O Cycle Japan
Japan cycling tours
The Japan Bike Tour 🗾
Embark on an exciting 7-day Japan Cycling Adventure that encompasses 6 days of invigorating cycling and unique cultural experiences along the way. Experience the beauty of Japan as you pedal through picturesque landscapes, covering an average of 55km per day. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of six different cities.
Experience a variety of cycle-friendly accommodation in each city, ranging from traditional Japanese Ryokans and ancient temples to modern western-style hotels, carefully handpicked for their hospitality and uniqueness. These local gems offer complimentary breakfast and ensure secure bike storage during your stay. All locations boast the indulgence of hotel hot springs (Onsens), where you can unwind, immersing yourself in an ancient tradition after a day of cycling. Embrace the perfect blend of comfort and cultural experiences throughout your cycling journey!
What’s Included? 📦
- Bike rental
- Route map programmed into a cycling computer & paper
- Accommodation with breakfast every day and 2 dinners
- Luggage transportation between locations
- Custom jersey
- Site-seeing and restaurant recommendations
A self-guided tour is one where the traveler has a route, information, and some amenities arranged by a company, but is responsible from getting between point A and B each day on their own.
What’s Not Included?🚫
- Airfare
- Transportation between locations
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Snacks and any meals not listed
- Alcoholic beverages
These tours are NOT supported by a guide and therefore all riders must be able to navigate using GPS, which will be provided with preloaded maps. The ability to fix a flat tire and minor bike adjustments is required.
The Bike 🚲
Working with a local rental shop from Osaka. Gareth and the team from Road Bike Rental Japan provides excellent hybrid touring bikes. These bikes offer a combination of road bike speed and city bike comfort and versatility. It’s a perfect fitness bike and casual touring bike. Road bikes are available for an additional cost.
Gareth
from Road Bike Rental Japan
A limited number of E-bikes are now available.
When can I go? 📅
Fall 2024 – Thursday arrival
Cycling begins on Friday morning after orientation. Orientation is hosted on the first floor of the OMO Kansai Airport Hotel.
Japan Cycling Tour
Day 1 -Kansai Airport > Wakayama
Leaving the hotel outside of the Kansai Airport your day begins after a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Be sure to enjoy the wide variety of Japanese and western breakfast delights to fuel you for an exciting first day. The first day will take you along the coastline of Japan with views of the ocean, palm trees mixed in with traditional Japanese sites.
Cycling Info
- Distance: 57kms
- Elevation: 465m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
Sites and Delights
- Ocean and beach views
- Traditional Japanese Gardens
- Awashima-jinja (doll shrine)
- Watch the sunset from roof top patio while relaxing in your Yukata (Japanese cotton Kimono for men and women)
- Traditional Japanese formal dinner and breakfast
Day 2 -Wakayama > Hashimoto
Cycle from the ocean north into the interior, where there is a rich history including stories of Samurai and Ninja’s. Hashimoto is a quiet town with plenty of delicious places for dinner but the exciting experiences will be found along your journey including the Kudoyama museum and Jison-in temple.
Cycling Info
- Distance: 60kms
- Elevation: 385m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
Sites and Delights
- Japanese country side riding
- Wakayama castle with volunteer Ninjas. Try Matcha tea and a sweet at Ninshinomaru garden.
- Kokawadera Temple
- Kudoyama Samurai museum, view traditional Samurai suits
- Jison-in temple
- Mitsu Izakaya bar near the hotel has an impressive sake collection.
Day 3 -Hashimoto > Nara
Cruise through the Japanese country side and into the tourist town of Nara. With a rich history as one of the country’s original capitals, the temples, castles and unique history provide an abundance of options. Be sure to visit Nara park conveniently located across from the hotel and meet the deer who bow in exchange for Senbei (Japanese rice crackers). The pace gets busier and the streets have more traffic. Be prepared for a busy day with many things to see, experience, eat and drink.
Day 4 – Nara > Otsu
Leaving the beauty of Nara and exploring the country side on your way to Biwako (Biwa lake). Along the journey stop to visit one of the oldest Sake producers. Otsu is located near Biwa lake, the largest lake on the main island of Japan. This is a popular location for Japanese cyclists.
Cycling Info
- Distance: 54kms
- Elevation: 510m
- Duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
Sites and Delights
- More relaxed quiet riding in the country side
- Gekkeikan Okura Sake museum and Fushimi
- Biwa lake, beach and biking
- Stay at a Japanese Buddhist temple and visit the summer home of an Emperor
- Listen to the morning Buddhist pray ceremony
- Participate in a Japanese tea ceremony
- Try traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals
Day 5 – Otsu > Kyoto
This is a short cycling day to allow plenty of time to indulge in the traditional activities and sites of Japan. Dress in a traditional Kimono and learn how to be a Samurai. If you prefer more biking the pathway around Biwako offers close to 200km of dedicated bike paths around the lake.
Cycling Info
- Distance: 20kms
- Elevation: 240m
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Sites and Delights
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple while wearing traditional Japanese clothing (Kimono)
- Visit traditional Japanese market
- Samurai experience
- Tempura and anything with Matcha green tea
Day 6 – Kyoto > Osaka
You will cycle in the city where you will see many amazing sites along the way. Take a cable car to a hill top temple, Iwashimizu Hachimangu temple before entering the city. Once in Osaka you can decide to continue to explore historical activities in the city, such as a cooking class or more modern sites.
Cycling Info
- Distance: 54kms
- Elevation: 190m
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Sites and Delights
- Iwashimizu Hachimangū
- Visit Dotonbori street
- Santori Beer factory
- Shinsekai neighbourhood
- Umeda Sky building
- Osaka Castle
- Universal Studios Japan
Know Before you Go 🎌
If this is your first time going on a cycling tour in Japan, there may be some cultural differences that you should know before you embark on your adventure. We have provided some tips on various areas, ensuring your cycling experience in Japan is not only filled with picturesque landscapes and invigorating rides but also culturally enriching.
- Toilet Etiquette
- Language
- Biking and Road Etiquette
- Tipping and Service Charges
- Meal and Restaurant Etiquette
- Shrines and Temples
- Garbage Disposal
Embark on your cycling adventure in Japan with confidence, knowing that our tours are designed to not only showcase the beauty of the country but also immerse you in its rich cultural tapestry. Enjoy your cycle tour tailored to foreign visitors, where every pedal brings you closer to the heart of Japan’s landscapes and traditions.
Understanding Japanese Etiquette 
Bathing Etiquette 
Onsen facility 
Washing hands before approaching a temple 
Park bikes outside shrines and temples 
This way to the toilets 
Finding the washroom 
Instructions on using Japanese toilets are often found in English 
Jizo Statue 
Shrine entrance 
Guest Yukata provided for your stay