FAQ
The 7night/6 day Kansai tour has an average of 60km/day. The shortest day is 25km and the longest is 70km.
The 4 night/3 day tour has an average of 50km/day.
These tours are designed for adults only. All participants need to be 18years of age or older.
Most 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).
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 some cycling along the roadside in some areas. In the busy tourist areas there can be congestion of people and traffic.
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, location, all locations include breakfast, and most offer a Japanese bath (Onsen) and laundry for guests.
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.
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.
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. Many of the grounds and gardens cover a large area and you may find that there is a lot of walking to access the places of interest along the way. If this is a concern for you, please let us know and we can let you know how to maximize your experience with minimal walking.
We provide helmets at no extra charge. If you prefer the fit of your helmet of course you are welcome to bring it.
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.
No. 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.
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 by clicking here “Japan thing to know”
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.
You will take your luggage to the front desk of the hotel each morning and we will transport it to your hotel. Your luggage will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. Don’t forget your tags!
It depended on the location. Many locations do not require you to remove your shoes. However the places you need to remove you shoes can be identified in a few ways. 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 you can also ask.
YES!! We now have a limited number of E-bikes available starting the spring of 2024! These are Panasonic hybrid bikes, are pedal assist and will give your ride a boost from point to point. There is an additional fee for E-bikes.