Bicyclist passing Japanese garden

Kyoto Cycling Tour

Classic Inn to Inn ✦ 7 days ✦ Moderate ✦  From $5450

Cycling Kyoto Japan and Beyond

Experience the authentic heart of Japan on two wheels! This scenic cycling tour takes you from the bustling historic streets of Kyoto to the tranquil coastal countryside, revealing a Japan that most tourists never see. Pedal through quiet rural villages with traditional *gassho* houses, explore sacred cultural landmarks, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the region. From lush mountain ranges dotted with thatched farmhouses to the breathtaking Amanohashidate sandbar and the rugged coastline of Wakasa Bay, this journey offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and stunning landscapes.

Our adventure begins in vibrant Kyoto, where we'll meet and enjoy a welcome dinner, setting the stage for the incredible journey ahead. We'll cycle along picturesque rivers, through verdant mountains, and past terraced rice paddies, experiencing the tranquility of rural Japan. We'll visit ancient temples, participate in traditional mochi-making, and savor delicious local cuisine at carefully selected restaurants. Each day brings new discoveries, from exploring charming villages to relaxing in traditional *ryokans* with natural hot spring baths.

This cycling tour is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to connect with the soul of Japan. We'll experience the warmth of local hospitality, discover hidden gems off the beaten path, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of Japan!

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Kyoto Cycling Tour
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

Join the Fun!
21 Apr 2025
12 May 2025
6 Oct 2025

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bicyclists in rural Japan kyoto street scene cyclists in front of traditional gessho house traditional Japanese dinner presentation Kinkakuji Temple Kyoto learning to make rice sweets
 

Japan bicycle tour day by day details  

Day 1: Kyoto Arrival & Geisha District Stroll
  • Arrive in Kyoto.
  • Welcome meeting and dinner.
  • Explore the Geisha district.
Welcome to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan! Arrive at your leisure and meet your fellow travelers. Our evening begins with a welcome meeting and a delicious dinner featuring local specialties, followed by a short walk through the enchanting Geisha district, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's unique atmosphere and traditional arts.
 Relax: Freetime until dinner
Eat: Dinner
Sleep: Hotel Celestine Gion  
 
Day 2: Kyoto's Countryside & Miyama's Thatched Roofs
  • Cycle along Kamo and Takano Rivers.
  • Explore Kurama and Kibune villages.
  • Discover Miyama's traditional farmhouses.
Our cycling adventure begins! We'll set up our bikes and ride along the picturesque Kamo and Takano Rivers, leaving the bustling city behind. We'll explore the serene mountain villages of Kurama, known for its historic temple, and Kibune, famous for its waterside restaurants. A climb to Hanase Pass rewards us with stunning views before we descend to the charming hamlet of Miyama, with its iconic thatched-roof *gassho* farmhouses.
 Ride: 41 mi / 66 km, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Kajikaso Inn  
 
Day 3: Mochi Making & Ayabe Onsen Relaxation
  • Try traditional mochi making.
  • Visit Tanba Kogen National Park.
  • Relax at Ayabe Onsen.
Start your day with a fun and hands-on traditional activity: pounding steamed rice to make *mochi*, a Japanese delicacy! We'll then cycle to the Tanba Kogen National Park Visitor Centre, where we can learn about the park's flora and fauna. We'll follow the Yura River to the impressive Ohno Dam and make a brief stop at the Konpira shrine. Our day ends at Ayabe Onsen, where we can relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs.
 Ride: 28 mi / 45 km, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Ayabe Onsen Niohan  
 
Day 4: Amanohashidate's Scenic Beauty
  • Cycle to Amanohashidate.
  • Enjoy views from Amanohashidate View Land.
  • Stay in a traditional ryokan.
Today's ride takes us past the Suwa shrine and along the Yura River, where we'll pause for tea at a charming riverside cafe. After a delicious lunch, we'll continue to Miyazu, the gateway to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views. We'll ascend to Amanohashidate View Land for breathtaking panoramic views of the sandbar and bay before checking into our traditional *ryokan*, complete with a relaxing natural hot spring bath.
 Ride: 36 mi / 57 km, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Seikiro Ryokan  
 
Day 5: Coastal Cycling to Obama
  • Cycle along the scenic coast.
  • Explore Uchiura Bay's rice terraces.
  • Discover the historic castle town of Obama.
We'll enjoy a scenic coastal ride towards Obama, cycling along the rugged coastline and through charming fishing villages. We'll visit Tango Yura, where the Yura River meets the sea, and Maizuru, a historic port town. A highlight of the day is Uchiura Bay, known for its stunning terraced rice paddies, considered among the 100 most beautiful in Japan. We'll also stop at the Aobayama herbal village before reaching Obama, a beautifully preserved castle town on the Wakasa Bay.
 Ride: 44 mi / 71 km, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel Sekumiya  
 
Day 6: Obama's History & Lake Biwa's Shores
  • Explore Obama's historic streets.
  • Cycle to Lake Biwa.
  • Relax at Omi Maiko.
We'll explore Obama's historic streets, often called "Nara by the Sea" due to its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved traditional architecture. In the late morning, we'll leave the coast and cycle inland through picturesque rural landscapes, passing traditional farmhouses and local shrines. We'll reach Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, at Maiko Takashima and take a break to enjoy the scenery before continuing to Omi Maiko, a popular lakeside retreat.
 Ride: 34 mi / 54 km, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Biwa Lake Otsuka  
 
Day 7: Kyoto's Temples & Arashiyama's Beauty
  • Cycle along Lake Biwa.
  • Visit Sanzen-in Temple.
  • Explore Arashiyama.
Our final day of cycling begins along the shores of Lake Biwa. We'll then head inland, passing the Modoriki and Hachimangu shrines, to Ohara, famous for the serene Sanzen-in temple. After visiting this beautiful temple, we'll cycle down along the Takano River and through the northern districts of Kyoto, passing the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Our ride culminates in Arashiyama, known for its iconic bamboo forest and scenic beauty.
 Ride: 30 mi / 48 km, Land: hilly
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Suiran  
 
Day 8: Kyoto Departure
  • Enjoy the gardens.
  • Depart from Kyoto.
Enjoy a final breakfast and take in the beautiful mountain scenery from your accommodation's classical garden. Take a leisurely stroll before checking out and continuing your journey in Japan or transferring to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your cycling adventure.
 Travel: Shuttle to airport
Eat: Breakfast
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Whatcha gonna get

  • Expert local bilingual guides
  • Entrance and activity fees
  • Handpicked lodges, ensuite rooms, double occupancy
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks*
  • Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
  • Unlimited drinking water**
  • Support van for baggage and lifts
  • Free use of bicycles

*as noted in itinerary
**during activity

Getting there

The Kyoto Cycling Tour meets and ends at Kyōto Station.

Guests should plan their train bookings to arrive in Kyoto before 15:00 (3 pm) on Day 1 of the tour and their departing flights after 10:00 (10 am) on Day 8. Guests can fly via Osaka (KIX), Nagoya (NGO) or Tokyo (NRT & HND), then catch the bullet train to Kyoto's main station.

Local Time: GMT+9

 

Documents Please

A little prep goes a long way! All travelers need a valid passport, and some may require a visa for Japan. Check with the nearest embassy ahead of time so you can breeze through immigration and straight into adventure!

Good Sleep

Our Kyoto Bike Tour trip includes a couple of nights in traditional, historic inns either minshuku or ryokan. These inns originated back in the era of when the emperors and their courts walked from palace to palace and these inns sprung up along the trails to accommodate the parties.

Arriving at a ryokan is an experience in itself. The hostess, okami , dressed in a kimono, comes to welcome the guests. Once you take your shoes off , put on the slippers made available at the entrance. An employee, still in a kimono, then comes to take over from the okami and accompany the customers to their room.


Japanese minshuku entrance

Good Eats

Always ranked in the top ten of cuisines worldwide, Japanese food is a delight both visually and for its taste. Dinners at the minshukus and ryokan on this tour are traditional Kaiseki Ryori, with many small dishes of vegetables, fish, meats and more.

A typical dinner could consist of: shiizakana (appetizers served with Japanese sake), mukouzuke (sashimi, slices of raw fish), kuchitori (a small appetizer), suimono (soup), nimono (simmered vegetables), kounomono (Japanese pickles), yakimono (grilled fish) and more.


typical Japanese dinner

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