2026 we are offering two different 4 night/3 day cycling tours. Cities of Kansai – will take you to visit the main cities of the Kansai region including Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Between exploring the quiet neighborhoods and sites of these iconic cites you’ll discover the beauty of the countryside in between. Kansai Countryside – will take you away from the larger cities and through the countryside of the the Kansai region of Japan. Begin your journey in Nara, ride through tea fields, along the river, make your way to the ocean side at Wakayama and south Osaka. Click on the days below for more details.
Arrive in Osaka city on a Saturday night and spend you first night near Osaka castle.
Sunday morning orientation will be held in the morning at your hotel before you begin your cycling adventure. Discover some sights in Osaka such as Osaka castle and Panasonic museum before enjoying a beautiful and relaxing ride along the river. The rivers between Osaka and Kyoto used to be used for trade and travel. Make a stop at the Otokoyama Observatory and community center, a central location for local cyclists. Enjoy visiting iconic locations in Kyoto including a sake museum, and other iconic stops before settling into the center near Nishiki market.
Distance: 60kms Elevation:368M Duration:5-6 hours
Begin by visiting some more of Kyoto before riding a shorter day taking you over the mountain pass to Otsu and the shores of Biwa lake. Make a stop and Nanzen-ji temple and the Aqueducts and discover a beautiful hidden shrine along a pilgrimage. You will spend a night at a Buddhist temple up on the hill and visit the summer home of an imperial Empress from the Edo period.
Distance: 22km Elevation: 240m Duration 3-4 hours
Continue to discover the countryside between the cities, enjoy tea farms and make a stop in Uji a famous town known for their green tea. Visit Byodo-In temple, which you see on Japan’s 10 yen coin. You will arrive in Nara home of the famous deer staying next to Nara park. This is where you’ll end your tour, spending the night in Nara. Checking out Wednesday morning.
Distance: 54km Elevation:510m Duration:5-6 hours
Arrive in Nara and explore the town, feed the deer, enjoy local cuisine.
Orientation will be held in the morning at your hotel before you begin your cycling adventure. As you begin cycling in Nara you can visit Horyuji, the oldest wooden structure in the world. You’ll we’ve through Kingyo (gold fish) street. Imai town, is an old style Japanese town that you can stop and enjoy lunch. Save some some room for dessert as Japan’s best Taiyaki – a Japanese pastry shaped like a fish – is on the route. Kashihara Jingu is an esteemed shinto shrine with giant cement tori gates marking the way.
Distance:70.1km Elevation:400m Duration 5-6 hours
Wide through the countryside, past fruit farms. Stop and a Samurai museum and learn about local legend’s and try your skills throwing a ninja star. The Jison-In temple is devoted to woman’s health. You’ll ride past many fruit farms and might find a road side stand to try something fresh. Along the way is Hajime cafe, a local restaurant and old home you can tour after lunch. Be sure to make a stop at Wakayama castle and say hi to the local Ninja’s who are happy to answer your questions or take a picture with you. You will climb one last hill to arrive at an ocean side Ryokan resort -traditional Japanese accommodation. Relax in the Onsen with an ocean view, and relax in your Yukata – cotton Kimono – before enjoying dinner at the resort.
Distance: 61km Elevation: 385m Duration: 4-6 hours
Leaving the comfort of the oceanside resort after a traditional Japanese breakfast you’ll enjoy cycling along the oceanside and discovering beautiful viewpoints along the way. Enjoy Bandoko gardens next to the resort before you leave Wakayama. You can make a stop at Awashim-jinja doll shrine where you will find a collection of dolls and other statues brought here for disposal. Stop here for some fresh seafood. As you enjoy the ocean side cycling you’ll make your way to Rinku Town located across the bridge from the Kansai International Airport (KIX). Your final destination on the tour where you will spend the night, checking out Saturday.
Distance:57km Elevation: 465km Duration: 4-6 hours