If you’re seeking a cycling tour company that combines expertise, passion and a commitment to outstanding service, look no further. Let us guide you through Japan’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture – one pedal stroke at a time. We offer clear communication, transparent pricing and assistance with travel arrangements. From your first inquiry to your final kilometer, our team is dedicated to making your cycling adventure in Japan stress-free and enjoyable.
About Us
About Us
O CycleJapan is a premier cycling tour company dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Japan through unforgettable two-wheeled adventures. Our experienced guides and carefully crafted routes ensure you experience the best of Japanese culture, cuisine, and landscapes.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Our tours include high-quality rental bikes, helmet, accommodation bookings, detailed route maps, and 24/7 emergency support throughout your journey and experienced English-speaking cycling concierge, meals and luggage transfers, dependent on type of tour.
Reviews From Our Friends
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Sheryl Williams
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What a ride! We just returned home after 3 weeks in Japan and the highlight of our trip was our ride with O Cycle Japan! Can't think of a better way to see the "real" Japan than on a bike, riding through small towns, visiting temples, shrines and other off the beaten path locations. I'm trying to think of what I'd like to know if I were a potential rider considering this trip. THE CYCLING itself was not terribly difficult (I did have an e-bike but didn't need to use the motor much). Really just 1 day with a big climb. There was a lengthy amount of time in the saddle so be sure you're ready for 30-35 mile days (I know the tour is km but I'm a miles gal). THE ACCOMMODATIONS each night were all pleasant. We stayed in several hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inn's) plus a monastery!! All but the monastery had onsen's and I'd say even if it makes you uncomfortable take advantage of the onsen's, it's a great way to recover after a long day of cycling. THE LOCATIONS we visited were all exceptional. Each day had several stops along the route - temples, shrines, shopping, food, museums as well as fun sites to see while riding - rice fields, tea fields, and even goldfish farms! OUR HOSTS were amazing! Though generally self guided, Shelley decided to ride with us and was so full of information and able to answer the literally 100's of questions I asked her about the area and what we were seeing. Masato popped in and out each day taking photos, telling fun stories (ask him about the praying mantis) and being the luggage sherpa. Overall an amazing adventure!!
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Marv Stern
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Our bicycle group,the Rattling Chain Gang, have done three other international Cycling Trips. The service provided by Shelley and Masato was by far superior to anything we have experienced.The care and attention shown to every facet of the trip was thorough and genuine. They are 2 great people who insured that we had the best experience possible.They accommodated any need or concern that arose with care and compassion.The itinerary they provided highlighted the natural beauty, cultural highlights and great cycling of the Kansai Region.If Google allowed for a 10 Star rating we would give it to them without hesitation!
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Jeff Brown
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5-Star Review for O Cycle Japan
We recently completed the 4-day Nara–Kyoto–Osaka cycling trip with O Cycle Japan — about 140 km in total — and it was a highlight of our time in Japan. What we expected to be a self-guided ride turned into an unexpected bonus: we were guided by Shelley, while her co-founding husband Masato handled luggage transfers and met us along the way with local stories and support. Their warmth and attention to detail made the experience exceptional.
The bikes were top-quality, navigation was easy, and the “moderate” routes were entirely manageable — even for a foursome in our 60s and 70s, all riding without e-bikes. Accommodations were comfortable and distinctive, including a charming ryokan in Nara, a temple stay with a memorable vegan dinner near Lake Biwa, and great hotels in Kyoto and Osaka.
Most of the cycling was on quiet roads or dedicated paths, with just short stretches through city areas. The mix of scenery, culture, and personal care was perfect. We highly recommend O Cycle Japan for an unforgettable way to experience the country.
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Robert C.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We went as a 10 member group of older, motivated couples and it was amazing. Shelly and Masato were unerringly upbeat, helpful, delightful and warm hearted and that was really the best part of it. They have worked hard to create a doable route through the heart of the Kansai district and although it was challenging, it did not defeat anyone and Shelly decided to ride with us, so we always had a cheerful presence leading us through the toughest parts. The hotels went from urban to rural and the food experiences were eclectic and culturally engaging. We cycled through places in Japan one would never see by car and the country views bordered on other-worldly. My partner and I collapsed each day after an onsen visit and climbed into our cycling gear in the morning ready for the provided breakfast and raring to go. The entire group had a marvellous time and I would recommend O Cycle to anyone looking for an active Japanese holiday led by awesome guides and directed through stunning countryside and city stops. Thanks Shelly and Masato! We had so much fun!
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Bruce Raber
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OCycle was the best touring company we have ever cycled with. Probably because they are not an anonymous “company”, but rather 2 wonderful people who love Japan love cycling, and love sharing that with their guests. From the moment we first reached out to OCycle 18 months ago, till our trip wrapped up 6 days ago, the service, the quick responses, the guidance and the tour itself was all fantastic.
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Dave Miller
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After 12 trips to Japan, I finally found a deeply Japanese experince beyond the crowds and into the smaller cities and towns of the Kansai region. Shelly and Masato provided excellent guidance and support from beginning to end. If you want to see an authentic version of Japan and are keen on cycling - I highly recommend this trip.
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Paul Kershaw
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What an amazing trip! Shelley and Masato were fantastic, supporting us throughout the week and by providing ample advice about things to do and places to eat. The routes were incredibly well planned and took us through some wonderful scenery that would have been difficult to reach with any other mode of transportation. It was just the right amount of cycling each day - not too easy and not too hard. I would highly recommend O Cycle Japan if you're looking for a unique, fun, immersive adventure in a beautiful part of the country.
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david davies
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thoroughly recommend the Kyoto / Osaka one week self guided tour. We were two couples from London and had a great time on these routes. A great combination of fascinating back streets and country lanes with lots of great spots to stop and explore; from well-chosen temples to great eating recommendations and even the Panasonic Museum. Shelley and Masato were always on hand for help and specific tips and info. We had a great time.
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Noah Kershaw
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This was one of the best vacations I've ever taken. Biking through Japan is an ideal way to see such a beautiful country, and Shelley and Masato are perfect hosts. I felt like we had the freedom to explore on our own, without the stress of figuring out the routes or major tourist destinations. The kicker was how responsive they were -- any questions or needs we had were immediately met (e.g. my bike was having issues shifting and they met us at 7/11 right on the route, with wipes in hand to clean up). Next time we plan to travel to Japan, I'll be reaching out to O Cycle :)
What you Need to Know Before Visiting Japan
If this is your first time going to Japan for travel, there may be some cultural differences that you should know before you embark on your adventure. We have provided some tips on various areas, ensuring your cycling experience in Japan is not only filled with picturesque landscapes and invigorating rides but also culturally enriching.
“Exploring Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara by bike offers a completely different perspective—one that goes far beyond the typical tourist experience. Instead of rushing between landmarks, you move through quiet streets, countryside, and hidden spots that most visitors never see. It turns the journey itself into the highlight of the trip.” Read More
We are pleased to have worked with RBRJ since we started our tours. Gareth and all the staff are amazing, knowledgeable and offer top quality hybrid bikes for our tours. RBRJ specializes in rental cycles, bicycling tours, and bikepacking around Japan. RBRJ staff are professional and avid cyclists with local, cultural, tour and cycle knowledge to help you make the most of your adventure. If a tour isn’t for you and you need a bike rental check out their website.
Seven Summits Snacks is a Canadian company based in Edmonton, Alberta. The company was founded and is run by two female athletes and sisters, Kristyn and Leanna, in 2019 in memory to RH Fisher’s last adventure, they have a passion for chocolate and health. They provide purposeful nutrition and satisfying chocolate products, crafted to conquer your next adventure. From indulgence to sport performance, they have superfood chocolate snacks to fit your needs at different times of the day, including cycling in Japan. Find out more by visiting their website.
Ride Free Apparel was founded by Garrett, an artist and avid mountain biker and was born out of a simple desire for authentic, personalized mountain bike apparel. Designing custom cycling shirts that are durable, light weight and support small business. We met Garret Shaw at the BC (Canada) Bike show in 2023. We are grateful for the collaborative design process and quality of the products. Interested in purchasing our cycling shirt? https://www.ocyclejapan.com/merch/. Check out the RFA website for more designs.
Megluck is an art studio and organic food shop created in collaboration with people with disabilities. They stock a wide variety of original goods and T-shirts featuring illustrations. They also produce safe, naturally grown tea and food from scratch. Visit their website to learn more https://muginosato.jp/office/megluck/ There goods can be found for sale at Hajime Cafe in Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
Sock Rocket is a Canadian company that designs and produces cool socks and sell them on the website, both individually and as subscriptions, as well as at markets, events, and in over 100 stores across Canada and the USA. They’ve also made custom socks for over 1000 different businesses, including for O Cycle Japan, charities, brands, events, universities, and so much more. Most importantly, every single pair of socks they sell means they also donate THREE pairs to one of many organizations putting clothing donations to good use.
“You start with the life you think you want, but if you’re really fortunate, end up with the life you were meant to have through a chain reaction of events”Chain Reaction is a winery in Naramata, Canada founded by Joel and Linda Chamaschuk. They are involved in every aspect of this operation from managing the vineyards, making wine, working in the tasting room, marketing and label design. Their production is small because they want to ensure a hands-on approach. Their passion for wine, cycling and the amazing lifestyle will shine through in each bottle of wine. We fell in love with their wine for the theme, quality and taste. If you like wine, check out their website
The Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club from is a progressive women’s only mountain biking club in the Calgary, Canada that brings together adult riders of all abilities to enjoy the sport. They have been around for over 20 years. Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club supports women in building community and developing confidence, leadership, and physical and mental well-being through mountain biking. Shelley has been a member and on the board of the club for the past few years after getting back into mountain biking. We are happy to be a friend of the club and support hem on their journey forward. For more information visit their website
Decoration Japan – DECOJA – creates beautiful jersey’s that capture the essence of Japan. Beautifully designed in Wakayama, Japan these jerseys create a memory and souvenir for cyclists. These can be found at shops around Japan as well as on-line. For more information visit their website
We are pleased to have worked with RBRJ since we started our tours. Gareth and all the staff are amazing, knowledgeable and offer top quality hybrid bikes for our tours. RBRJ specializes in rental cycles, bicycling tours, and bikepacking around Japan. RBRJ staff are professional and avid cyclists with local, cultural, tour and cycle knowledge to help you make the most of your adventure. If a tour isn’t for you and you need a bike rental check out their website.
Seven Summits Snacks is a Canadian company based in Edmonton, Alberta. The company was founded and is run by two female athletes and sisters, Kristyn and Leanna, in 2019 in memory to RH Fisher’s last adventure, they have a passion for chocolate and health. They provide purposeful nutrition and satisfying chocolate products, crafted to conquer your next adventure. From indulgence to sport performance, they have superfood chocolate snacks to fit your needs at different times of the day, including cycling in Japan. Find out more by visiting their website.
Ride Free Apparel was founded by Garrett, an artist and avid mountain biker and was born out of a simple desire for authentic, personalized mountain bike apparel. Designing custom cycling shirts that are durable, light weight and support small business. We met Garret Shaw at the BC (Canada) Bike show in 2023. We are grateful for the collaborative design process and quality of the products. Interested in purchasing our cycling shirt? https://www.ocyclejapan.com/merch/. Check out the RFA website for more designs.
Megluck is an art studio and organic food shop created in collaboration with people with disabilities. They stock a wide variety of original goods and T-shirts featuring illustrations. They also produce safe, naturally grown tea and food from scratch. Visit their website to learn more https://muginosato.jp/office/megluck/ There goods can be found for sale at Hajime Cafe in Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
Sock Rocket is a Canadian company that designs and produces cool socks and sell them on the website, both individually and as subscriptions, as well as at markets, events, and in over 100 stores across Canada and the USA. They’ve also made custom socks for over 1000 different businesses, including for O Cycle Japan, charities, brands, events, universities, and so much more. Most importantly, every single pair of socks they sell means they also donate THREE pairs to one of many organizations putting clothing donations to good use.
“You start with the life you think you want, but if you’re really fortunate, end up with the life you were meant to have through a chain reaction of events”Chain Reaction is a winery in Naramata, Canada founded by Joel and Linda Chamaschuk. They are involved in every aspect of this operation from managing the vineyards, making wine, working in the tasting room, marketing and label design. Their production is small because they want to ensure a hands-on approach. Their passion for wine, cycling and the amazing lifestyle will shine through in each bottle of wine. We fell in love with their wine for the theme, quality and taste. If you like wine, check out their website
The Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club from is a progressive women’s only mountain biking club in the Calgary, Canada that brings together adult riders of all abilities to enjoy the sport. They have been around for over 20 years. Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club supports women in building community and developing confidence, leadership, and physical and mental well-being through mountain biking. Shelley has been a member and on the board of the club for the past few years after getting back into mountain biking. We are happy to be a friend of the club and support hem on their journey forward. For more information visit their website
Decoration Japan – DECOJA – creates beautiful jersey’s that capture the essence of Japan. Beautifully designed in Wakayama, Japan these jerseys create a memory and souvenir for cyclists. These can be found at shops around Japan as well as on-line. For more information visit their website