Japan Heritage

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Kyoto by bike

   On this adventure you'll hit the ground running (well, cycling)! Meeting at the tour hotel at 09:00 AM you’ll waste no time and head out on an inaugural 18 km ride to discover Kyoto which, for over a millennia, has been the cultural centre of Japan. The city’s flat terrain, excellent bike paths, and treasure trove of heritage sites makes for wonderful urban riding. You'll visit Heian Shrine for a look at its massive red tori gate and wander the grounds of two of Kyoto’s most picturesque Zen temples: Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzenji Temple.

   Before concluding the ride you’ll also swing by the Gion District, famous for its tea houses and traditional Geisha culture. Along the way you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and, in the evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
   

   • 11.2 miles
   • 
     301.8 ft
     301.8 ft
   • Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Glimpse a Geisha

     Bike the charming back streets of Kyoto

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     Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi

     Set in the centre of Kyoto, this accommodation boasts comfortable and modern rooms

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     Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi

     Set in the centre of Kyoto, this accommodation boasts comfortable and modern rooms

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     Elevation Profile

2. Day 2Kyoto - Ogoto

   Today you'll trade the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto for the serenity of its rural hinterland. The ride is one of the hilliest of the trip, but your efforts will be rewarded when you arrive in Ogoto, an area renowned for its hot springs (onsen)!

   Cycling out of Kyoto, you'll head for the forested, northeastern hills where you’ll stop in the ancient farming village of Ohara. The village is home to a lovely collection of historic Buddhist temples, chief among them being Sanzen-In. Founded by the influential monk Saicho in the late 8th century, this Tendai Buddhist temple consists of imposing stone walls, tea rooms, halls, and gardens. You’ll take your time to stroll around Ohara and Sanzen-In and, after lunch, complete the ride to Ogoto, located near the shores of Lake Biwa. The aim is to arrive in time for a refreshing soak in the hot spring waters and, for dinner, you’ll enjoy kaiseki - a traditional multi-course Japanese meal known for its artful presentation and use of seasonal ingredients.
   

   • 29.8 miles
   • 206.7 ft
     2,336 ft
     2,129.3 ft
   • Komorebi Ryokan (Japanese style)
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Komorebi Ryokan

     After a day of cycling, unwind at this ryokan's hot spring bath.

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     Komorebi Ryokan

     After a day of cycling, unwind at this ryokan's hot spring bath.

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     Komorebi Ryokan

     After a day of cycling, unwind at this ryokan's hot spring bath.

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     Elevation Profile

3. Day 3Ogoto Onsen - Lake Biwa - Koka

   After breakfast you'll jump on the saddle for a great day of riding along the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and its surroundings. The route takes you straight across the kilometer and a half long Biwako Ohashi Bridge. As you pedal, enjoy wonderful views across the expansive waters.

   Once you reach the other side of the lake you will skirt along the shores until reaching the picturesque town of Omihachiman. Here you’ll explore the medieval canal flanked by cobbled walls and traditional houses. You'll then continue to traverse the scenic countryside until reaching the town of Koka where you’ll spend the night.

   
   
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 397 ft
     748 ft
     351 ft
   • Route Inn Koka Minakuchi (Western style)
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Hotel Route Inn

     Enjoy the comforts of this 3-star property and it's modern amenities

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     Hotel Route Inn

     Enjoy the comforts of this 3-star property and it's modern amenities

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     Elevation Profile

4. Day 4Koka - Nara

   In the morning you’ll ride to Shigaraki, an area that made its name creating ceramic statues of tanuki (raccoon dogs). These ceramic figurines can still be found in many gardens, restaurants and drinking establishments in the area. From there, you will embark on an incredibly scenic stretch of riding as you head to Wazuka, one of Japan’s premier tea-growing regions. You'll ride along small, winding back roads that dissect the expansive patchwork of perfectly manicured tea fields carved into the rolling hills of Wuzaka. The route is hilly but there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.

   As you emerge from the tea fields of Wazuka you’ll complete the final stretch to Nara. For the last 15 km, you will be hopping on a local train in order to avoid the city traffic. Nara is another of Japan’s former capitals, but one which is now a small and compact city with some of the oldest and most impressive temple complexes in the country.

   
   

   • 37.9 miles
   • -308.4 ft
     2,185 ft
     2,493.4 ft
   • Hotel Tenpyo (Japanese)
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Premier tea growing region of Wazuka

     It's a hilly ride but seeing the manicured tea fields and learning more about the green tea making process will make it all worth it

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     Elevation Profile

5. Day 5Nara

   With a couple of days of epic cycling behind you, this morning you'll take it easy as you discover Nara and its cultural gems. You'll start with a visit to Kasuga Shrine, one of Nara’s most prominent Shinto shrines known for its iconic vermilion-colored buildings, numerous stone lanterns, and sacred deer that roam the surrounding forest. You’ll also check out Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples housing a colossal bronze Buddha statue. Rounding out your heritage-inspired morning, you’ll participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony before enjoying lunch.

   In the afternoon you’ll head out for a scenic cycling loop along the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail. The trail passes through some of Nara’s most historic areas and is part of Japan’s oldest road.

   Dinner is on your own tonight - the crew will be happy to make some recommendations.
   

   • 24.2 - 12.4 miles
   • 
     1,378 ft
     1,378 ft
   • Hotel Tenpyo (Japanese)
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Elevation Profile

6. Day 6Nara - Kyoto

   Soak in the tour’s final views of the Kansai countryside as you return to Kyoto via the plains of the Kizu and Katsuragawa rivers. The route is predominantly flat and you’ll skirt around Kyoto to end the ride at the foot of the mountains in the western outskirts of the city. Here you'll discover one of Japan’s most beautiful Zen temples ,Tenryu-ji, renowned for its elegant architecture and garden. And just around the corner, you’ll find the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove where you’ll stroll through rows of towering green bamboo stalks piercing into the sky. After this iconic end to your cycling adventure, you'll return to central Kyoto via a quick metro ride.

   In the evening you'll reconvene for a farewell dinner.
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • -72.2 ft
     1,040 ft
     1,112.2 ft
   • Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi (Western Style)
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi

     Set in the centre of Kyoto, this accommodation boasts comfortable and modern rooms

   • 

     Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi

     Set in the centre of Kyoto, this accommodation boasts comfortable and modern rooms

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     Elevation Profile

7. Day 7Departure

   Enjoy a lazy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the airport or train station for onward travel. You are also welcome to extend your stay in Kyoto!
   

   • Breakfast