The Best Japan Bike Tours and E-Bike Tours

At Art of Bicycle Trips, we believe in experiential travel. Our tours combine cycling with cultural activities and nature exploration.

An average day on tour includes 4-5 hours of biking, with the rest of the day reserved for local experiences such as exploring local attractions, interacting with local communities, visiting monuments and museums, learning local crafts, trying local cuisine and more.

Each guided Japan bike tour is led by an expert trip leader who is also a local. ABT trip leaders are a repository of local knowledge, routes, customs, cultures, and cuisines. By employing only local guides, we also help generate employment opportunities for local communities.

All hotels on tour are carefully chosen for their character, comfort, and cuisine, and each hotel becomes an experience in itself that guests can enjoy.

A support vehicle accompanies guests at all times, and if at any point a rider does not feel like biking any further, they can always load their bike and sit in the support van.

We pride ourselves on the degree of customization we provide on each tour, and are always happy to accommodate any special requests from our guests relating to the tour.

A central element of any great Japan bike tour is experiencing its tradition. This is why on most of our Japan bike tours, we include stays in traditional Japanese-style inns known as ryokans which are a unique experience for a traveler.

Ryokans are built in the traditional Japanese style, with sliding doors, tatami-matted floors, communal baths, and serve traditional Japanese food. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable Japanese clothing and can always talk to the owner.

Yet, another type of accommodation on offer is at onsens. Onsens are hot springs that have a traditional inn or ryokan attached. Since onsens are an integral part of any Japan biking experience, all our tours have a fair share of stays at onsens. Most onsens have communal baths as well.

Most hotels in Japan have a mix of western and Japanese-style rooms. If you have a preference for a certain kind of room, you can let us know in advance. However, we cannot guarantee a certain type of rooms as they are subject to availability.

Yes, Japanese cuisine is consistently rated as being among the finest in the world, and we constantly strive to allow our guests to try the best of Japanese food.

On most days, lunches are not included in the itinerary, so that guests can try local cuisine at restaurants and inns along the way.

On several days on the tour, we stay at traditional Japanese ryokans where guests can savor authentic Japanese cuisine. There will also be opportunities to try western staples.

For more details, refer to the detailed itinerary for your chosen Japan bike tour, or have a look at our Japan cycling guide to know more about some must-have dishes on a Japan bike tour.

We provide hybrid bikes and road bikes on all our Japan bike tours. E-bike upgrades are also available. Let us know your particular bike requirements and we will be happy to accommodate your request.

Japan is a mountainous country, so expect some hills pretty much everywhere. The difficulty level depends on where you’re headed.

Hokkaido: Cycling in Hokkaido can be a little more challenging than most other places in Japan. The Shiretoko Pass is a 734m (2,408 ft) climb that rewards the cyclist with breathtaking vistas all around. Lake Mashu, often called the clearest lake in the world, involves a hard 550m (1,800 ft) climb to get to. The Akan Mashu national park also sees a few ascents of over 700m (2,300ft).

Shikoku: In Shikoku, the beautiful Iya Valley, which was once the preferred hideout of renegade samurais, has climbs of around 600m (1,970 ft). Nakatsu is another mountainous region with a similar elevation profile. Most other days on the tour are relatively flat.

Kyoto: In Kyoto, the area around Miyama sees elevation gains of around 600m (1,970ft) while the rest of the terrain is relatively gentle.

Noto: The Noto peninsula mostly consists of undulating hills. However, we typically bike longer distances on this route.

If you book a private tour, we can always customize the itinerary to include easier or more challenging routes as per your requirements.

The best times to do a Japan bike tour are Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to mid-November). The average temperature hovers around 15°C - 22°C (59 - 71 °F) during this time.

However, there is also considerable regional variation depending on where you want to bike in Japan. For instance, Hokkaido is great for cycling in July and August as well due to its cooler climate.

For detailed information on the weather and the best time to visit for each of our Japan bike tours, refer to our Japan cycling guide.

It is advised to book your bike tour at least 6 months prior to departure.

To book a tour, we require a deposit of 10% of the tour price per person. Once the deposit is received, we’ll send you a confirmation mail. The remaining payment needs to be made 2 months prior to departure. For more details, refer to our Terms and Conditions page.

Our tours are all-inclusive, which means meals, permits, fees, transportation and other additional costs are included in the price of the trip, unless otherwise stated.

Are Bicycle Helmets Required in Japan?

Yes, wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is required by law in Japan. In April 2023, the Japanese cabinet approved the revised Road Traffic Act that requires all cyclists to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in Japan.

It is important to note that as of now, the act does not yet specify a strict penalty for those not following the rule, and you may see some locals riding bicycles without helmets. However, as visitors to the country, it is advised that you should follow the law at all times. At Art of Bicycle Trips we provide good quality helmets for our guests on all our Japan bike tours and highly recommend that they wear helmets at all times while riding a bike in Japan.

Why Is Double Riding Illegal in Japan?

Double riding, or riding a bicycle side-by-side with your friends or riding partners is illegal in Japan because not only does it put both cyclists at risk, it also obstructs road space for other drivers. Riding side-by-side can incur a fine of up to JPY 20,000.

Also, two people riding a bicycle designed for only 1 person is also illegal. However, tandem bikes are fine.

Is It Illegal to Wear Headphones While Riding a Bike in Japan?

Yes, it is illegal to wear headphones while riding a bike in Japan as this can cause safety issues. It is also illegal to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol, as well as riding a bicycle while talking on a mobile phone.

Do You Lock Your Bike in Japan?

Yes, you should lock your bike in Japan if you plan to leave it unattended. Even though Japan has a low crime rate, bicycle thefts are pretty common. However, when on a Japan bike tour with Art of Bicycle Trips, it is best to ask your trip leader to watch over your bike if you plan to leave it unattended, or to load it on the support vehicle.

Can I Ride My Bike On a Sidewalk in Japan?

Yes, you can ride a bike on a sidewalk in Japan, unless there is a sign prohibiting you from doing so. However, it is best to leave the sidewalk for pedestrians and to ride on the road itself.

Is It Safe to Ride a Bike in Japan?

Yes, Japan is one of the safest countries to ride a bicycle in. People follow traffic rules, and motorists are not aggressive towards cyclists.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive in Japan?

Japan is a left-hand drive country. This means that while riding your bike, you should stick to the left side of the road, and overtake from the right.

Do You Offer Any Discounts On Your Japan Bike Tours?

Yes. Holders of our Silver Riders Club Membership get a 5% discount on the trip price, and additional benefits such as complimentary e-bike upgrades that add up to another 5% of the trip price. For more details, refer to our Silver Riders Club Membership page.

Do You Have Any Family-Oriented Bike Tours in Japan?

If you plan to travel with your family including children, write to us with your requirements, and we will try our best to design a custom itinerary that suits your requirements.