SELF-SUPPORTED CYCLING TOURS IN JAPAN

Self-supported tours - (No luggage transfers)

Our self-supported cycling tours follow the same great routes as our self-guided cycling tours program, but without luggage transfers — ideal for riders who enjoy cycling with minimal gear and at their own pace on quiet country roads. You get the freedom to explore Hokkaido’s scenic roads independently, while we provide the planning, routes, and options you need for a smooth and memorable bike adventure.

Following the same scenic routes, self-supported trips can start any day of the week except Sunday, giving you greater flexibility within your travel plans. We can store large suitcases at our base, so you travel light with only what you need.

Rental panniers are available and can be supplied and fitted to your bike before departure.

Available for Self‑Supported Tour Plan:

Colorful flower fields in a valley with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a large lake surrounded by lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with a narrow road running along the right side of the lake through dense forest.
Colorful autumn forest on a mountain with rocky cliffs and clear blue sky
A person riding a bike on a winding mountain road surrounded by green trees under a cloudy sky.
A mountainous landscape with a road winding through green forested hills and snow-capped peaks in the background. Two cyclists are riding along the side of the road.
A small indoor bicycle storage room with wooden walls, containing multiple mounted cycle racks holding several bicycles, with a framed abstract art piece on the wall and a small wooden bench.
Red and black Novara road bike on a trail beside a lake, with trees and mountains in the background.

HOW SELF‑SUPPORTED CYCLING TOURS WORK

  • Flexible Start Dates: Start any day of the week except Sunday (no fixed departure dates).

  • Minimal Luggage: You travel with what you need and can store large suitcases at our base before departure.

  • Routes & Navigation: We provide GPS route files and clear daily notes so you can confidently explore independently.

  • Pannier Support: Optional panniers are available for rent and fitted to your bike before departure.

  • Independent Riding: There is no support vehicle following you — the experience is self‑paced and adventurous.

WHY CHOOSE SELF‑SUPPORTED?

  • Enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of independent bike travel

  • Great option for riders who want flexibility and minimal gear

  • Ideal for solo riders or small groups (fewer than 4 people), or when self-guided cycling tours are not available on your preferred dates

Contact us for more info

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, 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, 2024