Japan
Cycling
Roadtrip

Central Honshu, Japan

4 → 17 May 2025

Samurai Trail e-bike ride

Overview

The ultimate fusion of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation: start and finish in futuristic Blade Runner-style cities where culture shock hits hard. In between, e-bike through the Japanese Alps and rural prefectures on an ancient route once used by samurai and merchants. Incredible cuisine, volcanic hot springs and the true essence of Japan through its natural and cultural treasures.

Duration

14 days / 13 nights*

Location

Road trip through the centre of Japan's main island, Honshū, from Tokyo to Osaka

BICYCLE PACKAGE

Long-distance touring e-bike rental for 6 days from Nagano to Kyoto, with an escort car for luggage, service support. 2-day city bike rental in Kyoto. GoBeyond tour guide

MEETING POINT

Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo, Japan

ACCOMMODATION

5 nights in Western-style, urban hotels, 6 nights in high-quality, unique accommodations, 2 nights in simpler, rural onsen hotels

PRICE

€3,890

*The duration of the trip lasts from meeting at Tokyo, Japan until the flight home from Osaka, Japan

Gallery

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Description

No other country in the world blends respect for tradition with a drive for innovation quite like Japan. During our journey, we gain a comprehensive understanding of this unique duality: we explore the country’s three most significant metropolises—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—and, during the week-long e-bike tour, experience the island nation’s ancient, nature-connected side and rural life.

On the bike tour, we follow the Nakasendo, a historic route once traveled by samurai, merchants, pilgrims, and other mysterious travelers, shrouded in legends. This ancient path passes through several post towns that have preserved their centuries-old appearance, where residents still practice traditional crafts, from wood carving to sake brewing and miso paste making.

The ~300-kilometer bike tour begins in the Japanese Alps, where we traverse volcanic peaks covered in dense forests, rocky river valleys, waterfalls, and authentic villages. As we leave the mountains, we continue through a more urbanized environment along the Nakasendo, passing rice fields and bamboo groves until we reach Japan’s largest lake.

We continue winding along the shores of Lake Biwa towards Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan and the final stop on our bike tour. After exploring Kyoto, we make a brief visit to Nara, Japan’s oldest capital, to see the hundreds of freely roaming deer. Finally, we will gather one last large dose of excitement in Osaka, Japan’s second most vibrant city, before heading home.

Tour Package

Japan Cycling Roadtrip

4 → 17 May 2025

€3,890

The duration of the trip lasts from meeting in Tokyo to the return flight from Osaka, Japan. Both cities have two international airports from which you can arrive and depart: Haneda International Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (Itami; ITM) in Osaka.

Included in the price

Accommodation for 13 nights in double rooms

Daily breakfast and 1 dinner

E-bike rental for 6 days

Bike transport to the starting point and back at the end of the tour

Support vehicle for luggage

Mechanic support

Bike rental in Kyoto for 2 days

Airport transfers in Tokyo and Osaka

Train tickets from Tokyo to Nagano, Kyoto to Nara, and Nara to Osaka

Entrance fees to included attractions

GoBeyond tour guide

Optional extras

If you wish so, the GoBeyond team can handle the purchase of airline tickets for an administration fee of €50

Further expenses

International flight to Tokyo (HND or NRT) and back from Osaka (KIX or ITM)

Travel insurance

Personal expenses, lunches, dinners, and drinks

Local transportation within the cities

Details

The bike tour

We ride e-bikes because the hills in the Japanese Alps are harsh - but with a bit of help of our e-bikes we can get to many more places. There is a wide range of quality long-distance touring bikes to choose from, depending on size and other considerations. Most are available in the following types: Fuji Motivator, Specialized Vado SL.

Bike bags and other accessories are available on request. The tour is supported by an escort van that will deliver the bikes to our hotel in Nagano and return them from Kyoto. The same car carries our luggage during the tour.

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During the 13 nights, we stay in 8 different accommodations in twin rooms. With the exception of Tokyo and Osaka, all accommodations feature their own onsens, and some even have entire wellness complexes with various pools, saunas, and massage chairs, allowing us to relax in thermal water after long days. One evening, we enjoy a view of the Kiso River, and another evening, we take in the view of Lake Biwa. Every night, we benefit from heated toilet seats and house slippers.

We don’t ride fast or tackle extreme terrain, so technical clothing isn’t necessary. Just bring comfortable clothing suitable for riding several hours at a time. A long-sleeved base layer or leggings over shorts is usually practical, so your trousers don't touch the dirty parts of the bike and you're less likely to get wet in the rain. A well-ventilated long-sleeved T-shirt and a thin down or windbreaker are also a good idea. Be sure to pack a windproof and waterproof jacket, as well as thin gloves. It may rain and you can prepare for this in two ways: with waterproof layers (raincoat and trousers, waterproof shoes) or with a poncho that can be worn over otherwise non-waterproof clothing and a gaiter that can be worn over shoes. A baseball cap is handy in the rain to shield your face. It is not compulsory to wear a helmet when cycling in Japan, so it is up to you whether you wear one or not.

Japan drives on the left, which takes some getting used to in the first few days. Most of the cycling is on tarmac, and the precision and quality so typical of the Japanese doesn't let us down here, so we get the chance to experience what it's like to cycle on mirrored asphalt in the forest. Typically we cycle on quiet roads, with only a few short stretches on busy roads where there are segregated cycle and footpaths with railings, so there is no need to cycle between cars. The traffic culture is also a feature of Japan that makes it worth a visit: there is no other place in the world where drivers are so patient and courteous.

Depending on your spending habits, you can expect to spend between €600 and €900. A meal costs between €7 and €25, but you can get away with less with good quality ready meals and freshly baked food. It's easy to spend money in the cities and less in the countryside, but if you want to come home full of souvenirs, plan ahead.

During the two weeks, we dive into Japanese cuisine, sampling rich ramen, fresh dumplings, and authentic sushi, as well as regional specialties like Nagano’s soba and Osaka’s takoyaki. We have breakfast at our accommodations on 12 occasions, with one morning spent picking up breakfast from unique Japanese stores, offering onigiris, sandwiches, smoothies, and sweets. One evening, dinner is also provided at our accommodation. For lunch, we stop at various places en route, and in the evenings, we explore local restaurants or izakayas. Expect to enjoy vegetable-packed noodle soups, crispy tempura, fermented vegetables, and table grilling, with some dishes so unfamiliar that we may not even know what we’re eating.

A maximum of 12 group members, representing a mix of nationalities.

We make high-quality content in all our camps. You will receive the photos after returning home to remember all the amazing memories.

The airport transfer takes us to the centre of Tokyo and also to the airport in Osaka. On train travel days, we use luggage delivery services. This means that when we check out of our accommodation in Tokyo or Kyoto, we leave our large bags behind, and they will arrive at the next hotel by evening. This service, like domestic train tickets and airport transfers, is included in the package. The price does not cover local transportation within the cities, as there will likely be occasions when not the entire group is traveling together. Everyone can use public transportation with a card added to their phone. Both Kyoto and Osaka are bike-friendly cities, and we can also rent bikes if we prefer to explore the most exciting neighborhoods by bicycle.

You should choose an insurance that covers cycling and is valid in Japan. You can contact us and we will be happy to recommend the most suitable one.

Program

14-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

We arrive in Tokyo, where a transfer awaits us at the airport. The team then gathers in Shinjuku. We acclimatize, rest from the long journey, and immerse ourselves in Tokyo's vibrant nightlife.

Day 2-3

Tokyo

In Tokyo, we arrange our schedule according to the team's preferences. Our goal is to ensure that everyone gets to experience the several faces of one of the world's most exciting cities.
There are some must-visit neighborhoods and attractions that we can explore together on an optional basis, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara, Yoyogi Park, or the fish market. However, if someone prefers to spend both days shopping or diving into the depths of arcade games, there are opportunities to do so.

Day 4

Arrival in the mountains

In the morning, we bid farewell to Tokyo and hop aboard Japan’s world-renowned rail network, speeding toward the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture at up to 270 km/h. In the afternoon, we pick up our bicycles, set them up, and take them for a test ride. In the evening, we unwind in the hotel’s onsen, shaking off the urban chaos and preparing for the slower pace of rural life.

Day 5

Start of the bike tour

After breakfast, we hop on our bikes and head towards one of Nakasendo's former wealthiest post towns, where traditional wooden buildings now house restaurants, sake breweries, and craft shops. In an open house, we can also see how local merchants lived in the past. For lunch, we sample Nagano’s famous soba noodles, then continue our ride to Kiso-Fukushima. There, we relax our legs in a roadside foot bath filled with thermal water and taste the sake we bought in Narai-juku. We visit the Kiso Valley’s most famous Zen temple, renowned for Asia's largest dry rock garden, and then unwind in the hotel’s onsen in the evening.

Day 6

Continuing along the samurai path

In the Kiso Valley our journey is accompanied by gorges, waterfalls, estuaries, and sacred sites as we reach the most beautifully preserved section of the Nakasendo. We ascend into the mountains along the Araragi River, where the atmospheric post towns of Tsumago and Magome welcome us. After soaking in the ambiance of Japan from 300 years ago, we’ll descend the other side of the mountain and spend the evening relaxing in an authentic Japanese izakaya, enjoying a well-deserved break after a long day.

Day 7

Through forests & cities

As we leave the Japanese Alps and Nagano behind, we enter a much more open landscape in Gifu Prefecture. Following the Nakasendo, our route meanders through partially modernized post towns and scenic forests until we reach Inuyama. Inuyama, renowned for one of Japan’s oldest wooden castles, awaits us for exploration. In the evening, we experience Japanese table grilling at an izakaya, discovering this unique method of cooking.

Day 8

Accross rice paddies & rivers

In the morning, we continue along the widening Kiso River, reaching Ogaki, known as the City of Water, where sake breweries, castles, and onsens cross our path. In the afternoon, we wind our way through rice fields, forests, and post towns as we enter Shiga Prefecture. Along the way, we visit a soy sauce brewery and a unique sacred site at a natural spring. By the afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. From the panoramic onsen, we enjoy the sun sinking behind the mountains across the lake.

Day 9

Along the lake shore to Kyoto

Day 10-11

Kyoto

In Kyoto, we swap our e-bikes for simple city bikes and explore the city on them. On the first day, we head north to enjoy exceptional views of the city, see the wild monkeys of Kameyama-koen Park, the main attraction in the district, Tenryu-ji Zen Temple, and take some pictures in the famous bamboo forest. On the second day, we visit one of Kyoto's most important heritage sites, the Kiyomizu-dera temple, in the eastern part of the city. We visit the old town and the beautiful Maruyama-koen Park, and of course explore Gion, the infamous district of the geisha.

Day 12

Day trip to Nara

In the morning, we board a train and, in less than an hour, arrive in the ancient city of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century, renowned for its oldest temples. We visit and pet the freely roaming deer in Nara Park. After lunch, we take a short train ride to Osaka. In the evening, we dive into the city’s most vibrant district, Dotonbori, where we sample Osaka’s famous street food.

Day 13

Osaka

We spend the first part of our last full day in Japan enjoying free time, allowing everyone to get the essential souvenirs. In the afternoon, we embark on a city tour, visiting the most unusual neighborhoods and key attractions. In the evening, we say farewell to each other and to Japan with a big group dinner, then try to rest up before the long journey home.

Day 14

Departure

We take a private transfer to the airport, according to each person’s flight schedule. After the two-week tour, pleasantly tired, and with lasting memories, we fly home.

The program is subject to change at any times. The final itinerary depends on current weather conditions and the group’s skills and stamina.

Your tailor-made cycling adventure in Japan

Discover more

Would you like to spend more time exploring Tokyo or relaxing in the countryside? Would you skip Osaka? If you'd prefer a different time frame, a trip with family or friends, riding normal bikes instead of e-bikes, contact us with your ideas and we'll put together the adventure of your dreams.

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Our guides

Vanda

Head of Adventure Tours

One of the pillars of our team and the best expert on our trips. When travelling, she loves to take it slow and discover the true essence of places from the saddle.

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Janó

Founder

An expert freeride skier, a passionate surfer, and a seasoned traveler. With a deep love for adventure, he spends over 150 days a year on the move.

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Norbi

Travel Expert

Norbi is a constantly curious world wanderer. He is most content and happy when he’s outdoors.

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Secure your spot with a deposit & travel contract

Plane tickets & visa arrangement if needed

Typically 1-2 months before departure

Second Instalment

30 days before departure

GoBeyond adventure starts

We greet you at the meeting point

FAQ

Not at all. Half of the group usually comes alone, so you can be sure you'll make new friends!

If you can cycle for 6 hours a day on tarmac at a comfortable pace in average terrain, you're fit enough to complete the tour. The volcanic mountains of Japan have some pretty tough climbs and electric bikes will be a big help in overcoming them. If you've ridden an e-bike before, it's an advantage, but not a requirement—everyone gets used to it on the first day.

In May, central Japan enjoys pleasant early summer weather, with daytime highs of 22-25°C and nighttime lows cooling to around 10-13°C. While May is generally dry, rain showers can still happen, so it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof layer. As with transitional seasons in general, it’s worth preparing for this trip with breathable, layered clothing. Packing items like short- and long-sleeved shirts, long underwear or leggings, shorts and long pants, a lightweight down or wind vest, and a jacket are all smart choices. For rainy days, one option is to bring a waterproof layer you can easily throw over your non-waterproof clothes, like a poncho and gaiters. Another is to go for a waterproof jacket and rain pants, plus waterproof shoes or gaiters. It’s also a good idea to pack a pair of thin gloves and a lightweight hat or baseball cap.

Depending on your spending habits, your budget will likely fall between €600 and €900. Meals usually range from €7 to €25, though you can cut costs with some savvy choices. Cities have a way of tempting you to spend more, while the countryside tends to be kinder to your wallet. If you’re planning to come home with plenty of souvenirs, it’s smart to factor that into your budget ahead of time!

You need an insurance that covers cycling and is valid in Japan. You can contact us and we will be happy to recommend the most suitable one.

We'll be staying in the central area of Japan's main island, Honsu, known as the Chubu region.

Over the course of two weeks, we immerse ourselves in Japanese cuisine, savoring hearty ramen, delicate dumplings, authentic sushi, and regional specialties such as Nagano’s soba and Osaka’s takoyaki. Breakfast is provided at our accommodations on 12 days, with one morning set aside for discovering unique Japanese stores offering onigiri, sandwiches, smoothies, and sweets. On one evening, dinner is also included at our accommodation. For lunch, we make stops at various spots along our journey, while dinners are an opportunity to explore local restaurants or izakayas. Look forward to enjoying dishes like vegetable-packed noodle soups, crispy tempura, fermented vegetables, and table grilling—some so unique that their ingredients might remain a delightful mystery!

Over the course of 13 nights, we stay in eight different accommodations, all in twin rooms. These range from modern Western-style hotels in bustling city centers to high-quality, one-of-a-kind lodgings and simpler onsen hotels in small towns. Outside of Tokyo and Osaka, all our accommodations include access to their own onsen baths—perfect for unwinding in thermal waters after an active day. One evening, we’ll enjoy views of the Kiso River, while another treats us to the serene beauty of Lake Biwa. Here’s how the stay is divided: 5 nights in Western-style urban hotels, 6 nights in high-quality, unique accommodations, 2 nights in simpler, rural onsen hotels.

The local currency is the Japanese yen; JPY. At the airport you’ll find plenty of exchange kiosks and ATMs and we recommend exchanging money there or at home, since this would be tricky on the mountains. You can pay by card basically everywhere, but you may encounter high transaction costs so we do advise bringing plenty of cash.

Travelers from many countries across the globe can visit Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa, but if you require one, we are happy to help! Check this link to see which countries require a visa: https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/visa-info/