Kansai Cycling Explorer

Embarking on an adventure from our tour hotel in Kyoto at 09:00 AM, we'll waste no time and head out on an inaugural 18 km ride to explore the city's rich cultural heritage. Our itinerary includes iconic landmarks such as the Heian Shrine, renowned for its imposing red tori gate, as well as the serene settings of Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzenji Temple. Before concluding the ride we’ll also swing by the Gion District, famous for its tea houses and traditional Geisha culture. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and, in the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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 the journey promises a delightful payoff as we reach Ogoto, renowned for its rejuvenating hot springs (onsen). Our adventure commences alongside the Kamo River, leading us onto winding forested paths en route to Kurama Village. After parking our bikes, we'll take a leisurely stroll along the pilgrim's trail to Kurama Temple, treating ourselves to panoramic vistas of the verdant hills below. From there, we'll pedal onward to Ogoto, located near the shores of Lake Biwa. We aim to arrive in time for a refreshing soak in the hot spring waters and, for dinner, we’ll enjoy kaiseki - a traditional multi-course Japanese meal known for its artful presentation and use of seasonal ingredients.

Total cycling: around 48 km
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

After breakfast, we embark on a thrilling day of cycling along the enchanting shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, and its surroundings. Our journey kicks off with a scenic ride across the impressive Biwako Ohashi Bridge.

As we pedal, enjoy wonderful views across the expansive waters. Once we have reached the other side of the lake we will skirt along the shores until we reach the picturesque town of Omihachiman. Here we’ll explore the medieval canal flanked by cobbled walls and traditional houses. We then continue to traverse the scenic countryside until we reach the town of Koka where we’ll spend the night.

Total cycling: around 55 km

Rain or shine, the cycling will proceed. 
The walk will be canceled only in case of severe weather such as a typhoon.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Morning brings us to Shigaraki, renowned for its production of ceramic tanuki (raccoon dog) statues. These ceramic figurines can still be found in many gardens, restaurants and drinking establishments in the area.

Our journey then leads us through breathtaking landscapes as we venture towards Wazuka, famed for being one of Japan's top tea-growing regions. Along winding back roads, we'll traverse the perfectly manicured tea fields carved into the rolling hills of Wuzaka. The route is hilly but there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. As we emerge from the tea fields of Wazuka we’ll complete the final stretch to Nara. For the last 15 km, we will be hopping on a local train in order to avoid the city traffic. Nara is another of Japan’s former capitals, but one which is now a small and compact city with some of the oldest and most impressive temple complexes in the country.

Total cycling: around 61 km

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

With a couple of days of epic cycling behind us, we take a leisurely approach this morning to explore Nara and its cultural gems. After breakfast, we board a train to Sakurai, where our adventure continues along a segment of the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail. The trail passes through some of Nara’s most historic areas and is part of Japan’s oldest road. We’ll stop for lunch and, in the afternoon, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Before returning to our hotel we will head to the Nara Park area, home to iconic landmarks such as Todai-ji and its renowned population of "wild" deer. Dinner is on your own tonight - our crew will be happy to make some recommendations.

Total cycling: around 20 km 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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On our last day of cycling, we'll enjoy a scenic route along the tranquil banks of the Uji River and peaceful back roads, guiding us back to Kyoto. 

We depart Nara in the morning and head towards Uji, a small and charming city famous for green tea, especially matcha. Uji is also home to the spectacular Byodoin temple, widely considered to be one of most beautiful temples in the country. We will stop here to admire the architecture before we continue back towards Kyoto. 

Time permitting as we approach Kyoto we can visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the city's most recognisable attractions due to the thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountain behind the shrine.

From here it is a 10 minute train ride into the city near our hotel. After arriving back in Kyoto, we'll check in to our hotel before meeting up for a final farewell dinner together, cherishing the memories of our cycling adventure together.

Total cycling: around 50 km 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

After an early breakfast, depart to the airport.

You are welcome to stay at the hotel until it is time to check-out. Feel free to extend your stay in Kyoto or head to the airport or the train station for your onward travel.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast