Frequently Asked Questions
The Best of Kansai tour has an average of 60km/day. The shortest day is 40km and the longest is 70km. Cities of Kansai day tour has an average of 50km/day. Kansai Countryside is 64km on average
These tours are designed for adults only. All participants need to be 18 years of age or older.
Yes we require that all guests have adequate medical insurance and strongly recommend that you have travel insurance for your trip. This will ensure you are covered if something unexpected occurs and you are unable to arrive in time for your cycling trip or unable to cycle.
You will require a relative fitness level. You also should have cycling experience and time in the saddle. The average distance is ~60km a day with some elevation gain and hills. There are a lot of great places to stop along the way and take a break, if you want to ride slower. Be prepared to be out biking and exploring for 5+ hours/day, including a lunch break. If you cycle 50km once a week, minimum you should find you are well prepared for the 7night/6day tour.
The cycle route varies from location to location. The main cycling is on bike paths and side roads. Winding through local neighborhoods and farms, to famous castles and temples. There is cycling along the road in some areas. In the busy tourist areas there can be congestion of people and traffic.
In Japan driving and cycling on the roads is on the lefthand side in Japan. There are places where there are pedestrian/cycle paths on the right-hand side. This includes some bridge crossings and some city pathways.
In Japan, especially the Kansai region, is very bike friendly. Many people use bikes to get to the train station, work, school, shopping etc. From young school age children to the elderly who live independently. While leisure cycling is not very common, riding bikes is common with a positive atmosphere for sharing pathways.
Japan is a quiet and patient culture. Riding etiquette is passing pedestrians when safe, ringing the bell only when a dangerous situation arises. It is not common to notify the pedestrian for them to move but to patiently wait until it is safe to pass. Cyclists follow pedestrian lights at cross walks and street crossings. The flow is pedestrians first, then bikes, then cars. It is not uncommon on a narrow road for a bike to pull over, when it is safe, for a car to pass. In the same situation, cars patiently follow a bike, without pressure or honking until they can safely pass.
We have selected a range of accommodations that allow you to experience the variety of what Japan has to offer. This includes traditional Ryokan hotels, to western style hotels. We selected locations based on their hospitality, storage for the bikes, and amenities. Breakfast is provided at all locations. Most offer a Japanese bath (Onsen), ice machines and laundry for guests.
Some hotels have laundry facilities. This means you can pack less. Some offer ones with detergent included and others you need to add detergent, which can be purchased at the front desk at the hotel(s).
We provide a recommended packing list of our favorite things to bring when cycling. Some of the main things to consider bringing include bike shorts, technical or breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket and/or pants. You can bring your own helmet, many prefer the fit but if you let us know we can provide a helmet. You do NOT need to bring any bike tools, tubes or pump these will be provided with your bike.
Yes, a rain jacket is strongly recommended, While the time of year we are cycling has the least expected rain fall we have experienced rain and heavy rain on some occasions. Rain pants are not necessary but if you have them you may want to bring them.
We provide a small bag on the front of the bike that is big enough to carry snacks, phone, passport and a small jacket, as well as a water bottle holder that fits a standard bike water bottle. The storage for the provided tools, extra tube is included. You may want to bring a small backpack if you want to bring along anything else for the day.
An excellent hybrid touring bikes, a Cannondale Quick 3 or similar bike is included as part of your tour package. 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 and E-Bikes are available for an additional fee.
Yes!
We provide helmets at no extra charge. If you prefer the fit of your helmet of course you are welcome to bring it.
No. Each guest will be provided with basic bikes tools, a pump and an extra tube. In addition there are many bike shops along the way. We will provide you with a list of basic terms and questions in Japanese if you need to stop at a bike shop for assistance.
These bikes have regular flat pedals and we recommend sneakers or comfortable walking shoes if you plan to enjoy all the sightseeing along the way. Many of the gardens, museums, temples require walking to see all they have to offer. If you prefer clipless pedals, three options are available at no charge or you can bring your own.
1. SPD-SL
2. SPD MTB
3. Look Keo Classic
Yes a bike lock is provided for each bike.
Yes, you may want to bring a water bottle. There are bottle cages or bottle holders available on all our bikes. In Japan you will find vending machines everywhere offering water, and other drinks if you decide not to bring a water bottle you can stay hydrated while cycling.
The daily routes are programed into a Bryton cycling computer. We have selected this brand for several reasons including that they are produced in Taiwan with great map capabilities for Asia. They use 5 satellites instead of 4 for their GPS capabilities. The rerouting when you wonder from the suggested route was superior to other cycling computers we tested.
This is a cycling tour with many sights to see along the way. Many of the sites along the way do not allow bikes on the grounds. If you choose to take advantage and explore these it will require walking. This includes castle grounds, gardens, museums, temples and shrines. Many of these locations have stairs to access the areas and sites. If walking is a concern for you, please let us know and we can let you know how to maximize your experience with minimal walking.
For our standard tours we cannot change the route as the hotels are booked ahead of time and all guests will be travelling the same route. You may choose to leave early to allow you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey. We suggest you contact about our custom tours and we can create a route just for you Click here to contact us.
Japanese baths are a big part of the culture. Woman and men have separate bathing areas. Bathing suits are not allowed in the bath, you bath naked. For more details visit our what to know before you go.
Things to know about Japanese culture
Yes. While Japan is a safe country we recommend that you lock your bike anytime you will leave it unattended, It does not need to be locked to something, ensure the tire and the frame are locked. Always take your cycling computer with you.
We will be transporting your luggage from location to location. You will take your luggage to the front desk of the hotel each morning and we will transport it to your next hotel. Your luggage will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination.
Generally it will be slightly cooler in the early mornings and evenings by a few degrees Celsius. The average temperature in the spring and fall in this region of Japan is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. We recommend packing a light sweater and/or jacket. Cycling sleeves can be convenient, they can keep you warm during the morning and cool and protected from the sun in the daytime.
Most locations, especially in the tourist areas jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or button-down shirts are all acceptable. Temperatures can be 15-25 degrees. A sweater or light jacket is recommended as it is cooler this time of your in the mornings and evenings. There are many high-end restaurants available, if this is more your style you will want to bring business casual or formal wear.
Many locations do not require a reservation but as Japan becomes more popular to visit it is getting busier. Some locations it is best to reserve in advance. Most reservations can be made a week ahead of time. For groups of more than 4 people, we recommend making reservations. We are happy to assist with lunch and dinner reservations.
Many locations do not require you to remove your shoes. As a general rule you do not wear shoes on tatami surfaces. Look for areas where you step up from the entrance and indoor slippers are available. Often a sign will be displayed as well indicating ‘no outdoor shoes’. If in doubt, please ask.
Get in touch with us!
“Hey there! We’re Shelley & Masato, and we are the tour hosts. Please reach out with any questions / concerns!”
“Hey there! We’re Shelley & Masato, and we are the tour hosts. Please reach out with any questions / concerns!”