Top routes for a cycling vacation in Japan

At first glance, a land of soaring mountains and multiple islands may not be the obvious choice for a cycling vacation, but Japan has some real treats in store for those who love to experience new places with the wind in their hair! There are cycling routes in Japan to suit all levels of cyclist, from gentle one-day loops to more challenging routes that take two weeks to cover; and there’s enough variety to have you booking your next trip as soon as one cycling adventure is complete. Rest assured that taking Japan by bike promises a vacation that is  thrilling, rewarding, and scenic! In this article, we’ll suggest some excellent Japan cycling routes and offer tips on how to get the most out of your time spent traveling Japan on two wheels.

Is Japan a good choice for a cycling trip?

Yes! Though you might not expect it. Japan has a reputation as a highly urbanized, modern destination, not to mention busy – but take a few days out of the famous cities to meander through the back roads by bike and you will soon discover that Japan’s countryside moves to a very different beat. Rural areas are scattered with farms and villages, picturesque landscapes and charming traditions ideal for bike touring. Going at cycling pace is the perfect way to take in the scenery and get into the heart of local life, yet you’ll cover enough ground to allow you to see a lot during your vacation.

If you want to keep the cycling to only half-days, or there is a particular route you are keen on completing, our handpicked local experts are perfectly placed to create a bespoke itinerary based on your requirements. They will know the best way to incorporate biking into your broader plans while making sure you see authentic Japan and enjoy some wonderful accommodation, too.

Top routes for a Japan cycling adventure

With the help of our local experts based in Japan, we’ve rounded up some of Japan’s best cycling routes to inspire you – including practical tips to consider when planning your Japanese cycling adventure.

Cycling the Noto Peninsula: stunning coastal scenery and endless rice paddies

The Noto Peninsula boasts some of Japan’s most picturesque coastal routes. Pedal along rugged shorelines, through quaint fishing villages and past terraced rice paddies – like the famed Shiroyone Senmaida, consisting of over 1,000 rice paddies cascading towards the sea. This scenic backwater is tucked away on Japan’s northern coast, curving north from Kanazawa city. As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of beguiling coastal views on this cycle route, which passes through not only villages and shorelines but also the wonderful green hills of the interior.

Following the quiet lanes behind the beach or winding through ancient village streets, this is a 400km (around 250-mile) route in total, though of course shorter versions are perfectly possible. Highlights include the rugged rock formations along the coast, the artisan lacquerware workshops of Wajima, and the excellent seafood available all over the peninsula.

Read more: Travel to Japan: what to know before you go

The Shimanami Kaido Route: well-marked trails linking six different islands

If 70km (approximately 43 miles) of dedicated cycle trails through some of Japan’s most captivating landscapes tempts you, then consider the Shimanami Kaido highway. This excellent cycle route begins in Hiroshima prefecture and connects six different islands (Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima) via some well-constructed bridges, including one of the longest cable-fixed bridges in the world, the iconic Tatara Bridge; before it ends in Ehime prefecture.

The whole route can be tackled in one day if you are a fit, regular cyclist, or you can subdivide it as you please to take in the seascapes at a more leisurely pace – it makes for a very pleasant two-day excursion. One of the highlights of this calm, car-free route include Seto Inland Sea National Park, where you could switch to some mountain hiking trails or even take a dip in the sea at one of many white sandy beaches. Some of the islands boast outdoor art installations, and there are culinary treats in store when biking gets you hungry, as this area of Japan has some of the freshest seafood around.

Cycling the width of Japan, Cape to Cape

How about traveling the width of Japan, from west to east coast, by bike? It’s certainly an adventure you’ll never forget, and a fantastic way to absorb the incredibly diverse landscapes of Japan. If you are into endurance cycling and the thought of covering 100km a day for one to two weeks doesn’t intimidate, the Cape to Cape route could be for you. It may go without saying, but this is a cycling trip that requires proper preparation and training, and a genuine love of spending time in the saddle.

For those up for the challenge, this experiential route covers 1,000km (625 miles) of scene-packed roads and trails, taking you from Kanazawa at the base of the Noto Peninsula on the Sea of Japan, right across the nation to Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula, located on the Pacific coast. It’s a shortened version of another long but brilliant trail, the famous Cape Sata to Cape Soya route which entails cycling the full length of Japan from south to north. This one covers 3,000km and would take three times as long!

Along the way, you’ll experience the rugged, natural scenery of the west coast in Kanazawa, which will slowly transform into the more developed east coast. Get ready to bike over the highest sealed road in the country, enjoy breezy coastal trails that overlook sprawling, empty beaches, and wheel along routes that weave around glittering lakes among the foothills of Mount Fuji.

Read more: Our top destinations for unforgettable cycling tours

 

Practical tips for cycling in Japan

• Be prepared to get wet as Japanese weather can be very changeable. Pack quick-dry, lightweight clothing and windproof, waterproof outer layers. Spring and fall are often the most settled months with the best overall weather picture for outdoor activities.
• If you plan to bring your own bike, which is usually wise if you are doing a multi-day bike tour, you can ship it between major stations quickly and cheaply to enable you to reach your start point by train without the hassle of lugging your bike with you.
• For energizing snacks on the go, Japan is a cyclist’s dream destination. There are vending machines all over the place that sell anything and everything, but most importantly cheap and delicious snacks perfect for the road. Look out for umeboshi, salt-pickled plums which Japanese cyclists swear by to replace the minerals lost through rigorous exercise.
• Staying in traditional ryokan is a great way to combine seeing Japan from the saddle and experiencing traditional Japanese culture and hospitality. Make the most of the blissful onsen (spring-fed hot tubs) to ease your tired limbs, and tuck into tasty home-cooked meals to replenish all those calories burnt.
• Lastly, don’t forget to cycle on the left!

Make it happen

Hop on your bike to see Japan from a new perspective. Choose as much or as little time in the saddle as you like, and leave it to the local experts to put together your ideal itinerary. Get in touch with our handpicked Japan specialists today to get started. Happy pedaling!