Japan Road Cycling Tour

from $8,849 NZD

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17 Days
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • Best time to travel: May and October
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  • 10 May to 26 May $8,849NZD
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  • Availability Guide:
  • Current date selected
  • Plenty
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  • Closed or too close to departure (Call Us for options)

Japan is a cyclist's dream — a blend of ancient and modern, cities and rice paddies, cedars and volcanoes, and to top it off: hot springs for aching muscles!

This moderate road cycling tour will take you to friendly, vibrant Osaka and Kyoto. You'll visit Zen temples and glimpse geisha. You'll take an overnight ferry to Kyushu, and the sulphurous cauldron of the world's largest caldera.

You'll be greeted with warm smiles, and treated to beautifully-prepared cuisine. You'll stay in traditional inns and B&Bs, many with onsens (hot geothermal pools).

Osaka to Osaka

Osaka Kansai
  • Road cycling
  • Grade
  • USD330 bike hire
  • USD585 single room surcharge
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Japan Road Cycling Tour Fitness and Preparation

Your lead guide is Vincent, a longtime resident of Japan and well travelled cyclist. He and your local Japanese guides will do their best to make your Japan Explorer experience a wonderful one.

Japan's very different seasons may well factor in your decision on what time of year to visit. In May, the azaleas are in full bloom around Mt. Aso and Mt. Kuji, whilst the autumn colours will dapple your day between September to November.

Moderate Tours

Moderate tours have an expectation that you have an interest and regularly participate in the activities. Routes chosen will require a reasonable level of fitness and experience on different terrains. Moderate tours are suitable for increasing your activities and pushing yourself to new limits.

Fitness required

An average level of fitness is required, you will need to be doing some form of exercise three-four times a week leading up to this tour.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Osaka (Kansai International Airport) and transfer to Kyoto

Welcome to Japan! We'll pick you up on your arrival at Kansai International Airport and drive you by shuttle bus to Kyoto, with your luggage and bikes transferred via our support vehicle. Our first night is in Minshuku accommodation (Japanese-style B&B) in central Kyoto, in a quiet street close to the Shinto Heian Shrine near the Higashi-yama area. In the afternoon, there's time to put together your bike or have a hire bike fitting. Then, time for dinner. You'll have a chance to try local specialties, and meet the people you'll be biking with for the next 16 exciting days.

Meals: None included

DAY 2

Kyoto and surrounds

Cycling: approx. 15 km

After breakfast we'll explore the magnificent imperial capital of Kyoto, its modern high tech features and ancient traditional culture. You'll cycle down narrow streets in the Gion district, which dates back to the middle ages, and is famous for its architecture and its geisha (known locally as geiko) communities. Meandering between ancient temples and narrow prefab buildings, you'll experience east and west merging into thriving chaos. We'll explore traditional Japanese quarters around Kiyomizu Dera, and enjoy the view from the temple, and the spring blossoms or autumn colours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3

Western Kyoto

Cycling: about 40 km

Today you'll see Kyoto's iconic spring blossoms of pink and white, or autumn's flame-coloured maple leaves. Locals flock to the 2000+ shrines and temples to enjoy these seasonal spectacles. We'll cycle west towards the maple-covered Arashiyama hills, stopping at the gold-leaf covered pavilion temple, Kinkakuji. After a restaurant lunch, we'll visit the peaceful 800-year-old Shimogamo shrine. We may see a traditional wedding. At night, you could explore the traditional quarter Gion, where tea houses line the narrow streets. Come dusk, elaborately-gowned geisha rustle past.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4

Kyoto to Miyama

Cycling: 75 km approx.

Today we head north into the cedar-covered hills separating Kyoto from the coast over well-surfaced rural roads. We'll ride over remote mountain passes, whizzing down into small valleys with rice paddies and typical Japanese farmhouses. These hillsides are home to wild boars, bears and monkeys. We'll stay in the quiet village of Miyama, set in a long narrow valley filled with paddy fields. Our accommodation is a youth hostel in a traditional farmhouse with a thatched roof. You'll find the evening meal at our hostel to be a pleasant surprise and a real highlight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Miyama to Obama

Cycling: 65 km approx.

After a traditional Japanese breakfast of rice, egg and pickles, we'll cycle down quiet roads, some of which were ancient Kyoto-to-Obama trade routes. We'll visit the National Historic monument of Higashiyama village with its traditional houses, and a museum explaining traditional farming lifestyles. We'll sample local fare for lunch, then cycle a winding climb to Gonami pass. Our reward: a long descent into Natasho valley, then on to the fishing town of Obama (Japanese for 'little beach'). We'll stay 2 nights here, in a hotel overlooking the bay, and enjoy the beautiful local cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Obama coastal route and Myotsuji Temple

Cycling: 40 km approx.

Today we'll continue exploring the countryside. The highlight: magnificent views from the ridge overlooking Wakasa Bay, with its rugged coastline and traditional fishing hamlets. The Obama area is also home to several important Soto Zen temples, including Myotsuji, with its 3-storey pagoda among towering cedars. Myotsuji is one of Japan's official National Treasures. If we're lucky we may meet the delightful head priest, who can give an English introduction to the Buddhist traditions. After another full cycling day, we'll head out for dinner and to explore Obama's night life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7

Obama to Wakasa coast to Mikata Five Lakes

Cycling: 40 km approx.

After a western-style breakfast and maybe a stroll on the beach, we'll do some Japanese cooking, practicing our knife skills on vegetables and fish! It's a fun occasion, plus we'll eat what we've prepared! Next we'll cycle past fishing villages, and see people tending nets and drying seaweed, squid and fish in the sun. Our destination: the Five Lakes of Mikata, in the Wakasa Bay Quasi National Park. We'll stay by a lake in a ryokan (inn) with onsen (hot spring) pools. The ryokan is in a lush setting and you'll really not want to leave. Your evening meal will be one of the finest you'll have in Japan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Wakasa Bay to Biwa-ko lake

Cycling: 65 km approx.

Today we'll cycle along the Wakasa bay coast to the city of Tsuruga. We'll have lunch in a pine forest near the sea. After lunch we'll say sayonara to the Sea of Japan and venture over the coastal mountains, heading south to Japan's largest freshwater lake, Biwa-ko. Here, villages alternate with marshlands and shores with grass and trees. We'll follow minor roads alongide the lake. Tonight we'll stay in a Ryokan overlooking the northern end of the lake. The sunsets and sunrises here are usually spectacular.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

Biwa-ko lake to Osaka to Beppu via overnight ferry (Rest Day)

No cycling

Today we'll take a train to Osaka. You'll have the afternoon to explore. It's smaller and friendlier than Tokyo, with great food, shopping, and galleries. Then take the overnight sailing to Japan's southernmost main island, Kyushu. The trip is a unique cultural experience. Big rooms with tatami mats serve as resting and eating areas, with televisions screening bizarre quiz shows. There are onboard onsens. A highlight: night sailing beneath the world's longest suspension bridge. Our group will have a private room with berths. You'll arrive in the hot springs city of Beppu in the early morning.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10

Beppu and transfer to Kuju-san

Cycling: approx. 65 km

At Beppu you'll be greeted by steam from thousands of hot spring vents in front of a mountain. After breakfast we'll bus south along scenic Yamanami highway to Aso-Kuju National Park. We'll bike from the top of the Mt. Kuju pass, by meadows, woods and extinct volcanoes. En route: another hot spring, and a picnic lunch. Plenty of downhill follows, and the size of Aso caldera becomes apparent as we approach its edge and start a breathtaking steep descent into the fertile plain. Our accommodation for the next few nights is the excellent YMCA Akamizu Lodge below the caldera slopes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11

Aso Caldera

Cycling: 50 km (approx.)

From our comfortable base of the Akamizu Lodge, we'll ride to the edge of a live volcano, the largest in Japan, and one of the largest in the world. We'll ride close to active sections of the volcano, and along the gentle contours and plateaus of one of the largest calderas in the world, it will be a unique experience. Within the cauldron-like caldera are 5 central cones, one of which is still active. Then: spectacular views as we slalom through the forest and rice fields. Later, another onsen with a curious range of baths for you to soak away any weariness and worries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

Aso caldera and Kumamoto

No cycling

Today we'll trade our bikes for a train to Kumamoto city, and visit the black Kumamoto castle, one of the 3 most important castles in Japan. The recently renovated keep was rebuilt using original techniques. There'll be time to explore town. Later, you can walk or take a trolley car back to the train station. Dinner is back at the Akamizu YMCA Lodge, a special place that tour members have consistently enjoyed.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13

Akamizu to Yutsubo Onsen

Cycling: 65 km (approx.)

After breakfast, we'll begin our return journey to Beppu. We'll cross the caldera floor and climb to the onsen village of Yutsubo. Our destination: Sensui Minshuku, a real gem in the rural heartland of Kyushu. You will be eager to try one of their many different baths. After: a 20 course dinner with locally grown ingredients! There's fresh trout from the nearby river, rice grown across the way, fruits picked from the hillside trees and sake brewed down the road. You’ll head back to your room happy to hit the big fluffy futon, feeling more than satisfied, and ready for a good night's sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14

Mt Kuju to Yufuin

Cycling: 45 km (approx.)

This morning we'll ride tarmac roads and mountain dirt tracks to the onsen town of Yufuin. En route we can walk over Japan’s highest, longest suspension bridge, with awesome views of 2 waterfalls to the deep valley floor. Then, some easy dirt roads, and lunch, before we descend to Yufuin's wide valley. Yufuin is one of many Kyushu towns preserving its medieval homes and streets. Its hot springs and peaceful landscape attract many eccentric artists and craftspeople. We'll stay in a new Japanese B&B near the centre of town. We'll eat out tonight. Karaoke, anyone?

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15

Yufuin to Beppu and ferry to Osaka

Cycling: 35 km (approx.)

This morning, more time to explore Yufuin's narrow streets, and perhaps shop for crafts. At about mid morning, we'll get on our bikes for our final day riding in Japan. We'll farewell Kyushu's volcanic topography with a final climb, then a short flat ride to our last picnic lunch in a picturesque spot. It's a great place for our group photo! After lunch it's all downhill to the ferry terminal, where we'll pack the bikes, and leave you time to visit your last hot spring bath. The ferry leaves in the early evening, and we'll have dinner on board, with accommodation as per Day 9.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16

Osaka and Kyoto (Rest Day)

No cycling

With the ferry arriving early morning, we'll transfer to Kyoto via Osaka by local transport. This final day is dedicated to your free exploration of Osaka, Nara or Kyoto, which still has many undiscovered areas for you to explore. Tonight we'll have our final evening meal at a typical Japanese pub, and say goodbye to your companions over the last 16 days. Your final night's accommodation in Kyoto is a nice hotel in the middle of downtown, so it'll be easy to do some last-minute shopping, or to stay out late with your new-found friends.

Meals: None included

DAY 17

Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport

No cycling

We'll set off early this morning to get you to the airport in time for your check-in. Once here, it’s time to say sayanora to your guides and Japan. Alternatively, there is plenty more to see in this amazing country, with Bullet Trains able to whisk you away in a matter of hours. Anyone fancy a trip to see Mount Fuji, or a few days in Tokyo?

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Tour Includes:

  • All accommodation (Ryokan, Minshuku and Hostels)
  • Full tour service including guides, back up vehicle etc
  • All meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Evening Meal)
  • Unless stated at least one leader qualified in first aid
  • All train travel (as per the itinerary)
  • Ferry travel & accommodation. Shared 12 berth cabin (double bunks) from Osaka to Beppu (return)
  • All airport transfers (as per the itinerary)

Tour Excludes:

  • Entrance to Onsens, O on average ¥600
  • Entrance to Temples, T typically ¥500
  • Entrance to museums M
  • Medical check up and inoculations
  • International flight costs
  • Any excesses luggage charges on flights
  • Bar bills, laundry costs, phone calls, taxi fares, souvenirs etc
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Bike hire (if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance