Cycling in Japan

The tour is 14 days long with 9 days cycling.

For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is somewhat unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns are frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, the fact that nudity is involved and compulsory and that the water temperature is often hotter than most jacuzzis can cause some reluctance for first-timers. Once the courage is mustered however, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is likely to become one of the highlights of your visit to Japan. Please note that it is very possible that you will be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. The leader will explain etiquette but it is expected that you shower before stepping into the hot spring/bath. All hotels provide kimonos and it is the norm to go to the onsen in these and take your towel with you.

A single supplement can be booked only for 7 nights' hotel accommodation in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Wajima, Gifu and Kyoto for a supplement payable at the time of booking and subject to availability. Elsewhere a single room may be available locally on payment of a supplement but, as some of the hotels and ryokans used are quite small, this cannot be guaranteed.

This trip is classified as Road, Activity Level: 4: Moderate/Challenging

9 days cycling, average 60km/day (37 miles), Partial vehicle support (with limited seats).

On this trip, you will cycle more than 500km over 9 days with an average of 60km per day so a good level of fitness is required. You will cycle mostly on surfaced roads with a few sections on country lanes, cycle paths and gravel. The routes are mainly undulating but they get hillier on the inland section to Takayama and Shirakawa-go where you will face some steady climbs. A support vehicle (with limited seats) accompanies the rides throughout the tour, except for the city bike tours in Kanazawa and Kyoto.

Routes follow mainly quiet back roads with low levels of traffic, but this does increase when approaching towns. The tour operator aims to cycle most of the route door-to-door, with only a few transfers and train rides organised to shorten some distances and avoid busier roads. Most rides will include some short sections through tunnels which are lit.

This trip is great for a first-time visit to Japan as it encompasses the varying different aspects of the destination, from the serenity and history of Kyoto to the extraordinary and modern Tokyo.

Some nights will be spent in traditional rural accommodation and guesthouses with shared facilities which do not run along the same lines as western hotels.


This trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However, if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact us to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle. For groups with 9 passengers upwards, a second sweeper cycling support leader will also accompany groups.

Essential Equipment

    Cycling clothing
    Warm clothes & layers (it can be cold in the mountains- especially for the March & November departures)
    Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
    Water bottle
    Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho and umbrella
    Cycling gloves
    Sun cream
    Light cotton trousers and lightweight long sleeved shirts
    Casual clothing (for sightseeing and restaurants)
    Sun hat
    Cash in Yen
    Travel insurance

A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit.

On Day 8, your bags will go ahead to Takayama which means that for the night in Shirakawa-go you will be without your main luggage. This is also the case on Day 11 as your bags will go ahead to Kyoto meaning you will be without your main luggage again in Gifu. This is necessary to ensure you don’t have to carry heavy luggage on public transport transfers. Therefore, it is suggested that you pack a small rucksack/daybag that can be used for these two nights to store your overnight necessities.

 For March and November departures, please bring extra layers including full-length gloves and a scarf/cycling buff as coastal winds can be cold.

There are some train journeys involved on the trip and the stations are large and busy – the tour operator would advise you therefore try and pack as lightly as possible as you will need to carry your own luggage at the beginning of the trip on the journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa. In most locations, there is a ‘coin-laundry’ service in the hotels, which means you can wash and dry clothes on the move easily. These are not expensive to operate and there is usually time each evening to use them.

Yes, a Giant Escape RX3 hybrid bikes (2017 and 2018 models) is provided as part of the tour.

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.

2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.

3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment

4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

Extra Bike Bits

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. The tour operator encourages this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. They cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in this cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack.

Yes. It is a condition of joining this holiday that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

All breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.

Japanese cuisine is usually one of the main highlights of any trip to Japan. It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes which are usually prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is very common, and it usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple dishes include Soba or Udon noodles, Sukiyaki (meat, fish and vegetables cooked in broth) and Yakiniku (grilled meat).

The included dinners are usually taken at ryokans (traditional guesthouses) which will serve a kaiseki style dinner, a multi-course meal including a dozen of tiny dishes prepared with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. When food is not included, your leader will be able to recommend the best local eateries and arrange some group meals for a full immersion in Japan's varied and excellent cuisine.

Please note that in Japan the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free, strict vegetarian (no fish/seafood) or vegan is minimal or non-existent. The group meals arranged by the tour leader will be in traditional eateries where the choices of vegan dishes may be limited to simple salads or boiled rice, however in In Kyoto and Tokyo a number of vegan restaurants are available.

You may also find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride. For those who wish to contribute a kitty is normally arranged and will be used to provide snacks and drinks during the rides.

The support vehicle will accompany the riders most of the time, however, there are only two seats available so you may have to take turns if you wish to skip parts of the rides. Please note the van will not follow the group during the cycling tour in Kanazawa and Kyoto.

Transport during the trip will be by train, metro, bus and occasionally private minibus. Most rides on this trip are point-to-point so the number of transfers on the trip will be limited. When transfers by train or bus are planned, journeys are generally short (2-4 hours) and comfortable.

Japan has four very distinct seasons, although weather patterns vary across the island. The aim has been to avoid the extremely cold winters and humid summers and settle for the more pleasant climates of spring and autumn which are more comfortable for cycling. Temperatures in March, April and November will be around 14-17ºC during daytime and as cold as 7-10º C during the night. May, June and October are usually milder with temperatures ranging from 14ºC at night up to 27ºC during the day, although the likelihood of rain is higher during these months.

It is important to be prepared by packing warm clothing and layers for cold weather (especially for the March and November departures) in the interior in the region of Shirakawa and Takayama.