Cycle Japan

This 11-day ride takes you from Tokyo's streets to quiet mountain villages in Gifu Prefecture, with a local leader guiding the way throughout. It's a slower, close-up way to see Japan — cycling past Edo-period merchant houses, along lakesides, and through countryside that most visitors never reach.

Daily distances are short, from 10 to 80 km, but the Gifu terrain is hilly and a support vehicle is always on hand if you need a break. Between rides, you'll use Japan's public transport network, carrying your own luggage between stations and hotels.

You'll need to be a confident, competent cyclist, comfortable riding solo and in a group. Beyond the cycling, there's real time built in for Kyoto's temples and shrines, and for taking in Tokyo's energy on foot as well as by bike.

What you'll do

• Cycle through Tokyo's streets like a local
• Ride past Edo-period merchant homes in the Gifu countryside
• Explore Kyoto's temples, shrines and geiko culture
• Take on the hilly, mountainous terrain of Gifu Prefecture
• Travel between regions by Japan's public rail network
• Option to hire an e-bike for a lighter effort ride