Japan by Bike: Coastal & Countryside Cycling

Arrive in the bustling capital of Japan. After meeting your guide and fellow cyclists, settle into the rhythm of Tokyo. Enjoy your first evening soaking up the neon-lit skyline or wandering through a local izakaya. A short orientation will prepare you for the adventure ahead.

Before the cycling begins, explore Tokyo’s mix of ancient and modern. Visit the historic Asakusa district with its famed Senso-ji Temple, then contrast that with the hyper-modern Akihabara or Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery and pick up essentials before departing the next morning.

Take a bullet train to Kanazawa, then ease into the trip with a short warm-up ride. Visit the Edo-era Higashi Chaya district and explore the iconic Kenrokuen Garden. Try local specialties like gold-leaf-topped sweets or fresh sushi from Omicho Market.

Begin the coastal leg of your ride along the Sea of Japan. Cruise past terraced rice fields, fishing villages, and scenic bays. End the day in Tsuruga, a port town with a rich history of international exchange.

Ride through quiet rural stretches and low-traffic coastal roads, enjoying the relaxed pace and fresh sea air. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop at family-run shrines or small seaside eateries offering locally caught fish.

Shift from coast to inland, cycling through rolling countryside toward the historic town of Gifu. Known for its riverside cormorant fishing and ancient traditions, Gifu provides a change of scenery and a dose of cultural depth.

A challenging but rewarding ride into the mountains awaits. The ascent brings cooler air, sweeping vistas, and eventually the beautifully preserved town of Takayama. Explore its charming old town, red-lacquered bridges, and sake breweries.

Take a break from cycling to explore Takayama at your own pace. Visit morning markets, sample Hida beef, and perhaps enjoy a soak in an onsen. Optional walking tours include visits to temples and the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall.

Ride deep into the heart of the Japanese Alps, arriving in the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go. Stay in a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse with thatched roofs and experience authentic Japanese hospitality and regional meals.

Descend through forested terrain and farmland as you make your way back to Kanazawa. Enjoy a relaxed evening revisiting the city’s vibrant food and art scene, or catch an optional performance of Noh theatre.

Transfer part of the way to Kyoto and cycle the final scenic leg into Japan’s cultural heart. Rolling hills, tea plantations, and temple-topped ridges lead you to the ancient city. Arrival is celebrated with your first Kyoto-style kaiseki dinner.

Explore Kyoto’s spiritual heritage: Fushimi Inari’s red torii gates, the meditative Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden, and the golden Kinkaku-ji Pavilion. Discover hidden teahouses and wander the streets of Gion, where you might spot a geisha at dusk.

Enjoy a leisurely final ride through Kyoto’s less-touristed districts. Cycle along the Katsura River, visit small shrines, and stop in artisan workshops. End with a farewell lunch or opt for a final group soak in a hot spring bath.

Say goodbye to your cycling companions and depart from Kyoto with legs stronger, lungs fuller, and a soul enriched by Japan’s landscape, food, and traditions.