Cycle Japan

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan
11 Days
From AUD $8155
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (4 reviews)

Cycle Japan

Cycle Japan

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
4.1
4 Reviews
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Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle.

Highlights

  • 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.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

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

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kyoto, Japan

Finishes

Tokyo, Japan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
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 enjoying a welcome dinner. If you arrive early, Kyoto offers a myriad of options to explore. For a taste of Shogun life, head to the World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle, perhaps the best surviving example of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. See how the Emperor lived at the Sento Imperial Palace within Kyoto Imperial Park, an attractive park in the centre of the city. Or for a quieter moment, you may wish to contemplate silently in one of the serene karesansui (Zen gardens) that dot the city.

Included Activities:

  • 9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling
  • 9 Days Included Bicycle Hire

Optional Activities:

  • Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
  • Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple (600 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden (500 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free
  • National Museum (700 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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. Time allowing 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. Afterwards, cycle east across the north end of Kyoto and then onto the Path of Philosophy and the Higashiyama area before returning to our accommodation. The ride today will be gentle, with only slight elevation on the roads as we head into Arashiyama. We start with a 5 kilometre ride on a main road, then follow dedicated bicycle paths and secondary roads for the rest of the day. On arrival back into Kyoto, take an evening orientation tour of Kyoto's Gion district. Observe Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) from key spots in the city's old back streets and be tempted by some of the area's great local restaurants, perhaps doubling back to visit for dinner after the tour has ended. Kyoto’s streets are laid out in a convenient grid pattern, which is unusual for Japanese cities. In the 8th century, imperial city planners copied the grid layout of Chang’an (now Xian), the capital of the Tang Dynasty China. That’s not the only benefit we reap from the Tang Dynasty today – two well-known Tang engineers, Ma Jun and Zhang Heng, invented the mechanical gear system used by the bikes we ride around this easy-to- navigate city. Arigato Tang Dynasty!

Included Activities:

  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Optional Activities:

  • Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre (5500 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden (600 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) (500 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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. Return by train to Kyoto.

Included Activities:

  • Nara - Todaiji Temple

Optional Activities:

  • Nara - Kasuga Grand Shrine - Free

Accommodation:

  • Ryokan (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Lake Biwa & Hikone
Leave Kyoto behind and transport to nearby Otsu, located on the shores of the sprawling Lake Biwa. Today is a long but relaxed ride as you cycle around the mostly flat shoreline of Japan's largest freshwater lake. Enjoy a lunch stop Omi Hachiman, a tiny historic trading town on the ancient Nakasendo trading route, with its well preserved old buildings and central canal before ending your ride in lakeside Hikone. While small, Hikone is home to the feudal Hikone Castle, one of only five castles in Japan designated as a national treasure. If you have time it is well worth the visit. Otherwise enjoy a free evening wandering the streets are dining at one of the local cafes and restaurants.

Included Activities:

  • Omi Hachiman historic village visit

Optional Activities:

  • Kyoto - Hikone Castle (800 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Gero Onsen
Start the day early and take the train approximately 4 hours north into the heart of the Gifu Prefecture to the hot spring town of Gero Onsen. After checking in to your hotel its time to step back in time and check out the the Gassho Village, an open air museum of farmhouses. These centuries-old traditional steep roofed houses and traditional folk art give you an insight into a Japan far removed form its bustling cities. Take some time to explore then enjoy gather with your fellow cyclists for an included dinner in the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Gassho Village open air museum

Optional Activities:

  • 3 visit Onsen (spa) pass (1300 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel/Japanese Inn (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Takayama
Today its back on your bike, following the Hida River as it winds it's way between the rolling green hills north to Takayama. Today's journey takes you through some beautiful scenery as you ride the quiet roads up the valley, flanked by wooded green hills and mountains on both sides. Arriving into Takayama (also known as Hida-Takayama) in the early afternoon you will have ample time to explore this fascinating small city. Be sure to visit the beautifully preserved old town, dating from the Edo era. The area is home to traditional sake breweries, handicraft shops, and local food stores, offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and lifestyle, and is a great place to unwind after a good day cycling.

Optional Activities:

  • Hida Folk Village (700 JPY)
  • Takayama Jinya historic building complex (440 JPY)
  • Matsuri no Mori festival museum (1000 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Gujo Hachiman
Rise early and head out to the famous Takayama morning market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. Cruise the many shop and stalls selling everything from fruits and spices to craft wares then it's time to saddle up for the ride to Gujo Hachiman. At 70 kms/44 miles this is the longest ride of the trip, but all of the climbing is done first, giving you 40kms of mostly downhill cruising on the quiet roads that meander through the mountainous landscape of the island's winter skiing region. On arrival you will have ample time to wander the quiet streets and canals of this small traditional town and perhaps take in it's historical centrepiece, the 16th century Hachiman Castle.

Included Activities:

  • Takayama morning market visit

Optional Activities:

  • Hachiman Castle (300 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Gifu
Today is your last rural ride as you cycle the undulating but mostly downhill from Gujohachiman to the riverside city of Gifu. While now a modern city Gifu has had a significant impact on Japanese history since the 15th century. Discover a bit of history yourself and stretch your walking legs on a visit to Gifu Castle on nearby Mount Kinkazan - the views are spectacular! The rest of the day is free for you to perhaps visit the museum dedicated to the epic Battle of Sekigahara, further explore or simply relax after a long but rewarding ride.

Included Activities:

  • Gifu Castle visit

Optional Activities:

  • Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum (500 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
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. Riding distance: None

Included Activities:

  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
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. Along the way we visit many of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks; the first ride passing along the cherry tree lined paths of Ueno Park, home of Tokyo’s most popular museums and temples, Akihabara gadget town, the ‘Japan Bridge’ district of Nihonbashi, and upmarket the district of Ginza with its dazzling array of high-end shops, galleries and cafes. We break between rides to enjoy lunch at the famous Tsukiji Outer Fish Market before commencing our second ride to see such luminaries as the Edo-era Imperial Palace, the 333m-high Eiffel Tower lookalike Tokyo Tower, the elegant Hachimangu Shrine, Tsukishima (Moon Island), the manmade island in Tokyo Bay, and of course the Skytree Asakusa, at 634m the tallest building in all of Japan Later enjoy an included farewell dinner then take the rest of the evening to spend as you see fit - enjoy a quiet night, let loose at karaoke, or walk and drink your way across the city with your local leader.

Included Activities:

  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market

Optional Activities:

  • Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
  • Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum (600 JPY)
  • Tokyo - Samurai Museum (3300 JPY)
  • Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
  • Tokyo - Karaoke (2000 JPY)
  • Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
  • Nippon Professional Baseball League game (2000 JPY)
  • Soba noodle class (4000 JPY)
  • Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson (2000 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
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. Read more at: www.urbanadventures.com/en/tokyo
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $8,155
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Jun 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Lisa
Traveled, October 2023

11/03/2023

A perfect way to see and learn more about Japan while enjoying cycling through the Noto peninsula. The bike rides around Kyoto and Tokyo allowed us to see so much. I strongly recommend the tour.

4.0
Steven
Traveled, October 2023

11/04/2023

Fantastic tour, wonderfully organised and led, with the perfect blend of bright lights and countryside.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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