Japan Long-Distance Cycling

Three national cycle routes, coast to lake to mountain

Three national cycle routes, coast to lake to mountain A ready-built creator-led group trip across Japan, 10 days / 9 nights. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Japan · 10 days / 9 nights · Best season: March to May for cherry blossom, October to November for autumn colour · Group size: Guided group

Route

Ibaraki > Shiga (Lake Biwa) > Ehime (Shimanami Kaido)

Highlights

  • Rinrin Road cycling (Mt Tsukuba), sake brewery
  • Rinrin Road (Lake Kasumigaura), Cycruise, lotus-root dig
  • Biwaichi cycling; La Collina Omihachiman
  • Biwaichi cycling, Shirahige Shrine, Lake Biwa Bridge
  • Citrus picking, Oyamazumi Shrine, island winery

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival & transfer to Tsuchiura

Arrive in Japan and transfer to Tsuchiura in Ibaraki Prefecture, the gateway to the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road, for your first night and dinner.

Day 2: Rinrin Road, Mt Tsukuba

After a cycling briefing, ride the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road towards Mt Tsukuba, with a sake-brewery visit and tasting along the way.

Day 3: Rinrin Road, Lake Kasumigaura

Continue along the Rinrin Road towards Lake Kasumigaura, board the Cycruise boat, and try a lotus-root digging experience before returning to Tsuchiura.

Day 4: Transfer to Shiga, Lake Biwa

Travel by rail via Tokyo and Kyoto to Moriyama on Lake Biwa. Enjoy a Japanese sweets-making class, kimono dressing and a Lake Biwa pearl-craft experience.

Day 5: Biwaichi cycling & La Collina

Begin the Biwaichi loop around Lake Biwa, stopping at La Collina Omihachiman for a baumkuchen-making tour, and ride on to Takashima for the night.

Day 6: Biwaichi cycling, shrines & the bridge

Ride further around Lake Biwa, passing Shirahige Shrine and the Lake Biwa Bridge, ending in Moriyama.

Day 7: Transfer to Ehime, Shimanami Kaido

Travel by rail to Onomichi and begin the island-hopping Shimanami Kaido, cycling across the Seto Inland Sea to Imabari.

Day 8: Imabari, citrus, shrine & winery

A day of local experiences: citrus picking, a guided visit to Oyamazumi Shrine, and the Omishima island winery.

Day 9: Shimanami Kaido & Kaizoku Museum

More of the Shimanami Kaido, with a visit to the Murakami Kaizoku (pirate) Museum and a cruise across the strait.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, transfer by rail from Imabari towards Tokyo for your onward journey.

Inclusions

  • Through-guide for the full tour, with regional guides and support vehicles
  • Hotel and resort accommodation with meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided cycling on the Rinrin Road, Biwaichi and Shimanami Kaido routes
  • Cultural experiences and tastings named in the itinerary
  • Rail transfers between regions as per the itinerary
  • Admission and experience fees listed in the itinerary

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Japan visa fees and documentation
  • Bicycle rental or personal cycling gear unless specified
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance