Plan Your Japan Cycling Adventure

Japan is home to some of the best road cycling on this planet. And the best thing is that many people don’t know that just yet. Just a few reasons biking in Japan is the ultimate cycling experience:

-Fantastic Roads. Japan’s dedication towards infrastructure is unmatched. From bike paths to car-free rural roads to uber-smooth mountain roads, this is truly a road cyclist’s dream.

-Friendliest Drivers on Planet Earth. Most people know that good manners are of extreme importance in modern Japanese society. Luckily for cyclists, this considerate and courteous behavior is just as important behind the wheel. Imagine a world where drivers always give cyclists the whole lane… welcome to Japan!

-Fresh, Seasonal Food. Our ryokan and restaurant partners have been hand-picked for their ability to create amazing meals with local ingredients. You will love the variety and creativity of each of the meals we’ll enjoy on tour.

-Onsen Hot Spring Baths. Mineral-rich hot springs are the watering holes that bring Japanese communities together. If you’ve never been to an onsen before, we’ll show you the ropes and the rituals!

These amazing ingredients allow us to create the best cycling tours in the world. We can’t wait to wow you with each and every moment on your adventure holiday.

From delicate sakura cherry blossoms in springtime to the regal reds and golds painted across majestic mountainsides, Japan is an ever-changing landscape ready to impress in any season. Our trip schedule follows optimal weather for cycling (cool and dry) as it moves across the country and down the Japanese Alps. So, when you travel with BTJ on a group cycling adventure posted on our calendar, you are visiting each of these regions in their prime weather for outdoor exploration.

If you are planning your trip in general, what are the best times to visit Japan for a variety of cycling and non-snow outdoor activities? The answer to that question is SPRING (late March to early June) and FALL (late September to early December).

At Bike Tour Japan, it’s our passion to share the many things we love about cycling in the inaka. When literally translated, the characters 田舎 mean “ricefields and farmhouses”. In Japan, the idea of Inaka captures an image of a slow, intentional, and nostalgic time. Escape from everyday life, and enjoy this chance to ride your bicycle in our favorite destinations, filled with unique traditions, incredible nature, challenging terrain, and inspirational landscapes.

While Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, and the Noto Peninsula have an endless stream of blog articles and reference books, we strive to show our guests a totally different side of Japan. A side that is intimate, local, and often overlooked. Our experiences connect guests with the earth in a way that honors Japan’s Shinto traditions of worshiping spirits of nature. We invite you to join us off the beaten path to discover these magical and hidden places.

Japan is a land of many climates and seasons. When planning for your Japan cycling holiday, the best way to make sure you’re ready for any weather is to bring layers that can be put on and taken off during the day as temperatures change.

For a complete guide to packing for your Japan cycling tour, check out our Packing Guide.

Traveling with your family by bike is an amazing way to share quality time, learn about a new place, and build memories that will truly last a lifetime.

If your little ninjas are above the age of 12, they may join our group trips when accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.

For riders younger than 12 years of age, please inquire about our bespoke trips and let us know what excites you and your little ones about riding in Japan. We are happy to give you more details about kid-friendly activities such as Edo Wonderland, Calligraphy Class, Fuji-Q Theme Park, Gunma Insect World, and more. In our experience, private trips work best for families with kids under age 12. This allows us the flexibility to make specific arrangements for younger children based on their unique interests and abilities.

We can’t wait to share Japan with your peloton of young riders!