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.

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 its 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 10km/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 into the area for
sightseeing.

The Cycling Computer Route πŸ’»

Each guest will be provided a Bryton Cycling computer to use during the duration of your tour.  This will be given to you before beginning the first day of cycling at your orientation.  These will have the daily routes programmed.  You will NOT require WIFI or data to access these routes for your trip it will use GPS.  Be sure to charge your cycle computer each night and never leave it on the bike unattended.

A laminated information book that outlines the daily sites, suggestions on type of food or places to eat and the hotel address will be given to you upon arrival, this is meant to be carried along your daily rides.  This document provides the same information with additional details.  Along with a laminated map provided in the event there are any technical issues with the cycling computer.  If you have issues with your cycling computer, please refer to your Bryton cycling computer guide, if you cannot resolve the issue please contact us as soon as possible.  

The computer you use is the Brighton 750SE. We strongly recommend you learn more about it below.

Japanese Etiquette 🎎

Garbage disposal – you will not find any garbage bins located in public places.  Please be sure to take your garbage with you. Use the boy scout rule β€œleave places better than you find them”.  Convenience stores offer bins for packages for goods purchased at their locations.

Punctual – Japanese are well known for being on-time.  If you have a reservation do not be late, especially for hotel meals.  If you are late, you may be refused entrance.

Shrines and Temples – customs may vary from location to location, observing others will assist on what to do and many Japanese will offer guidance.  Secure your bike at the entrance and refrain from riding within the sacred grounds.

Restaurants

  • Refrain from sticking chopsticks upright in your food, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
  • Some eateries still allow smoking, to ensure you are not surprised while enjoying a meal you can ask in advance if they allow smoking or not. Use the phrase β€œTabaco, OK?”

Substitutions – many restaurants do NOT allow any substitutions.  While you may ask, do not be surprised if they refuse your request. 

Bath House Etiquette πŸ›

Men and women have separate bathing areas.

Wash before entering the bath. Body wash and shampoo is provided at the hotel onsens. 

Take care not to spray others while washing.

Do not wear a bathing suit or shoes in the bath

Do not wash or put towels in baths

Keep voices down while bathing and in locker rooms

No swimming. No running.

No drinks or food in the bathing area

Japanese bath - Onsen with view of exterior garden.
Relax at the hotel bath