Japan is a truly special place. It’s futuristic, yet steeped in its ancient history and culture at the same time. It’s the land of samurais and sumo wrestlers on the one hand, and super cars and skyscrapers on the other.
And there are few better ways to explore the country than on a bicycle.
Why? Because a bicycle slows the world down for you. And since Japan is so overloaded with sensory experience, so full of delicate yet complex layers to unpack, you’ll miss the whole point of the place if you traveled it any other way.
That said, here’s all you need to know on how to plan that perfect cycling holiday to Japan.
Choosing the Right Bike Tour Operator
The Japanese don’t speak much English, which can make navigating spaces difficult for foreigners. This is why we recommend that you always take a guided trip in Japan. There are plenty of operators that offer guided bike tours in Japan such as Art of Bicycle Trips.
Each guided bike tour comes with an expert local guide, a support van to accompany you throughout the trips, and great service.
Always do your own research before zeroing in on a tour operator. Whichever tour operator you choose to go with, make sure to read their reviews on platforms such as TrustPilot and TripAdvisor.
Also make sure that you are sure of all the inclusions and exclusions in your trip price.
Things to Know Before Planning Your Trip
Japan is one of the most mountainous countries on earth. In fact, over 80% of the country is covered by mountains. So when you’re out cycling in Japan, expect to tackle some hills pretty much everywhere.
If you find climbing hills challenging, you can always opt for an e-bike.
The weather in Japan varies considerably by geography. For instance, southern islands like Kyushi and Shikoku can have warm, almost tropical climates, whereas northern regions such as Hokkaido have a Taiga-like climate.
Since one is never far from the sea in Japan, seafood is everywhere in Japan.
For more information about doing a bike tour in Japan, refer to this detailed guide to cycling in Japan.
Where to Go Cycling in Japan?
Japan is so geographically diverse that it is a world in itself. Zeroing down on just a handful of places to travel to is a tough ask. That said, we’re listing the three best places to visit in Japan if you’re planning on doing a multi-day cycling tour.
Kyoto
Kyoto is the heart and soul of Japan. Tokyo may be the administrative and financial capital of Japan, but Kyoto is its cultural capital. It is in Kyoto that you will see the most beautiful temples and monasteries, the most unforgettable cherry blossoms, and the quintessential sights and sounds that make Japan so memorable.
On a bike trip through Kyoto, you should set aside at least 8 days to explore its rural side. The best route to explore for cycling is heading north and east from Kyoto towards the famous Amanahashidate on the Sea of Japan.
Make sure to stop at the onsen towns of Kindosaki and Taiza on the way.
Best time to go: September to November and April-May.
Shikoku
Shikoku may be the smallest of Japan’s major islands, but it is the largest when it comes to its religious significance. The island is famous for its 88 temple pilgrimage which consists of a journey conducted on foot by devout Buddhists across a set of 88 temples associated with a 10th century Buddhist monk.
For cyclists, the highlight of Shikoku however is the Shimanami Kaido, a 60-km highway over the Seto inland sea with a dedicated bike track. With excellent views of the sea, islands, citrus plantations and monasteries along the way, this is one of the finest cycling routes anywhere in the world.
For an 8-day cycling itinerary through Shikoku, you can start from Onomichi, head towards Matsuyama, and after passing through Kochi and Iya, end at Konpira.
Best time to go: July to October and April-May
Hokkaido
The northernmost of all Japanese islands is also the most distinct from the rest of Japan, both geographically and culturally. Hokkaido’s northern tip is separated from Russia by the narrow Sea of Okhotsk.
This means Hokkaido is a lot cooler than the rest of Japan. Northern Hokkaido has a Taiga like climate and ecosystem.
Shiretoko peninsula, the northernmost tip of Hokkaido is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the great views it offers of drifting sea ice, and some of the rarest species of whales on earth.
A good 8-day cycling itinerary in Hokkaido would start from Abashiri, then head towards Utoro and Rausu in Shiretoko. Rausu, in particular, is known for its great seafood and its prized kelp.
From here, you can ride through Yoroushi, Kawayu, and Akanko Onsen before ending at Abashiri again.
Best time to go: April to October
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot more to explore in Japan, but if you’ve never been cycling in Japan before, let these three places be your starting point.
And if you love Japan, you could also consider doing a cycling tour in Taiwan, which is very similar to Japan in terms of its geography. Like Japan, Taiwan too is mountainous, has numerous hot springs, and is surrounded by the sea on all sides, offering great views of the pacific.
Happy Biking!
Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash
