Sidewalk at local shrine in Omihachiman, Japan.

Guests Page

Self‑Guided Tours 🧭

As you are on your own, your bicycle is your responsibility. You are responsible for the good use of your bike and its components. You must handle your gears gently and carefully. Park your bicycle safely in order not to scratch the frame and ensure that it is safe and secure, using the supplied lock to avoid theft. If you have to leave the bicycle unattended, please lock it securely and take the GPS with you.

Tour Overview & Technical Data 📊

Itinerary Highlights 🗺️

Arrival • Rinku Town

Check in at OMO Kansai Airport hotel by Hoshino Resorts (3 pm). Explore the premium outlet mall, stroll the seafront or ride the giant Rinku no Hoshi ferris wheel.

Day 1 – Rinku Town ➜ Wakayama • 57 km (+451 m)

Coastal ride past cotton mills and white‑stone beaches, lunch in Tanagawa, visit Awashima “Doll” Shrine and finish at Futagojimaso Ryokan Resort for sunset & included dinner.

Day 2 – Wakayama ➜ Hashimoto • 61 km (+396 m)

Tour Wakayama Castle & gardens, riverside cycle path and historic Hajime Café lunch stop. Overnight at Route Inn Hashimoto (public bath & nearby izakaya).

Day 3 – Hashimoto ➜ Nara • 70 km (+548 m)

Morning hills rewarded with the “#1 Taiyaki” pastry, Edo‑period streets of Imaichoi and heritage sites such as Hōryū‑ji. Stay at Daibutsukan Ryokan near Nara Park’s friendly deer.

Day 4 – Nara ➜ Ōtsu • 55 km (+500 m)

Early visit to Tōdai‑ji & giant Buddha, tea‑culture town of Uji and lakeside climb to stay at Enman‑in Monzeki temple lodging with vegetarian shōjin‑ryōri dinner.

Day 5 – Ōtsu ➜ Kyoto • 22 km (+306 m)

A short ride lets you explore Nanzen‑ji aqueduct, Kiyomizu‑dera and Kyoto’s samurai, kimono or animal‑café experiences. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo.

Day 6 – Kyoto ➜ Osaka • 60 km (+368 m)

Ride under thousands of red torii at Fushimi Inari, stop for sake tasting in Fushimi, detour to Panasonic Museum and finish triumphantly at Osaka Castle before returning bikes.

Bike Safety 🦺

Ride in the direction of the traffic. Japanese drive (and ride) on the left side of the road. Keep left.

Ride on designated paths. Unless there are signs indicating it’s okay to ride on sidewalks you should not do so. In general stick to the road. If you do ride on the sidewalk, the speed limit is 10 km/h.

Helmets are mandatory as of April 2023.

Turn on your lights at night and use your bicycle bell when necessary.

No drunk cycling. You are not to consume any alcohol before cycling. If you visit a location (sake museum) and they ask about your mode of transportation you will be denied tasting but provided a sample to go.

No cycling side by side. When cycling on the road you should be single file.

Bicycle parking. Be aware and do not park in an area where bicycle parking is prohibited—your bike may be removed. Do not ride or bring your bicycle into a temple area; please park it outside when visiting and walk in for sightseeing.

The Cycling Computer Route 💻

Each guest will be provided a Bryton Rider 750SE cycling computer to use during the tour. It will already have the daily routes loaded and works offline via GPS—no data or Wi‑Fi required. Please charge it every night and never leave it on the bike unattended.

You’ll also receive a laminated information book describing daily sights, food suggestions and hotel addresses, plus a paper map for emergencies. Consult the Bryton user guide first if you experience issues; if you still need help, contact us as soon as possible.

Bryton 750SE Manual (PDF)

Japanese Etiquette 🎎

  • Garbage disposal 🗑️—Public bins are rare. Pack out whatever you pack in and use convenience‑store bins for their own packaging.
  • Punctuality ⏰—Being on time is essential. Arrive promptly for hotel meals and reservations or you may be refused service.
  • Shrines & temples ⛩️—Observe others, secure your bike outside and refrain from cycling on sacred grounds.
  • Restaurants 🍣
    • Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice—it signifies a funeral ritual.
    • Some places still allow smoking; ask “Tabako, OK?” first.
    • Substitutions are uncommon; requests may be declined.

Bath‑House Etiquette 🛁

  • Men and women bathe separately.
  • Wash thoroughly before entering the bath; products are provided.
  • Do not splash or spray others; keep voices low.
  • No bathing suits, footwear, towels or soap in the tubs.
  • No swimming, running, food or drinks inside.
Japanese bath - Onsen with view of exterior garden.
Relax at the hotel bath

Packing Checklist 🎒

Luggage policy: One carry‑on (≤ 14″) and one small checked bag (≤ 24″) per guest, or one 28″ bag per couple. Max 23 kg / 50 lb per bag.

Convenience Stores 🏪

“Combini” such as 7‑Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart are perfect for quick, affordable snacks, sandwiches, hot coffee and even onigiri. Most have clean public washrooms and ATMs that accept international cards.

Pharmacies 💊 & Services ✉️

Need sunscreen, bug spray or painkillers? Look for Welcia or Kirindo drugstores. For postcards, drop them in Japan’s iconic red post boxes—stamps and cards are sold at the post office counters.