Cycling in Japan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration17 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / Japan
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions187.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover Japan by bike with Shanti Travel and experience a unique 17-day adventure from Tokyo to Fukuoka. This cycling tour allows you to explore Japan at your own pace, immersing yourself in its traditions, nature, and iconic cities.
From the soothing calm of Lake Kawaguchiko to the timeless elegance of Kyoto , each step brings you closer to authentic Japan. Savor the culinary specialties of Osaka , discover the natural beauty of Nara , and travel along the famous Shimanami Kaido , a legendary waterway that winds its way over islands and bridges above crystal-clear waters.
Along the way, relax in the hot springs of Beppu , a rejuvenating stop before ending your adventure in Fukuoka , a vibrant city with subtle charm. With Shanti Travel, this cycling trip in Japan allows you to fully experience the essence of the "Land of the Rising Sun," at your own pace and far from the crowds.
The highlights
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A gentle and immersive experience
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The famous Shimanami Kaido bicycle
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Easily accessible bike rides
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 30 km a day on flat terrain. The stages follow cycle paths for the most part. An ideal trip for a family holiday or for adults who enjoy short bike rides.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 12 km
Management
The services of a French-speaking tour guide on days 1, 2, 6, 9 and 10.
Program
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Tokyo Airport - Tokyo
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon your arrival in Tokyo, an assistant will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel by public transport.
You activate your Suica card for transport and shopping, and receive a Pocket Wi-Fi for unlimited internet access.
Enjoy a free half-day to explore the city before spending your first night in Tokyo.
Day 1 -
Tokyo
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, discover Tokyo by bike, off the beaten track.
Start with a visit to Sensō-ji Temple, one of the most revered temples in the archipelago. Stroll along the charming Nakamise Street, where you can find many typical souvenirs.
Next, stroll through the Asakusa district, the historic center of the capital, with its old-world charm reminiscent of a bygone Tokyo. End the day at the top of the Tokyo Skytree, the second tallest structure in the world.
Day 2 -
Tokyo
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave Tokyo for Kawaguchiko, a journey of approximately 2 hours by train.
Explore the city freely and visit the Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja shrine, climbing the 397 steps for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji.
Then take a bike tour around Lake Kawaguchi. A magical 3-hour ride around the lake, at the foot of the legendary Mount Fuji.
At the end of the day, return to Tokyo by train.
Day 3 -
Tokyo
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day at your leisure in Tokyo. Stroll through Tsukiji Market and savor sushi at local restaurants. Explore Shibuya, discover the Hachiko dog statue, and admire the view from Shibuya Scramble Square, with a possible view of Mount Fuji.
Take a stroll through Yoyogi Park and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. End the evening in the vibrant Shinjuku district, with its dazzling neon lights and lively nightlife.
Day 4 -
Tokyo - Kyoto
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you're taking the train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Spend the day exploring the city on foot.
Visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, then savor the culinary delights of Nishiki Market. In the iconic Gion district, stroll through its charming streets and discover the Yasaka Shrine.
In the evening, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the old Pontocho district.
Day 5 -
Kyoto
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 15 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You join your guide for a bicycle exploration of Kyoto, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city at your own pace.
Stroll along the winding canals and picturesque alleyways, soaking up the local atmosphere. This day is punctuated by majestic temples, peaceful shrines, and charming machiya houses.
A truly gentle and immersive experience, to discover Kyoto in a different way.
Day 6 -
Kyoto
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today is a free day to continue exploring Kyoto as you wish.
For example, visit the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryōan-ji Temple with its Zen garden. Tenryū-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are also places we highly recommend.
For a touch of serenity, visit Jojakko-ji Temple and Nison-in Temple. Other options include a hike in Iwatayama Monkey Park, offering breathtaking views of the city and the chance to encounter Japanese macaques.
Day 7 -
Kyoto - Osaka
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
With your JR Setouchi Area Pass, you can continue your exploration of the Kansai region by train, leaving Kyoto for Osaka. Discover the underground galleries of the Kita-Umeda district.
Then, take a stroll through Tenno-ji Park with its zoo and botanical garden, before wandering around the Shinsekai district, literally "new world" but which nevertheless possesses an undeniable retro charm.
Day 8 -
Osaka
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you will meet your guide for a half-day exploring Osaka by bicycle.
Discover the treasures of Osaka, from the Namba Yasaka shrine to the Kuromon Ichiba market and the Shinsaibashi-Suji district.
You end your day on foot in Osaka's most famous street: Dotonbori Street. Festive and bright, the street is lined with huge neon signs, shops, bars, restaurants and even game rooms.
Day 9 -
Osaka
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early in the morning, a guide will accompany you for a day in Nara. Visit the Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji temples, stroll through the Isui-en garden and walk in Nara Park, where you will encounter the shika deer.
Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and end with a stroll through the historic Naramachi district, including a visit to Gango-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You return to Osaka in the late afternoon.
Day 10 -
Osaka - Onomichi
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you're off to Onomichi, which you can explore at your leisure. We recommend visiting Senko-ji Temple, on the mountain of the same name.
This area, accessible on foot or by cable car, offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. If you choose to walk, you'll follow the Path of Literature, dotted with engraved poems.
At the top, admire the park, with its cherry trees and azaleas, then visit the temple, famous for its goddess Senju Kannon.
Day 11 -
Onomichi - Imabari
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 25 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today, you begin your cycling journey on the Shimanami Kaido road.
From the city of Onomichi, you travel through the splendid landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea and cross several islands and scenic bridges before arriving in Imabari.
This coastal town is especially renowned for its magnificent “sea castle”.
Day 12 -
Imabari - Fukuoka
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 15 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Another bike ride on the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari. The route remains as visually spectacular as ever, winding between islands and offering magnificent ocean views.
Then, you take the train from Shin-Onomichi to Fukuoka. Enjoy the rest of the day soaking up the energy of Fukuoka.
The Fukuoka Tower offers a beautiful view of the bay, and the Canal City Hakata complex, a huge shopping center, has a "Ramen Stadium" famous for its local specialties.
Day 13 -
Fukuoka
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 15 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After renting your bike, you head to Hakata Bay. You start from Ohori Park and cycle to the pair of rocks "Sakurai-Futamigaura".
Along the way, you can admire Fukuoka Tower, Odo Park, Imazu Park, and Umizuri Marine Park.
That's the end of the day for you in Fukuoka.
Day 14 -
Fukuoka - Beppu
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h36
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you leave Fukuoka for Nakatsu. Once there, you rent a bicycle to explore the Maple Yaba Trail.
This accessible cycle path, using old railway lines, takes you over the Yamanuki Bridge, the Yaba-kei Bridge and the Ao-no-Domon Tunnel.
After your walk, relax in an onsen, a Japanese hot bath, then take the train to Beppu.
Day 15 -
Beppu - Fukuoka
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Let yourself be seduced by Beppu's specialties, such as toriten or Jigoku-mushi cuisine, cooked in the onsen. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the "Beppu hells," these spectacular hot springs nestled between Kannawa and Shibaseki.
Finally, treat yourself to a relaxing break in a revitalizing hot sand bath. During the day, you'll return to Fukuoka by train.
Day 16 -
Fukuoka - Fukuoka International Airport
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll continue exploring Fukuoka and do some souvenir shopping. This marks the end of your trip to Japan and the time to say goodbye to the "Land of the Rising Sun".
See you soon on the roads of Asia.
Day 17
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Assistance from our travel experts 24/7.
- The services of a French-speaking assistant upon your arrival.
- Your pocket wifi gives you unlimited internet access for the entire duration of your stay.
- Accommodation or similar establishment, as mentioned in the program in a double room / Japanese room.
- The services of a French-speaking tour guide on days 1, 2, 6, 9 and 10.
- Breakfasts from day 1 to day 17, dinner on day 12 and lunch on day 9.
- Bike rental on days 2 and 9.
- The activities as described in the program.
- Your excursions as indicated — excluding free days.
- Public transport cards Suica / Pasmo / Icoca / Nimoca (metro and bus).
- Your JR Setouchi Area Pass is valid for 7 days.
- Your Northern Kyushu Area Pass is valid for 2 days.
- Individual train tickets for days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15.
- Government taxes and service taxes
The price does not include
- International flights and international airport taxes.
- Main meals and meals for your guides.
- Bike rental in Kawaguchiko, Fukuoka and the Shimanami Kaido road - expect to pay around €50 per person.
- Cancellation, assistance and repatriation insurance (please contact us).
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses.
- Entrance fees to cultural sites - including those for your guide.
- The tourism-related tax.
- Topping up Suica and Pasmo transport cards.
- The cost of not returning the Pocket Wifi.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.