarating, with superb road conditions and minimal traffic in your direction. Midway, you’ll switch to quiet backroads, tackle a short climb, and ride through shaded Cedar forests and alongside a river. 

Around 30 km in, you’ll hit the bike path into Wakayama. This flat, open stretch offers a peaceful, vehicle-free ride. Explore Wakayama, a port city rich in history, with our local recommendations. 

In the afternoon, our representative will coordinate to come and collect the bike. 

Special Information: 

Today's ride offers a bit of respite with a gentler challenge—56.8km (35.3mi) and a more manageable 485m of elevation gain throughout the day. You'll be mostly on paved roads, with a few off-road sections. 

Meal: B

Wakayama could actually keep you busy for a morning. There is the castle, an Art Museum and a Train Museum, all within walking distance of the hotel.
Checkout time at the hotel is 10 am, but it is possible to request an 11 or 12 pm checkout, depending on how busy the hotel is. Once you are ready to leave, it is just a short taxi ride to the train station. From here you can easily take a train to Osaka Airport (KIX), Osaka City, or Kyoto.