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ToursExplore!Cycle Japan

Cycle Japan

13 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
There's no destination quite like Japan, and there's no better way to see it than by bike. Get off the beaten path, cycling from the historic village of Shirakawa-go to the Sea of Japan and Toyama Bay. Explore the hidden gem of Sado Island on two wheels. Along the way we see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, rest your head in a traditional ryoka...
$7,577
From$6,160
See departure dates
Call us:+1-844-686-1327

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Highlights

    • Cycle Japan's coastal landscapes in contrast with ancient Kyoto and modern Tokyo
    • Uninterrupted 8-day scenic ride around the Noto Peninsula through rural Japan
    • Included traditional Japanese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients

What's this trip about?

    There's no destination quite like Japan, and there's no better way to see it than by bike. Get off the beaten path, cycling from the historic village of Shirakawa-go to the Sea of Japan and Toyama Bay. Explore the hidden gem of Sado Island on two wheels. Along the way we see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, rest your head in a traditional ryokan, sample excellent local seafood and soak in coastal scenery. Finally, hop on a bullet train to explore the neon-clad, beating heart of Japan, Tokyo. Sado Island - Discover breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastal beauty, rich culture and historical significance Kyoto and Tokyo - Get lost amongst the bustle and vibrancy of Japan's two biggest cities, teeming with cultural hot spots and ancient sites Delicious local food - Refuel with tasty Japanese cuisine from street food in the city, to authentic local meals in the countryside

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityKyoto
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Kanazawa
  • Kyoto
  • Shirakawa
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 20

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in historic Kyoto

Our journey begins today in the old Imperial capital of Kyoto, regarded by many as the country's loveliest city. Lying at the heart of Japanese culture and influence for over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the epicentre of events that shaped Japan. One of the only major citie...

Day 2 Kyoto sightseeing by bike. Including Ginkaku-ji and along The Philosopher's Path to the Nanzen-ji temple complex

This incredible city boasts no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites including 13 temples, three Shinto shrines and a 17th-century castle. We'll pick up our bikes and set out cycling to the Heian Jingu Shrine, before taking in the scenic Philosopher's Path, Eikand...

Day 3 Morning train to Kanazawa. Bike tour of Kenroku-en Garden and the old teahouse district

This morning, we'll travel by train (a journey of just over two hours) to Kanazawa, a city that once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural importance. Once home to the powerful Maeda Clan, today it serves as the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and boasts the s...

Day 4 Bus to Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional farmhouses. Japanese papermaking workshop. Cycle to Tonami

Leaving Kanazawa behind we set off on a journey through Japan's scenic countryside, blending cultural exploration with active adventure. We travel firstly by public bus to the historic village of Shirakawa-go which, along with neighbouring Gokayama, has been declared ...

Day 5 Cycle to Toyama Bay. Visit Zuiryuji Temple and Kanayamachi historic merchant’s street

This area, where the foothills of the Japanese Alps meet the Sea of Japan, has been cultivating lush, expansive rice paddies for centuries. We will start the day with an introduction to the Sankyoson (dispersed settlements of the Tonami plain) from an observation deck...

Day 6 Visit fish market. Toyama Bay cycle ride. Train to Itoigawa

We start the day with a visit to Shinminato fishing harbour to visit the vibrant fish market where we can see the catch of the day, local specialties and learn about the region's renowned seafood. Back on the bikes, our ride today follows the Toyama Bay Cycling Route ...

Day 7 Coastal cycle ride from Itoigawa to Naoe. Catch the local ferry to Sado Island

Today's cycle ride follows the coastline from Itoigawa to Naoe. As you ride, you'll have verdant rolling foothills and the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, as we pass between towns and villages. We join the paved Kubiki Bicycle and Walker Road, which is...

Day 8 Tarai Tub Boat Experience. Visit Ogi Folk Museum and Traditional fishing village of Shukunegi

Over the coming days we will follow a good part of the Sado Long Ride 210, a circular course around the island taking our time to explore the spectacular seaside scenery, satoyama nature and enjoy encounters with the local people and culture. The first part of today i...

Day 9 A cycle ride through Sado Island’s Gold Mining Area

After breakfast we start the next section of our ride around Sado's coast and our first stop is at Sado Gold Rush Mountain, where you'll learn about the island's significant role in Japan's gold production since the early 1600s during the Edo period. The ascent to t...

Day 10 Cycling from Two Turtles to Sado City. Visit Pottery Studio

Located on the northern coast of Sado Island, Futatsugame is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic rock formations, and pristine sandy beach. The name Futatsugame (meaning 'two turtles') comes from the two large rock formations tha...

Day 11 Morning Ride with Toki Ibis Preservation Centre visit. Ferry to Niigata and Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo

The Crested Ibis (Toki in Japanese) is a symbol of Niigata Prefecture and until recently had been made locally extinct through overhunting and loss of habitat. A successful programme with China's help has reintroduced the bird on Sado Island and nowadays there are sev...

Day 12 Enjoy Tokyo from our base in the historic Asakusa district a stone's throw from Sensoji temple

Today is left free for you to explore, wander and shop at leisure or take an optional guided tour of Tokyo. Your tour leader will be on hand to assist and give guidance today. A typical itinerary would be to visit the Asakusa Sensoji temple followed by a river crui...

Day 13 Tour ends in Tokyo

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tokyo. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,160
Price per day$474
Last Updated: 4/1/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
12 Oct 2025
24 Oct 2025
$6,160
$6,990
02 Nov 2025
14 Nov 2025
$6,370
$7,200
05 Apr 2026
17 Apr 2026
$6,790
$7,680
10 May 2026
22 May 2026
$6,650
$7,550
18 Oct 2026
30 Oct 2026
$6,650
$7,550
08 Nov 2026
20 Nov 2026
$6,650
$7,550

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Write a review
Excellent
10,226
Great
3,282
Average
513
Disappointing
157
Terrible
82
J

John

Nov 2023

Written on
Cycle Japanby Explore!

Cycle Japan

Many: cycling round Kyoto town, visiting Kyoto tower, the many delicious and diverse meals, sights, sounds and smells of Japan, the friendliness of the people, Tokyo...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on
Cycle Japanby Explore!

Cycle Japan

It was great to have a real insight into Japanese culture through t...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on
Cycle Japanby Explore!

Cycle Japan

I enjoyed my first experience of Japan but would not recommend it as a cycling holiday. The bikes were excellent and well-maintained. The leader(Jared) and the bus d...

D

Deborah

Oct 2023

Written on
Cycle Japanby Explore!

Cycle Japan

I’m not going to spend my valuable time giving cons...

Write a Review

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Apr 2025

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A wonderful, well-planned itinerary packed full of gems including visits to Ancient sites, the Citadel, ancient temples, museums, the harbour at Valetta, Mdina, boat...

W

William

Apr 2025

Written on
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too early just booked

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Bicycle, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Bicycle, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
British passport holder do not require visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes. All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form and Custom Declaration Form in advance. By filling out these forms online, two QR codes will be produced that can be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This may help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well. More information can be found here: \ul https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001 \ulnone
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 12
  • Dinner : 8
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Tour operator cancellation policy
https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/the-small-print/booking-conditions
Trip ID
explore-CJA

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