About Us

As first-time visitors to Japan we were a little nervous about a self guided biking tour in a country we knew very little about. Almost immediately after contacting O… read more Cycle Japan and meeting Shelley and Masato, any apprehension we had was lifted. We knew we were on our way to what was going to be an exciting adventure. Make O Cycle Japan your only stop if you are thinking of a biking holiday in Japan – Shelley and Masato have truly uncovered the secrets of exceptional service and support, friendly connection, and a biking tour through a beautiful region of Japan with no detail left out. From the Day 1 Orientation Session in Osaka to meeting up with us in the morning when transferring luggage, we always felt supported. Having access to their tips and suggestions along the way enhanced our experience. Each night’s accommodation was unique: an old style ocean front resort with incredible views, a Buddhist monastery complete with an opportunity to join a morning prayer service, and superbly located hotels in Osaka and Kyoto. We also had the opportunity to stay in traditional Japanese Ryokans – each with access to beautiful Onsens – a “must do” after a full day on the bikes. It wasn’t just the accommodation that was well thought out – they also provided excellent suggestions for restaurants and bars where exceptional food and experience was always on offer. Truly memorable! Having lived in the Kansai region for many years, Masato’s route planning was exceptional and was aided by the highly intuitive GPS attached to each bike, ensuring that you simply could not get lost! He guided us to amazing places we could never have found on our own – no guidebook could ever have taken us to see the things you will see on this tour! Shelley has a seemingly infinite knowledge of where to find the perfect café, tea house or sake museum that each day called out for. They even gave us tips on where to find the best shopping on our days when we were off the bikes. We’ve enjoyed self-guided biking in other countries as it’s such a great way to see a country. For sheer service, great value and thoughtful personal touches along the way, no other trip comes close to the experiences from Shelley and Masato at O Cycle Japan. Book it today!

This incredible cycling tour made my first trip to Japan unforgettable, offering such a unique way to experience the country. There are so many hidden gems to explore as you… read more cycle through small towns or cities less travelled by visitors. This tour brought us through many temples and shrines that I wouldn’t have discovered or have been able to visit otherwise. One of my favourite sites was Awashima Shrine, which I wouldn’t have known to visit without O Cycle. You also visit some of the most popular destinations, such as the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Daibutsuden, and Osaka Castle. It’s the best of both worlds!

We also loved the self-guided aspect of this tour, as it allowed us to explore each destination at our own pace. The cycling route was well-planned, with various sites marked along the way, yet the experience still felt very personal.

Through this tour, we experienced many different sides of Japan. We biked through a preserved Edo-period merchant town, along the Kansai coast, through patches of beautiful bamboo forest, and more. Most of the time, we cycled on bike paths, back roads, or in the countryside with little to no traffic. It was easy to navigate the route with the map programmed into our cycling computer!

During this tour, we stayed in traditional Japanese Ryokans and Western-style hotels. Each hotel had its own unique charm, and we had a great experience with all the accommodations. There is no better feeling than putting on Japanese slippers and a Yukata robe before heading down to the onsen after a day of cycling (and yes, all the hotels had onsens—a major bonus). A few traditional multi-course Japanese meals were served during the tour, which were fantastic!

Shelley and Masato Hayashi, the owners of O Cycle Japan, went above and beyond to ensure that we were well-prepared for each day of cycling. This made the self-guided aspect of the tour very comfortable, as they ensured that our bikes were fitted correctly and we were familiar with the cycling computer. They also provided many recommendations for sightseeing and restaurants. Overall, they were committed to making sure we had a great cycling adventure in Japan.

Not only was this my first trip to Japan, but it was my first cycling tour, and after this amazing experience, I look forward to many more. I cannot recommend this tour enough!

This tour is one of a kind. You can enjoy stunning views while riding and each spot you stopped. If you are a foodie, you will love the meal everywhere… read more you stay. It has a recommendation plan each days but also you can built it on your own pace, place you want to go, and food you want to eat (lunch and excluding dinner days). The cycle computer displays the destination and recommended points along the way, so even if you are not familiar with the area, you can reach your destination by bike with confidence. After the tour, I fell in love with japan even more.
The organaizer Shelley and Masato are very attentive and friendly that making the tour more enjoyable and memorable.

This incredible cycling tour made my first trip to Japan unforgettable, offering such a unique way to experience the country. There are so many hidden gems to explore as you… read more cycle through small towns or cities less travelled by visitors. This tour brought us through many temples and shrines that I wouldn’t have discovered or have been able to visit otherwise. One of my favourite sites was Awashima Shrine, which I wouldn’t have known to visit without O Cycle. You also visit some of the most popular destinations, such as the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Daibutsuden, and Osaka Castle. It’s the best of both worlds! We also loved the self-guided aspect of this tour, as it allowed us to explore each destination at our own pace. The cycling route was well-planned, with various sites marked along the way, yet the experience still felt very personal. Through this tour, we experienced many different sides of Japan. We biked through a preserved Edo-period merchant town, along the Kansai coast, through patches of beautiful bamboo forest, and more. Most of the time, we cycled on bike paths, back roads, or in the countryside with little to no traffic. It was easy to navigate the route with the map programmed into our cycling computer! During this tour, we stayed in traditional Japanese Ryokans and Western-style hotels. Each hotel had its own unique charm, and we had a great experience with all the accommodations. There is no better feeling than putting on Japanese slippers and a Yukata robe before heading down to the onsen after a day of cycling (and yes, all the hotels had onsens—a major bonus). A few traditional multi-course Japanese meals were served during the tour, which were fantastic! Shelley and Masato Hayashi, the owners of O Cycle Japan, went above and beyond to ensure that we were well-prepared for each day of cycling. This made the self-guided aspect of the tour very comfortable, as they ensured that our bikes were fitted correctly and we were familiar with the cycling computer. They also provided many recommendations for sightseeing and restaurants. Overall, they were committed to making sure we had a great cycling adventure in Japan. Not only was this my first trip to Japan, but it was my first cycling tour, and after this amazing experience, I look forward to many more. I cannot recommend this tour enough!

My husband and I embarked on the OCycle Japan bike tour, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of six days, we pedaled through the stunning Kansai… read more region, immersing ourselves in the beauty of Wakayama, Hashimoto, Nara, Otsu, Kyoto, and Osaka. Despite the inevitable soreness that comes with such an adventure, every moment was filled with wonder and awe. The landscapes were lush and vibrant, offering a glimpse into the natural splendor of Japan. Along the way, we encountered numerous shrines and museums, each adding depth to our cultural experience. Highlights included visits to the Samurai museum, Sake museum, and many more. These stops not only provided insight into Japan’s rich history but also allowed us to connect with its traditions and culture. The tour itself was expertly organized, with every detail meticulously planned. From the routes we took to the accommodations we stayed in, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing our journey with their insights and anecdotes. Overall, our experience with OCycle Japan was nothing short of exceptional. We left with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and culture of Japan. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines physical activity with cultural immersion, look no further than OCycle Japan. Highly recommended!

If you are thinking about a bike trip in Japan, don’t hesitate for a minute, Cycle Japan is where you want to go. In late Sept ‘24 Shelly and Masato… read more offered us a great 4 days itinerary from near Osaka to Lake Biwa going through Nara and Kyoto, cycling through lical villages and fields on dedicated bike paths or convenient side roads. They took care of all, hotels, bikes, luggage and also provided very helpful practical tips and even handled restaurant reservations. A true personalized top quality service!

This is my third cycling tour and my first with O Cycle. Shelley and Masato have spent a lot of time putting together bike routes that take you through both… read more urban and rural parts of Japan. I feel that we really experienced the Japanese culture and went to places many tourists will never see. Really enjoyed the tour!

A Breathtaking Adventure Through the Kansai Region

I recently embarked on a 6-day self-guided cycling tour through the Kansai region of Japan in October, and it was truly an experience of… read more a lifetime! From start to finish, the journey was full of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Each day offered something completely unique, ensuring the trip never felt repetitive. From weaving through serene villages to bustling cities. The diversity of the cycling routes was remarkable—sometimes urban and energetic, sometimes tranquil and meditative.

Exploring ancient temples and shrines alongside modern museums and art galleries.

After each day’s ride, I looked forward to unwinding in the hotel onsens. Each hotel had a unique feel, from one with a 60s PanAm theme, to the night I stayed in a buddhist temple. The accommodations themselves were fantastic—welcoming, comfortable, and perfectly located to enjoy the surrounding scenery and attractions.

This tour is a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just looking for a new way to explore, the self-guided nature of the trip offers incredible flexibility while still feeling thoughtfully planned.

I can’t recommend this cycling tour enough. You won’t regret it.

Jack

If you are looking for a cycle experience in Japan, this is your tour! Detailed organization, both comfortable and traditional accommodation, good restaurants recommendations. All of this cycling in gorgeous… read more japanese landscape. Masato and Shelly are very kind. Satisfied about this experience.

My husband and I embarked on the OCycle Japan bike tour, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of six days, we pedaled through the stunning Kansai… read more region, immersing ourselves in the beauty of Wakayama, Hashimoto, Nara, Otsu, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Despite the inevitable soreness that comes with such an adventure, every moment was filled with wonder and awe. The landscapes were lush and vibrant, offering a glimpse into the natural splendor of Japan. Along the way, we encountered numerous shrines and museums, each adding depth to our cultural experience.

Highlights included visits to the Samurai museum, Sake museum, and many more. These stops not only provided insight into Japan’s rich history but also allowed us to connect with its traditions and culture.

The tour itself was expertly organized, with every detail meticulously planned. From the routes we took to the accommodations we stayed in, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing our journey with their insights and anecdotes.

Overall, our experience with OCycle Japan was nothing short of exceptional. We left with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and culture of Japan. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines physical activity with cultural immersion, look no further than OCycle Japan. Highly recommended!

Do yourself a favour and take this trip of a lifetime. I feel sorry for people who don’t see Japan from the seat of a bicycle. See how… read more people really live in Japan as you ride through neighbourhoods and farms, you can smell the rice as you ride through the rice fields. Shelley and Masato at O Cycle Japan have curated an experience for you that is the perfect blend of culture, food, and sightseeing. From Shrines and Temples, Restaurants, Ocean views, and Castles to staying at a Monastery one night. The hotel onsens (hot baths) were the perfect salve after a day of biking. Don’t forget to stop at the Sake breweries!!

My partner and I decided to do this tour together and it was incredible! If you have any FOMO related to not getting to see all that Japan has to… read more offer, than this is the adventure for you. On this tour you get to experience everything form quaint little countryside towns to the hustle and bustle of cities like Kyoto and Osaka. I loved the variety of cycling on this tour as it varied between weaving through cute little side streets to long stretches of open path along rivers and ocean. The GPS’s that attach to your bike make navigating this journey solo incredibly seamless. We also loved the variety of accommodations that we got to stay in along the way! Whether it was a traditional ryokan or a more “western” hotel, the experience, atmosphere and perhaps most notably the above and beyond hospitality was absolutely lovely. Each hotel also had unique onsen facilities which were an incredible perk to have before or after a long ride. Something that surprised me was just how good the food was. All of the morning breakfasts were great but the two dinners provided had to be some of the most unique and delicious dinning experiences I’ve ever had. We felt completely spoiled! Each day of cycling was filled with activities and places to see with some major highlights in addition to some smaller “side quests” all of which were apart on the gps cycling route making everything easy to locate. This is where the self guided part of the tour really worked for us as it gave us full autonomy of what to do and how long we wanted to do it before hopping back on the saddle. Shelly and Masato, the owners of Ocycle were super helpful before and during the trip for answering all of our questions in addition to preparing us for everything along the way. The tour has only been up and running for about a year now I think however you would never be able to tell with how dialled in and seamless everything was along the way. I can’t recommend this tour enough!!!

O Cycle Japan is Oh so much fun! We completed the one week cycling tour throughout Japan in April 2024. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and consider it… read more the best cycling tour we have been on, hands down! We saw so many interesting and beautiful sites along the route, which was mainly on bike routes and back roads. The countryside is gorgeous and each city we biked to had its own special ambiance. We visited temples, shrines, castles, parks and other amazing venues! Shelley and Masato Hayashi, the owners of O Cycle Japan, were organized, friendly, helpful and kind hosts. I highly recommend this tour!

As first-time visitors to Japan we were a little nervous about a self guided biking tour in a country we knew very little about. Almost immediately after contacting O… read more Cycle Japan and meeting Shelley and Masato, any apprehension we had was lifted. We knew we were on our way to what was going to be an exciting adventure. Make O Cycle Japan your only stop if you are thinking of a biking holiday in Japan – Shelley and Masato have truly uncovered the secrets of exceptional service and support, friendly connection, and a biking tour through a beautiful region of Japan with no detail left out.

From the Day 1 Orientation Session in Osaka to meeting up with us in the morning when transferring luggage, we always felt supported. Having access to their tips and suggestions along the way enhanced our experience. Each night’s accommodation was unique: an old style ocean front resort with incredible views, a Buddhist monastery complete with an opportunity to join a morning prayer service, and superbly located hotels in Osaka and Kyoto. We also had the opportunity to stay in traditional Japanese Ryokans – each with access to beautiful Onsens – a “must do” after a full day on the bikes. It wasn’t just the accommodation that was well thought out – they also provided excellent suggestions for restaurants and bars where exceptional food and experience was always on offer. Truly memorable!

Having lived in the Kansai region for many years, Masato’s route planning was exceptional and was aided by the highly intuitive GPS attached to each bike, ensuring that you simply could not get lost! He guided us to amazing places we could never have found on our own – no guidebook could ever have taken us to see the things you will see on this tour! Shelley has a seemingly infinite knowledge of where to find the perfect café, tea house or sake museum that each day called out for. They even gave us tips on where to find the best shopping on our days when we were off the bikes.

We’ve enjoyed self-guided biking in other countries as it’s such a great way to see a country. For sheer service, great value and thoughtful personal touches along the way, no other trip comes close to the experiences from Shelley and Masato at O Cycle Japan. Book it today!

Four of us (aged around 60) have just completed O Cycle Japan’s 6 day self-guided cycling tour. And it was a fantastic experience: an amazing way to see… read more parts of Japan we would never otherwise have seen. The route is fascinating and designed by real cycling enthusiasts weaving us in and out of temples, shrines, a sumo training camp, sake museum and glorious views around Osaka and Kyoto. The GPS route on the computers was simple to follow (we never got lost) and the viewing and eating tips were spot on. Probably the only chance we will ever get to eat and sleep in a temple and awaken to the sun rising and monks chanting. Thank you to Shelley and Masato for putting the trip together and Gareth “the bike” for his trusty machinery. Jeff and Annette, London UK

A Breathtaking Adventure Through the Kansai Region I recently embarked on a 6-day self-guided cycling tour through the Kansai region of Japan in October, and it was truly an… read more experience of a lifetime! From start to finish, the journey was full of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Each day offered something completely unique, ensuring the trip never felt repetitive. From weaving through serene villages to bustling cities. The diversity of the cycling routes was remarkable—sometimes urban and energetic, sometimes tranquil and meditative. Exploring ancient temples and shrines alongside modern museums and art galleries. After each day’s ride, I looked forward to unwinding in the hotel onsens. Each hotel had a unique feel, from one with a 60s PanAm theme, to the night I stayed in a buddhist temple. The accommodations themselves were fantastic—welcoming, comfortable, and perfectly located to enjoy the surrounding scenery and attractions. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just looking for a new way to explore, the self-guided nature of the trip offers incredible flexibility while still feeling thoughtfully planned. I can’t recommend this cycling tour enough. You won’t regret it. Jack

This was one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken. Biking through Japan is an ideal way to see such a beautiful country, and Shelley and Masato are perfect hosts.… read more I felt like we had the freedom to explore on our own, without the stress of figuring out the routes or major tourist destinations. The kicker was how responsive they were — any questions or needs we had were immediately met (e.g. my bike was having issues shifting and they met us at 7/11 right on the route, with wipes in hand to clean up). Next time we plan to travel to Japan, I’ll be reaching out to O Cycle 🙂

We had a wonderful trip with O Cycle Japan in early May 2024. I have done several cruise cycle tours, but this was my first self guided tour staying… read more at hotels. I have been to Japan previously, primarily using the excellent train system to get around. Doing a cycle tour was a fantastic way to really see a portion of the country at biking speed rather than train.

The bicycles provided were of good quality and the organizers were there to ensure everyone was properly fitted. The distance per day varied from a short day of 20k, which gave us the afternoon to visit the Samuri Ninja Museum in Kyoto, to 70K, with most days being around 60k.

The route was a great mix of riding through the back streets of large cities and small town, farming country and great cycle paths along the river. There was virtually no time spent on busy roads. Every day there were several interesting places to stop and visit; castles, temples, shrines, pagodas, , saki museum, Panasonic Museum, etc. Some of the sites were very small and there were few people and other were the major attractions in the area, i.e. Fushimi Inari, Wakayama and Osaka castles.

The two dinners included in the tour were traditional multi-course Japanese dinners, amazing food and experience. The designated hotels were all good quality and had onsens, very much appreciated after a day of riding. Breakfast was included very day at the hotel. They had some western food, but we also tried various Japanese dishes as well.

Overall, the route was very well planned, the experiences along the route were interesting and many would not be accessible if you were not cycling, the hotels were good with some great dinning experiences.

My cycle tour through the Kansai region with OCycle Japan was one of the best travel adventures of my life! This was an incredible itinerary, carefully curated for navigational ease,… read more while maximizing opportunities for rich cultural exposure and beautiful Japan scenery and nature. I had been to Japan previously, including the Kansai region – but not like this! Experiencing it this way was such an elevated, enriching experience. The hotels, onsens, restaurants, excursions and offerings were clearly selected with such intention, it felt like every leg of our trip was a VIP experience. Highlights of our adventures included a traditional matcha tea ceremony, sake brewery tour, interactive samurai ninja museum, rooftop yoga, morning meditation, elaborate & delicious traditional multi-course Japanese meals, feeding and interacting with the revered, free-roaming ‘bowing deer’ of Nara, a technologically impressive and super tasty AI-sake bar, visiting beautiful temples and monuments, and sleeping in a historic Buddhist temple and former Japanese royalty summer house.

And then, there was the cycling! The bike was incredible quality (I came home wanting to buy the same one), the nav GPS mapping was user-friendly, the route was easy to follow with clear options for adding-on optional detours or suggested stops that you could skip/include, and the cycling paths that the routes lead you through were remarkable – well maintained paths, peddling through beautiful scenic views ranging from gentle, rolling countryside hills to coastal cliffs with expansive ocean views, mixed in with vibrant city pathways.

One of my favourite parts of each day was relaxing in the restorative onsens at our hotels – a welcome retreat at the end of a long day of cycling! I was always excited to arrive at the next hotel and see what the onsen experience was like there, as each was so different, but always delivering the rest & rejuvenation needed for the next full day of adventure. The onsen at the first hotel (near the airport) was my favourite – don’t miss this one!

OCycle Japan is so much more than a cycling tour – it is an immersive, cultural experience. Arigato Shelley & Masato for creating this journey with such care and attention, your love for cycling and Japan really shows!

The best bicycle trip tour I’ve ever had. If you join this tour you’ll see authentic, raw, and beautiful Japanese countryside. The big difference about this trip from others is… read more that the one of the owner is Kansai person who knows this area inside out!! Even Japanese,, me was so impressed by the routes, facilities and accommodations etc.. You won’t regret joining this tour:)

The O Cycle Japan self guided bike tour was amazing trip! I enjoyed the variety of towns, farmland, and larger cities. Shelley and Masato suggested excellent restaurants and responded immediately… read more to any of our questions or needs. The hotels included were amazing, and I am a true believer in onsens!!!!

We just wrapped up six wonderful days of exploring Japan via two wheels with O Cycle Japan. What an absolutely fantastic trip! We saw all the main tourist attractions throughout… read more the Kansai region and so, so much more. The cycling route took us through a dynamic, fun and unique range of landscapes, rural countryside, quaint and historic suburban side streets and cherry blossom-lined bike paths. It was a well-planned and manageable route we would not have discovered ourselves in a million years. The route was easy to follow on our own using O Cycle-provided GPS cycle computers with everything mapped out for us.
Along the way we took advantage of the sight-seeing tips provided by Masato and Shelley, enjoying unique shrines, temples, eateries, parks and museums that were so cool and devoid of other tourists. Cultural experiences didn’t end once we got off our bikes for the day. Many of the accommodations were traditional. Overnights included treats like wonderful meals, an ocean-view onsen, a lovely Buddhist temple experience, and park settings.
Shelley and Masato did a great job of coordinating excellent bikes to accommodate all the sizes and needs of our crew of eight friends. The logistics of the trip were managed wonderfully by O Cycle. They went above and beyond to make everything easy for us in so many ways including making dinner reservations at yummy restaurants that, again, we never would have discovered ourselves.
If you would like to explore Japan by bike and want to get off the beaten path, this trip is for you. I highly recommend this special experience!

10/10 experience, so much fun, so many adventures await you. Don’t hesitate to try this amazing Bike Tour experience, you will get to see Japan is such a different way,… read more connecting more with sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the country. The owners have put in so much thought into their recommendations of places to visit while travelling to your next destination. The computer map is simple and easy to use.

My partner and I decided to do this tour together and it was incredible! If you have any FOMO related to not getting to see all that Japan has to… read more offer, than this is the adventure for you.
On this tour you get to experience everything form quaint little countryside towns to the hustle and bustle of cities like Kyoto and Osaka. I loved the variety of cycling on this tour as it varied between weaving through cute little side streets to long stretches of open path along rivers and ocean. The GPS’s that attach to your bike make navigating this journey solo incredibly seamless.
We also loved the variety of accommodations that we got to stay in along the way! Whether it was a traditional ryokan or a more “western” hotel, the experience, atmosphere and perhaps most notably the above and beyond hospitality was absolutely lovely. Each hotel also had unique onsen facilities which were an incredible perk to have before or after a long ride.
Something that surprised me was just how good the food was. All of the morning breakfasts were great but the two dinners provided had to be some of the most unique and delicious dinning experiences I’ve ever had. We felt completely spoiled!
Each day of cycling was filled with activities and places to see with some major highlights in addition to some smaller “side quests” all of which were apart on the gps cycling route making everything easy to locate. This is where the self guided part of the tour really worked for us as it gave us full autonomy of what to do and how long we wanted to do it before hopping back on the saddle.
Shelly and Masato, the owners of Ocycle were super helpful before and during the trip for answering all of our questions in addition to preparing us for everything along the way. The tour has only been up and running for about a year now I think however you would never be able to tell with how dialled in and seamless everything was along the way.
I can’t recommend this tour enough!!!