Overview
Hop on your bike and explore Japan with our most comprehensive bike tour. Discover how this bike-friendly country beautifully blends its ancient cultures and traditions with its vibrant modern world. Visit the spiritual home of the Geisha in Japan's former feudal Capital, Kyoto (one of the most enchanting cities in Asia and a beautiful location to tour by bike).
Cycle among Japan's iconic swaying cherry blossom trees. Find peace among the famous rock gardens or among chanting monks at a monastery in the ancient Buddhist retreat of Koya San, high up on a mystical mountain plateau.
Explore the intriguing island of Shikoku, where only a short trip away from industrial Japan lies a natural wonderland full t of culture. This island is known for its stunning scenery, great cycling and white clothed Buddhist pilgrims following the holy 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Pedal down narrow, almost deserted roads through evergreen forests, over wild rivers and through tiny towns, then enjoy sweeping views as you cycle huge bridges spanning an archipelago on your way to Hiroshima. The cycling is incredible and Japan well accommodated for bike touring!
This cycle tour brings you up close to discover the fascinating culture of Japan you may have heard of, while introducing you to new, unexpected facets of it so you come away with a greater appreciation for this ancient culture.
Pedal assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour.
731 Km riding. On this bike tour we are generally cycling on excellent roads for the duration the trip. For the most part, traffic is only light and drivers are courteous towards cyclists. In terms of gradient, we have a bit of everything, but the steepest parts of the climb are not long and the longest parts of the climb are not steep.
Peak Season: For tours commencing from March 18 (2020) to 24 April (2020) there is a peak season surcharge of 10% on the price of this tour due to hotel rate increases at this time of year.
Highlights
Explore the cultural hub of Kyoto before a ride in its outskirts to the photogenic Arashiyama district.
Cycle to the sacred Mount Koya and stay in a traditional monks’ accommodation of a Shukubo.
As you pedal to Shishikui, stop to visit some of the sacred temples of the 88-temple pilgrimage.
Visit the 400-year-old Kochi Castle, then take a rest day in the city to explore its beautiful coast and cultural wonders.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
On this tour, we use our experience and expertise to immerse you fully in Japanese culture for a well-rounded view of its many intricacies. Stay in traditional Ryokans where you need to take your shoes off before stepping on the tatami matting, taste fresh Japanese cuisine and visit ancient temples and Buddhist sites. Along the way, you’ll get off the beaten track on awesome routes designed just for cyclists as you pedal past beautiful sights. You’re sure to leave Japan with a deeper understanding of its complicated and unique culture after your bike journey.