GUIDED CYCLING TOURS IN JAPAN

GUIDED CYCLING TOURS IN JAPAN

HOKKAIDO, TOHOKU, KYUSHU

Our guided cycling tours in Japan combine expert local knowledge, full on-road support, and unforgettable routes through Hokkaido and Tohoku. Whether you are chasing mountain passes, coastal roads, or cultural experiences, our guided adventures offer structured, supported, and deeply rewarding journeys tailored to passionate cyclists of varying experience levels.

A mountain road surrounded by lush green trees with snow-capped mountains in the distance and a cyclist riding along the side of the road.
Group of hikers walking on rocky, volcanic terrain with a mountain in the background.
A deer with fawn-like spots on its back standing near a forested area by the side of a road.
A mountainous landscape with colorful fall foliage and rocky cliffs against a clear blue sky.
A serene lake with clear water, surrounded by trees with colorful autumn foliage, and two mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A person riding a bicycle on a roadside with lush green trees and cloudy sky in the background.
A scenic view of a dry riverbed with a small stream flowing through, surrounded by lush green trees on both sides, under a partly cloudy sky.
A lake with turquoise water in front of a forested hillside with autumn-colored foliage and tall bare trees.
A flowing mountain stream surrounded by trees with autumn leaves in red, yellow, and green.
A lake with bright blue water surrounded by green trees, some of which are dead and standing in the water, with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background.

Why Choose Guided Tours

Enjoy the round-the-clock support of a minimum of two trained local guides — one of whom is fluent in Japanese and one trained mechanic. Our guides bring Japan alive, smooth the experience, and help you ride with confidence. A dedicated support vehicle carries luggage, refreshments, and offers assistance if you need a break or extra help.

Cycling in Japan is comfortable thanks to cooler climates and long spring to early fall seasons — perfect for exploring memorable routes. All of our guided tours include expert leadership, on-route logistics, and cultural insights.

What Guided Tours Include

  • Two experienced local guides (one fluent in Japanese + trained mechanic)

  • Support vehicle for luggage, refreshments, and rider assistance

  • Carefully planned scenic routes in Hokkaido, Tohoku and Kyushu

  • Quality accommodations and cultural experiences

  • Local insights, language support, and smooth logistics

Featured Guided Cycling Tours

Wild Hokkaido Explorer

From the Eastern Shiretoko Peninsula, through the Caldera Lakes area to the Taisetsuzan Mountains
Guided tour - 11 Days - Difficulty Level 3
Dates 2026: 10-20 June, 28 September-08 October

From $7,040 USD/person

Learn more

Tohoku  - The Narrow Road To The Deep North

WIND ALONG THE SPINE OF NORTHEASTERN HONSHU, following the cherry blossom from south to north and the autumn leaves from north to south
Guided tour - 14 Days - Difficulty Level 2.5 
Dates 2026: 13-26 April, 12-25 October

From $8,960 USD/person

Learn more

Kyushu - Where fire, water, and culture shape the ride

RIDE THROUGH KYUSHU’S VOLCANIC CORE, from steaming mountains to wild coastlines, chasing blossoms in spring and crimson leaves in autumn.
Guided tour - More details soon 
Launching Soon — 2026

More details soon

Learn more

Testimonials

  • My family and I absolutely loved our Playground of the Gods cycling tour! We were able to see areas of Hokkaido that we would never have gone to ourselves. Of course, those off-the-beaten-track places ended up being our favorites! The Cycle Japan team also chose wonderful food and hotels for us. We really felt like we got to see a side of Hokkaido that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The cycling itself was also high quality - all of the roads were in excellent condition, and we never had any big issues with traffic. We can’t wait to come back in the future!

    Claire J, Playground of the Gods Guided, 2024

  • “Touring with Cycle Japan was the best way to see traditional Japan; seaside villages, stunning coastal scenery, mountain streams, rivers and lush forests. The accommodation was amazing, the food a real treat and the route varied and exciting. As a guide Gareth was invaluable; his knowledge of Japan, the people, customs and language added to the depth of our experience. The Japanese people were so friendly and welcoming and through Gareth we met and chatted with many locals. He took us to unique and special places as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. An amazing trip.”

    Diane and Eric M, September 2023

  • “It was a fantastic trip that exceeded my expectations not only for biking, but also for hotel and baths, hikes, food, cultural experiences and daily challenges. Kathy and I have done a lot of bike trips and this one was right at the top.”

    Jerry C, June 2023

  • “A holiday of a lifetime… Cycling with Cycle Japan gave me deep insight into the unique and special culture of this extraordinary country. I had previously travelled as a tourist on the fast train but this slower, yet energising cycling journey through the extraordinary country was one of my top experiences in a lifetime of interesting travel. Well organised, fascinating route, dramatic scenery, spiritual sites, huge forests, excellent bikes - including e-bikes.”

    Jean W, September 2023

  • “Ease of travel for the moderately fit with fun guides and technical support. Every evening the welcoming relaxation of a hot bath, yukata gown, tatami mats, comfortable futons. Excellent food - no illness in our party of 8 yet we were given every style of Japanese cuisine such that later when we went to the food markets in Kyoto we realised we had already enjoyed most of what we saw. A truly magnificent holiday - top class quality. To be recommended at every level.”

    Ann and Graeme W, September 2023

  • Great experience - wish it was longer: Blissful riding through hills and farmlands - gentle climbs rewarded with exhilarating descents. Gareth and Rika were delightful hosts and offered great advice. Air Furano is small and comfy and has a great breakfast, so don’t bother with an accommodation upgrade in Furano unless you really want big hotel amenities. The bicycles were of good quality, well maintained, and comfortable to ride (unlike most other clunky rental tour bikes we’ve ridden). The rides were well curated - along country roads with sparse traffic and with interesting stops here and there - the ramen lunch, art museum, photo museum and the glass factory are all well worth the time. Accommodations were comfy, had onsens, and most had generous kaiseki dinners, one had a buffet.

    Heidi V, Rolling Hills Self-guided, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our guided cycling tours in Japan are fully supported, immersive experiences designed to let you focus on the ride, the scenery, and the culture — while we handle the logistics.

    Each guided tour with Air Bike Tours typically includes:

    • Two experienced local guides (one fluent in Japanese and one trained mechanic)

    • A dedicated support vehicle for luggage, refreshments, and rider assistance

    • Carefully planned scenic cycling routes

    • Daily on-road support and mechanical assistance

    • Quality accommodation and most meals

    • Cultural and culinary experiences along the way

    • Local insights, language support, and smooth logistics throughout the journey

    From start to finish, everything is arranged so you can enjoy Japan’s landscapes, food, and culture on two wheels with confidence and comfort.

  • Yes — all of our guided cycling tours in Japan include full bike and rider support.

    This means:

    • A support vehicle following the group each day

    • On-route mechanical assistance from a trained guide

    • Help with flat tires, minor repairs, and bike adjustments

    • Transport for riders who need a break or assistance

    • Luggage transport between accommodations

    Whether you experience a mechanical issue, fatigue, or simply want a short rest, our support team is always nearby to ensure your ride stays enjoyable and stress-free.

  • Our guided cycling tours are designed for reasonably fit recreational cyclists, and we offer a range of routes with different difficulty levels.

    In general, you should be comfortable with:

    • Riding 50–100 km (30–60 miles) per day

    • Spending several consecutive days on the bike

    • Handling rolling terrain and occasional longer climbs

    You do not need to be an elite cyclist. Our tours are paced sensibly, include regular breaks, and are fully supported. Riders can take advantage of the support vehicle if they need a rest on any given day.

    We are also happy to recommend the most suitable tour based on your fitness level, cycling experience, and travel goals.

  • On our guided cycling tours in Japan, we provide high-quality rental bikes that are carefully selected to match the terrain, duration, and style of each tour.

    Available bike options include:

    Road Bikes

    • Lightweight and fast

    • Perfect for multi-day tours on paved roads

    • Comfortable for long-distance rides

    Hybrid Bikes

    • Versatile and stable

    • Suitable for mixed terrain and leisurely rides

    • Comfortable for riders of all levels

    E-Bikes

    • Electric-assist for longer rides or hilly terrain

    • Makes cycling more accessible for riders of varying fitness levels

    Included with every bike rental:

    • Helmet (mandatory and safety-checked)

    • Repair kit and spare tubes

    • Optional pedals to match your shoe type

    • Professional bike fitting advice

    Check here for prices.

    All bikes are maintained to high standards by our team. On guided tours, our support vehicle carries spare parts and tools, and our guides can assist with any minor mechanical adjustments during your ride.

    Whether you prefer a fast road ride or a more relaxed all-terrain experience, we’ll help you choose the best bike to suit your tour and riding style.