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Cycling

Cycle Japan

11 Days | Take a mind-blowing cycling tour of historic, cultural, rural and modern Japan

Excellent

4 reviews

11 days

Start

Kyoto, Japan

Finish

Tokyo, Japan

Trip Code

CJXC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), ryokan (4 nights)

From £5,709(11 days)

Trip Informations

From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle. Our cycling adventure gives you a slowed down, up close look of this fascinating country and allows ample opportunity to meet locals and glimpse the unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. From the temples, shrines and geisha of Kyoto to the frenetic but exhilarating chaos of Tokyo, and the beautiful serenity of the Noto Peninsula countryside in between, this cycling adventure has it all.

Why you’ll love this trip

Cycling allows you to get closer to the real Japan – from bicycles to Pokemon, serene temples to the organised chaos of the big cities, this classic adventure has it all.

Choose to end rewarding days in the saddle with amazing Japanese feasts of sushi, unagi, tempura or even fugu, all washed down with a traditional sake or Sapporo beer.

Ride both bikes and trains for the ultimate change of pace.

Cycle through peaceful landscapes that show a land far from the big city lights of Tokyo.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Friends and Family Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?

While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short (anywhere from 10 to 80km / 6-50 miles of cycling each day) the terrain of the Noto Peninsular is naturally hilly and, being coastal, the climate can vary dramatically. Most people with a reasonable level of fitness will enjoy the trip, but remember we will always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.

To complete this trip it is important that you are confident and competent in riding a bicycle, both solo and in a group environment.

While we always aim to ride to our next accommodation, outside of the main cities a support vehicle will also be with you at all times. Please note that the maximum number of cyclists we can fit in the support vehicle is 6.

On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back-marker where needed) There may be times when a client is asked to be the back marker if the vehicle cannot travel directly behind the group.

If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip. Limited sizes are available so book quickly!

Itinerary

DAY 1
Kyoto
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto. Serving as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is the spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism and one of the most historically important cities in Japan. Unlike many of its neighbours Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II and thousands of temples, shrines and other historically invaluable structures survive in the city today. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Afterwards, head out on an evening walk before choosing whether you want to join the group for an optional dinner or hit the streets solo.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling
9 Days Included Bicycle Hire
Add on activities
Kyoto - Cooking Class from - JPY8800
Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY400
Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - Free
Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden - JPY500
Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free
National Museum - JPY500
Special information
If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.
DAY 2
Kyoto
After breakfast and a safety talk by your leader, familiarise yourself with your bike and take a short test ride before cycling with the group west from our ryokan to the Katsura River, then north along a dedicated cycling path past traditional houses and community gardens to the ancient imperial resort of Arashiyama. Stop off for a coffee break in Arashiyama, well-known for its gorgeous bamboo forests. After a caffeine hit and a chance to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, ride on to Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple, with its famous white Zen rock garden. Pause here to contemplate the sound of one hand clapping and then move on to contemplate some lunch.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Kyoto - Gion District walk
Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Add on activities
Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500
Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden - JPY600
Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple - JPY600
Special information
While we aim to visit the Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple there are times we visit different temples depending on the season.
DAY 3
Nara & Kyoto
The cycling route takes you through beautiful Japanese scenery on a dedicated riverside cycling path from the old capital of Kyoto to the even older capital of Nara. Here, you'll see the Giant Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure on the planet. This city is well known for its Todaiji Temple and its cute, free-roaming wild deer. Head south along the river for most of the day, stopping briefly at Nagarebashi Bridge, a 356-metre wooden bridge that is a popular film location for samurai dramas.
Accommodation
Ryokan (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 4
Kanazawa
It's a fairly relaxing day today as we rest up before hitting the hills of the Noto Peninsula.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
Kanazawa - Nomura Samurai House
Add on activities
Kanazawa - Omicho market tour - Free
Kanazawa - Castle - JPY310
DAY 5
Noto Peninsula - Togi
Over the next four days, discover the heart of the rustic Noto Peninsula. This laid back part of Japan truly captures the Japanese concept of '’satoyama', society in harmony with nature, and 'satoumi', coastal areas in which the sea has a strong connection with peoples’ livelihoods.
Accommodation
Ryokan (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Myojoji Temple
Cycling on Chirihama Beach
DAY 6
Noto Peninsula - Wajima
A slightly shorter ride today as we cycle northwards along more scenic coastal lanes, small villages and beautiful rice paddy terraces. Leaving the coast, the road passes through the hilly Noto mountains to the charming port-town of Wajima, known producing some of the finest lacquerware in Japan.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Kadomi Traditional House Visit
DAY 7
Noto Peninsula - Suzu
Today is our toughest riding day, but one rich in rewards as you hug the dramatic and hilly coastline of the Sea of Japan. Marvel at the famed Shiroyone Senmaida (A Thousand Rice Paddies in Shiroyone) where the 1004 small rice paddies cling impossibly to the steep slopes that plunge towards water, creating a beautiful and bright contrast to the background of the deep blue Sea of Japan. Passing by the small villages and dramatic waterfalls we make our way up the peninsula to coastal Suzu, at the very tip of the Noto Peninsula. You'll also visit a unique local salt farm that uses a traditional salt-making method called “Agehama-style salt-making” has been passed down through the generations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Agehama-style traditional salt-making farm
Shiroyone Thousand Rice Paddies Visit
DAY 8
Noto Peninsula - Wakura Onsen
Your final ride on the Noto Peninsula sees you heading south, passing small rural villages, towering mountains and some of the most beautiful coastline and beaches in the area, finishing in Anamizu before boarding a local train for the rest of the journey. Your final destination today is Wakura Onsen, a hot spring town with a history stretching back 1200 years. Today is again an undulating ride but a fairly relaxed one – and the chance to soak your weary legs in the therapeutic waters of the hot spring baths is usually motivation enough to keep going!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 9
Tokyo
No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the country's legendary train system. Swap your bike for a train and watch the scenic landscape fly by on a journey (approx. 5 hours) to Tokyo. Hit the streets on arrival for a night-time orientation walk. Explore the contemporary centre of town as well as the old streets, and feel the hum of modern life in this famous city.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
DAY 10
Tokyo
Hold on to your helmets because there's a real treat today – two rides in one day! Get a better feel for the different areas of the city this morning as you cycle along the same local paths Tokyoites use to cut through the city. There are surprises, both old and modern, waiting at every turn along the way and architecture aficionados will be in heaven.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market
Add on activities
Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum - JPY600
Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY1900
Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
Tokyo - Karaoke - JPY2000
Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
Nippon Professional Baseball League game - JPY2000
Soba noodle class - JPY4000
Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson - JPY2000
Special information
In Oct 2018 Tokyo’s Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market (and its legendary tuna auctions) moved from its traditional home to a newly constructed market at Toyosu. As this is a brand new construction there is little atmosphere in the area surrounding the market, and the majority of the action occurs before 8am, we will continue to visit the Outer Market which is still at its old location in Tsukiji. There is plenty to see, vibrant cafes and stalls remain, plenty of fish too, a lot of action and a good chance for sampling the delicious seafood on offer. If you do wish to view the tuna auction please speak to your leader, but be warned, it starts around 5.00 am and is usually finished by 6.30 am, and can now only be seen from viewing platforms rather than on the market floor.
DAY 11
Tokyo
Sadly it's time to say farewell to this great Japanese adventure. There are no activities planned for the day and you’re able to depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time is 11 am but if you're departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you have time why not check out the amazing Urban Adventures on offer in this eclectic city such as ‘Japan’s Cultural Curiosities’. Read more at:
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), ryokan (4 nights)

Activities

9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling

9 Days Included Bicycle Hire

Kyoto - Gion District walk

Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden

Kanazawa - Nomura Samurai House

Myojoji Temple

Cycling on Chirihama Beach

Kadomi Traditional House Visit

Agehama-style traditional salt-making farm

Shiroyone Thousand Rice Paddies Visit

Tokyo - Sensoji Temple

Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market

Add on activities

Kyoto - Cooking Class from - JPY8800

Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY400

Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free

Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - Free

Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden - JPY500

Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free

National Museum - JPY500

Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500

Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden - JPY600

Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple - JPY600

Kanazawa - Omicho market tour - Free

Kanazawa - Castle - JPY310

Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500

Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum - JPY600

Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY1900

Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free

Tokyo - Karaoke - JPY2000

Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free

Nippon Professional Baseball League game - JPY2000

Soba noodle class - JPY4000

Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson - JPY2000

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Saturday Jun 21, 2025

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Saturday Jul 26, 2025

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025