I Thought I Knew Japan: Until I Cycled Through It
As A Novice Cyclist
by Harrison Snyder
This is not my first time visiting Japan. I’m half-Japanese, born in Chiba prefecture before moving to Canada in 2003, and I’ve been travelling between the two countries since I was three years old. Still, this trip felt completely different.
As a novice cyclist, I was admittedly more anxious than excited when I was invited to join O Cycle Japan for a week-long cycling tour as their photographer and content creator. With the longest daily ride reaching roughly 70km, including steep inclines, I knew I had to prepare. A month before departure, I joined a gym and committed to cycling regularly to get myself physically and mentally ready. Fortunately, there was an e-bike option, which I was incredibly grateful for, especially during steep climbs and days with strong headwinds.
What surprised me most was the pacing. I expected long, relentless stretches of endurance cycling, but the tour was thoughtfully broken up with sightseeing stops and spontaneous detours I couldn’t ignore as a photographer. Even in remote areas, convenience stores and vending machines were never far away, allowing plenty of opportunities to recharge, and quickly, my worries disappeared.
Although I’ve visited Japan more times than I can count, most of my trips revolved around Tokyo. This was the first time I truly felt like I was seeing the “real” side of Japan; away from tourists. We began amidst the bustle of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, but each day carried us deeper into the countryside, away from the crowds and into places where time seemed to stand still. Cycling through endless farmers’ fields while catching the scent of green onions growing beside the road is something I’ll never forget.
The people felt different too; friendlier and more curious. From polite bows to conversations in Japanese and broken English, it felt like we made new friends everywhere we stopped. At one point, we were even given a private tour of a local campsite in exchange for nothing more than a conversation with a local obachan (grandmother). Moments like that completely dismantled the stereotype that Japanese people are cold or robotic, which is a common narrative I’ve heard about within major cities.
The food was equally memorable. Some of my favourite moments came from spontaneous roadside stops: the freshest strawberries I’ve ever tasted from a tiny greenhouse shack, matcha buckwheat soba in Uji, and smoky skewers from local izakayas after long days of riding. The accommodations also added so much to the experience.
We stayed everywhere from Western-style hotels and ryokans to a hundred-year-old tea house and a centuries-old Buddhist monastery. These weren’t just places to sleep; they were thoughtfully added destinations that deepened our immersion in Japanese culture.
The routes themselves were incredibly well designed. At times, the paths were so tucked away from main roads that only a local could have created routes this intimate and intentional.
As a novice cyclist, I left craving more. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or simply looking for a unique way to experience Japan, cycling this journey offers unforgettable landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and a genuine sense of accomplishment that stays with you long after the ride ends.
I did the Kansai classic 8 day tour. Click here to learn more. https://ocyclejapan.com/8-days-in-kansai/