Nikko + Kiryu + Akagi + Kawaba Rindo Adventure || 8 Days | 7 Nights
Availability
Spring Dates:
April 1-June 15
Fall Dates:
September 1-November 30
Can start on any:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Regions
Nikko, Kiryu, Mt. Akagi, and Kawaba
Our Nikko + Kiryu + Akagi + Kawaba Rindō Adventure is a week-long journey through the forests, foothills, and river valleys stretching from Nikko in Tochigi to Kawaba in northern Gunma. The first portion of the tour mirrors the flow and landscapes of our Nikko North Alps Guided Tour, before continuing deeper into the countryside with two final nights in Kawaba Valley – one of our favorite places to ride.
Begin in Nikko at a beautiful ryokan tucked just beyond the main tourist areas, and spend your first days exploring hidden valleys and quiet mountain roads. From there, transfer to a traditional, family-run ryokan along the Kiryu River and ride through the secluded hills and forest passes of our home region. Next, settle in at a ryokan perched on the slopes of Mt. Akagi before riding over (or around) its towering summit into Kawaba Valley, where a new landscape and a slower pace await.
This self-guided tour is a great fit for riders who:
- Prefer all premium traditional Japanese accommodations
- Want to stay in multiple locations across a variety of regions
- Want a balance of remote, countryside cycling with and off-bike cultural stop options
This self-guided tour is not a good fit for riders who:
- Prefer budget friendly accommodations
- Prefer western-style accommodations
- Have strict dietary requirements
- Don’t feel confident they can ride 60-70km on longer transfer days
Itinerary
Day 1 Overview
Your Rindō Bike Tour Japan support staff will meet you at Tobu Nikko Station on the first day of your tour. After introductions, bike fits, and a brief introduction to your ryokan, head out on an easy, shakedown ride and get a taste of what this region has to offer! As with all of our self-guided tours, you’ll have a variety of route options each day, allowing you to match your ride to your energy level and interests. Take on a bigger challenge, explore a new area, or simply follow our recommended route and enjoy the views.
Day 2 Overview
On Day 2, choose how much of a challenge you want and head deeper into the forests and mountains surrounding Nikko on one of several loop options. Nikko is known for its rich history and its ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu – the shogunate that unified Japan under one rule. As you ride, take in the towering cedar forests, explore ancient shrines and moss-covered statues, and get a sense of Japan’s enduring past.
Day 3 Overview
Leave your luggage in the lobby and start your long transfer toward your next accommodation in the quiet forests along the Kiryu River. Nikko and Kiryu are separated by a broad range of low mountains, and the Watarase River Valley provides a scenic and direct cycling route between them. Follow the gentle descent along the valley for a more relaxed ride, or, for those seeking a greater challenge, climb over remote forest passes and rindō roads before reaching your ryokan retreat.
Day 4 Overview
The low mountains and cedar forests surrounding your ryokan hide some of our favorite secluded rindō roads and passes, making this the perfect day to immerse yourself in nature. Set out on one of several loop options and breathe in the peace and quiet of the Japanese countryside as you ride.
Day 5 Overview
Leave your luggage in the lobby and set out toward your next accommodation near Mt. Akagi. Route options vary depending on your rider level and how much of a challenge you’d like, but all share a similar final climb as they wind their way up the lower base of Mt. Akagi to your beautiful ryokan perched on its slope.
Day 6 Overview
Wave goodbye to Kiryu and make your way toward Kawaba on the far northern side of Mt. Akagi. Depending on how much of a challenge you want, you can choose to summit the mountain or ride around its wide base. No matter what journey you take, sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and a beautiful ryokan await at the end of the day.
Day 7 Overview
Kawaba Valley is a stunning landscape of rice fields, orchards, vineyards, and forested mountains in every direction. Riding these quiet rural roads offers a taste of the quintessential Japanese countryside — scenery that’s often difficult for visiting cyclists to access and exactly what we want to showcase. Head out on one of our loop routes and take in the seasonal views and surrounding natural beauty.
Day 8 Overview
On your final day, how much you want to ride is up to you. Enjoy a relaxed morning at the ryokan or head out for one last ride through the countryside. Our self-guided support team will shuttle you to Jomo Kogen Station at your preferred time (up to 3:00 pm). From there it’s an easy, 1-hr bullet train ride back to Tokyo. Mata-ne!
Nikko + Kiryu + Akagi + Kawaba Rindo Adventure Map
A FEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
