Redesigned

Japan Heritage

Price from
US$ 4,250
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Distance
256 km
Tour Code
JPN-JHB
Next departure
08-Apr-2024
Number of Cycling Days6
Average Distance Per Day: 42
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 330
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance256 kilometres
Bike HireIncluded
Single SupplementUS$ 320
Client Rating (based on 3 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

Get ready to experience authentic and historic Japan on this 7-day cycling tour of the Kansai region. Visit Kyoto's must-sees before embarking on a breathtaking circuit encompassing natural vistas, traditional villages, onsens (hot springs), majestic temples, peaceful shrines, manicured tea plantations, delectable cuisine and so much more. These are some of the best roads for cycling in all of Japan - perfect for first time visitors and frequent travelers to the country alike!

The adventure begins in historic Kyoto, pedaling back in time as we explore the stunning legacies of the city’s history and some of Japan's most valuable cultural heritage. The following days we cycle on a lovely route taking us through an undulating landscape of forests and rice fields dissected by mountain streams and dotted with traditional villages, farms, Shinto shrines, and legendary temples. We skirt the shores of the beautiful Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and then ride on a series of scenic roads leading to Nara, a quaint city lovingly referred to as “mini Kyoto”. Along the way we’ll explore the Edo-era canals of Omihachiman and pass through the Wazuka region, a truly stunning rural area comprising tea fields expertly carved into the hillsides over many centuries. We will spend two nights in Nara, where we’ll cycle to discover its proud heritage sites and take part in a sushi making class! The last day we ride along the Uji River back to Kyoto, where the tour ends.

This is quintessential Japan done right!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

Today we turn Kyoto inside out as we embark on a leisurely 18 km ride to visit iconic heritage sites, gardens, shrines and historic communities.

Day 2

Today we trade the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto for the serenity of its rural hinterland. The ride is one of the hilliest of the trip, but our efforts will be rewarded when we arrive in Ogoto, an area renowned for its hot springs (onsen)!

Day 3

Today's ride takes us along mostly flat terrain with beautiful scenery along the shores of Japan's largest lake. We’ll explore Omihachiman, a charming historical area with Edo-era canals and traditional buildings, before concluding the ride in the town of Koka.

Day 4

Today’s ride will take us across rolling hills, through terraced tea plantations, and along small backroads as we journey from Koka to Nara, another ancient capital of Japan.

Day 5

Today is all about Nara and its cultural gems. We will enjoy a train ride followed by a relaxing 27 kilometer cycle along a historic trail to visit key sites. For lunch we try our hand at the art of sushi making and feast on our own creations!

Day 6

On our final day in the saddle we will ride along the banks of the Uji River and some quiet back roads leading back to Kyoto. In the city of Uji, we will visit the spectacular Byodoin temple.

Day 7

Extend your stay in Kyoto or travel onwards.

Elevation Profiles

Day 1 - Kyoto by Bike Ride 18km. +92m / -92m.
Day 1 - Kyoto by Bike Ride 18km. +92m / -92m.

Reviews

Cycling on country roads through fields of tea farms was the best. Stopping at temples and shrines and learning some of Japans history was amazing. What a beautiful tour - thank you Spice Roads.

Gail WasilewskiApril 2023

Nice group, good food, great accommondation and tour leaders do their best. I really enjoyed.

Severi VirolainenApril 2023

Cycling on country roads through fields of tea farms was the best. Stopping at temples and shrines and learning some of Japans history was amazing. What a beautiful tour - thank you Spice Roads.

Gail WasilewskiApril 2023

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