Japan Heritage Bike Tour
Hybrid bike hire - Included
E-Bike hire - US $490 (limited availability)
Single room surcharge - US $450
Minimum group size 4
Overview
Get ready to experience authentic and historic Japan on this 7-day cycling tour of the Kansai region. Visit Kyoto's must-sees before embarking on a breathtaking circuit encompassing natural vistas, traditional villages, onsens (hot springs), majestic temples, peaceful shrines, manicured tea plantations, delectable cuisine and so much more. These are some of the best roads for cycling in all of Japan - perfect for first time visitors and frequent travelers to the country alike!
The adventure begins in historic Kyoto. Pedaling back in time, we explore the stunning legacies of the city’s history and some of Japan's most valuable cultural heritage. The following days we cycle on a lovely route taking us through an undulating landscape of forests and rice fields dissected by mountain streams and dotted with traditional villages, farms, Shinto shrines, and legendary temples. We skirt the shores of the beautiful Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and then ride on a series of scenic roads leading to Nara, a quaint city lovingly referred to as “mini Kyoto”. Along the way we’ll explore the Edo-era canals of Omihachiman and pass through the Wazuka region, a truly stunning rural area comprising tea fields expertly carved into the hillsides over many centuries. We will spend two nights in Nara, where we’ll discover its proud heritage sites and take part in a traditional tea ceremony! The last day we ride back to Kyoto with a visit to the photogenic Arashiyama bamboo grove along the way.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Quintessential roots of Japanese culture, rich in mythology, temples and shrines.
Nature: Terraced tea plantations, natural vistas, rice fields and renowned natural hot springs
Activity: Visit iconic heritage sites, soak in a local Onsen (Hot Spring), participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, visit one of Japan’s most beautiful Zen temples
Culinary: We’ll enjoy kaiseki - a traditional multi-course Japanese meal known for its artful presentation and use of seasonal ingredients.
Souvenir: Chopsticks
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Kyoto by Bike
On this adventure we hit the ground running (well, cycling)! Be sure to arrive at least the night prior. We'll meet at our tour hotel at 09:00 AM and head out on an inaugural 18 km ride to discover Kyoto which, for over a millennia, has been the cultural center of Japan. The city’s flat terrain, excellent bike paths, and treasure trove of heritage sites makes for wonderful urban riding. We visit Heian Shrine for a look at its massive red tori gate and wander the grounds of two of Kyoto’s most picturesque Zen temples: Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzenji Temple. Before concluding the ride we’ll also swing by the Gion District, famous for its tea houses and traditional Geisha culture. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and, in the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
Cycling Distance: 18 km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kyoto
Kyoto to Ogoto
Today we trade the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto for the serenity of its rural hinterland. The ride is one of the hilliest of the trip, but our efforts will be rewarded when we arrive in Ogoto - an area renowned for its hot springs (onsen)! Cycling out of Kyoto, we head for the forested, northeastern hills where we’ll stop in the ancient farming village of Ohara. The village is home to a lovely collection of historic Buddhist temples, chief among them being Sanzen-In. Founded by the influential monk Saicho in the late 8th century, this Tendai Buddhist temple consists of imposing stone walls, tea rooms, halls, and gardens. We’ll take our time to stroll around Ohara and Sanzen-In and, after lunch, complete the ride to Ogoto, located near the shores of Lake Biwa. We aim to arrive in time for a refreshing soak in the hot spring waters and, for dinner, we’ll enjoy kaiseki - a traditional multi-course Japanese meal known for its artful presentation and use of seasonal ingredients.
Cycling Distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ogoto
Ogoto to Lake Biwa and Koka
After breakfast we jump on the saddle for a great day of riding along the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and its surroundings. Our route takes us straight across the kilometer and a half long Biwako Ohashi Bridge. As we pedal, enjoy wonderful views across the expansive waters. Once we have reached the other side of the lake we'll skirt along the shores until we reach the picturesque town of Omihachiman. Here we’ll explore the medieval canal flanked by cobbled walls and traditional houses. We then continue our journey through the scenic countryside until we reach the town of Koka where we’ll spend the night.
Cycling Distance: 55 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Koka
Koka to Nara
In the morning we’ll ride to Shigaraki, an area that made its name creating ceramic statues of tanuki (raccoon dogs). These ceramic figurines can still be found in many gardens, restaurants and drinking establishments in the area. From there, we will ride through beautiful countryside as we head to Wazuka, one of Japan’s premier tea growing regions. We ride along small, winding back roads that dissect the expansive patchwork of perfectly manicured tea fields carved into the rolling hills of Wuzaka. The route is hilly but there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. As we emerge from the tea fields of Wazuka we’ll complete the final stretch to Nara. For the last 15 km, we will hop on a local train in order to avoid the city traffic. Nara is another of Japan’s former capitals, but one which is now a small and compact city with some of the oldest and most impressive temple complexes in the country.
Cycling Distance: 61 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Nara
Nara
With a few days of cycling behind us, this morning we take it easy as we discover Nara and its cultural gems. We start with a visit to Kasuga Shrine, one of Nara’s most prominent Shinto shrines known for its iconic vermilion-colored buildings, numerous stone lanterns, and sacred deer that roam the surrounding forest. We’ll also check out Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples housing a colossal bronze Buddha statue. Rounding out our heritage-inspired morning, we’ll participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony before enjoying lunch. In the afternoon we’ll head out for a scenic cycling loop along the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail. The trail passes through some of Nara’s most historic areas and is part of Japan’s oldest road. Dinner is on your own tonight - our crew will be happy to make some recommendations.
Cycling Distance: 39 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Nara
Nara to Kyoto
Soak in the tour’s final views of the Kansai countryside as we return to Kyoto via the plains of the Kizu and Katsuragawa rivers. The route is predominantly flat and we’ll skirt around Kyoto to end our ride at the foot of the mountains in the western outskirts of the city. Here we discover one of Japan’s most beautiful Zen temples ,Tenryu-ji, renowned for its elegant architecture and garden. And just around the corner we’ll find the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove where we’ll stroll through rows of towering green bamboo stalks piercing into the sky. After this iconic end to our cycling adventure we return to central Kyoto via a quick metro ride. In the evening we reconvene for a farewell dinner.
Cycling Distance: 56 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kyoto
Departure Day - Kyoto
You are welcome to stay at the hotel until it is time to check-out. Feel free to extend your stay in Kyoto or head to the airport or the train station for your onward travel.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- Accommodation: 6 nights
- Hybrid bike hire & helmet
- Meals: as listed in the itinerary
- Local English speaking riding guide(s)
- Vehicle for transport and general support
- Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
- Snacks & drinks during bike rides
- Cycling jersey & 1 water bottle
- Flights and airport taxes
- Passport and travel visa requirements
- E-Bike hire
- Extra surcharge for single room
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Optional activities and sightseeing
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide(s) and support crew (but not customary)
This trip is 274 kilometres entirely on tarmac in good condition and on a mixture of secondary roads and paved bicycle paths. Some of the days cycling in Kyoto and Nara are on primarily flat terrain, however the countryside surrounding Kyoto can be hilly with some steep sections. The support van will always be nearby if you need a rest or a lift to the top! Your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
The route has been designed with manageable distances and terrain, and can be done by anyone with a reasonable fitness level. A support truck is always available to help when necessary, except on Kyoto city days and while riding on dedicated bicycle paths.
The roads are smooth tarmac in excellent condition. The distances aren't long, but some smaller roads in the mountain areas outside the city may be a bit rough and steep in places.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 4 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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