The journey
Pedal from Kyoto's temples through the hills of Kurama, along the shores of Lake Biwa, through Wazuka's tea fields to Nara's ancient trails, and back through Uji, six days of countryside cycling across Japan's cultural heartland.
Cycling the Kansai Backroads is a seven-day guided cycling tour through the countryside behind Kyoto and Nara, covering around 250 kilometres of quiet roads, forest paths and rural back lanes. Begin with an 18-kilometre ride through Kyoto itself, past the Heian Shrine and Gion district, then head into the hills to Kurama Temple and a soak in the hot springs of Ogoto on the shores of Lake Biwa. Skirt Japan's largest lake to the canal town of Omihachiman, ride through Shigaraki's ceramic workshops and the terraced tea fields of Wazuka to Nara, one of Japan's ancient capitals, then wind back to Kyoto along the Uji River, stopping at Byodoin Temple and, time permitting, the thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari.
Highlights
- Cycle around 250km through Kansai's countryside, from Kyoto's temples to the shores of Lake Biwa and the tea fields of Wazuka
- Soak in the hot spring waters of Ogoto after a day riding through the forested hills of Kurama
- Ride the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, to the historic canal town of Omihachiman
- Pedal through the terraced tea plantations of Wazuka, one of Japan's finest tea-growing regions
- Join a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and visit Nara Park's ancient temples and wild deer
- Finish along the Uji River at Byodoin Temple, one of Japan's most celebrated temple buildings
Included
Accommodation
6 nights across Kyoto, Ogoto, Koka, Nara and Kyoto
Activities
Kyoto cycling tour (Heian Shrine, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzenji Temple, Gion District) · Kurama Temple pilgrim trail · Ogoto hot spring soak · Lake Biwa cycling via Biwako Ohashi Bridge and Omihachiman · Shigaraki ceramics area · Wazuka tea fields cycling · Yamanobe-no-Michi trail · traditional Japanese tea ceremony · Nara Park and Todai-ji · Uji River cycling, Byodoin Temple · Fushimi Inari Shrine (time permitting)
Also included
Tour leader and bicycle (Trek FX 3) throughout · shrine entrance fees · breakfast daily from Day 2 (6 total), plus 6 lunches and 5 dinners · transfer instructions for airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport (self-arranged) · trip info pack
The route
Seven days across Japan
5 stops · Kyoto to Nara and back
Kyoto
Ogoto
Koka
Nara
Stop 1 of 5
Journey's end
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Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Cycling Kyoto
Set out from the hotel at 09:00 for an 18-kilometre ride through Kyoto's cultural heart. Pass the Heian Shrine, known for its towering red torii gate, then the quiet grounds of Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, and Nanzenji Temple, before finishing at Gion, the city's historic geisha district of teahouses and lantern-lit lanes. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Settle in for a welcome dinner this evening. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 2
Kyoto to Ogoto via Kurama
Trade central Kyoto for its rural hinterland on one of the hillier rides of the trip. Follow the Kamo River onto forested paths towards Kurama Village, then park the bikes for a walk along the pilgrim's trail to Kurama Temple, taking in panoramic views over the surrounding hills. Continue by bike to Ogoto on the shores of Lake Biwa, arriving in time for a soak in the town's hot spring waters. Dinner is kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal built around seasonal ingredients and artful presentation. Overnight in Ogoto.
Day 3
Ogoto to Koka via Lake Biwa
Ride the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, crossing the Biwako Ohashi Bridge for sweeping views across the water. Follow the lakeshore to Omihachiman, a picturesque canal town of cobbled walls and traditional houses, then continue through the countryside to Koka. Total cycling today is around 55 kilometres. Overnight in Koka.
Day 4
Koka to Nara via Wazuka
Ride to Shigaraki in the morning, known across Japan for its ceramic tanuki (raccoon dog) statues found in gardens and shopfronts throughout the region. Continue into the tea country of Wazuka, one of Japan's top tea-growing regions, following winding back roads through terraced fields carved into the hills. Cover the final stretch into Nara, one of Japan's former capitals, by local train to bypass city traffic. Total cycling today is around 61 kilometres. Overnight in Nara.
Day 5
Nara
Take a lighter pace today to explore Nara. Board a train to Sakurai to pick up a stretch of the Yamanobe-no-Michi, part of Japan's oldest road, passing through some of the region's most historic countryside. Stop for lunch, then join a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the afternoon. Finish at Nara Park, home to Todai-ji and its resident population of freely roaming deer. Dinner is at leisure this evening. Overnight in Nara.
Day 6
Nara to Kyoto via Uji
On the final day of cycling, follow the tranquil Uji River and quiet back roads towards Kyoto. Stop in Uji, celebrated for its green tea and especially its matcha, to admire Byodoin Temple, considered one of the most beautiful temple buildings in Japan. Time permitting, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, its mountainside path lined with thousands of red torii gates, before the short ride into Kyoto. Total cycling today is around 50 kilometres. Settle into the hotel before a final farewell dinner together. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 7
Departure from Kyoto
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing. The hotel is available to relax in until check-out, with time to extend the stay in Kyoto or continue on to the airport or train station.
Moments
Along the way
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