Japan Cycling Tour 2027
Kyoto to Wakayama

Meet your guides and fellow travellers in the beautiful district of Arashiyama, on the western edge of Kyoto, renowned for its peaceful riverside setting, bamboo forests, and traditional charm. After settling in, we'll provide a comprehensive tour briefing and ensure everyone is comfortably fitted to their bikes.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax, explore, or join an optional gentle riverside ride to loosen the legs after your travels. In the evening, our first group dinner — a relaxed introduction to Japanese hospitality and cuisine.

Our first full day of riding follows the scenic Keinawa Cycle Route along peaceful riverside paths through the Kyoto countryside toward the iconic Nagarebashi Bridge — flat, traffic-free, and picturesque.

Guests can complete the full return ride or opt to return by support vehicle from Nagarebashi. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Arashiyama's bamboo groves, temples, cafés, and traditional streets.

Ride into the mountain valleys around Mizuo, famous for yuzu orchards and quiet roads, stopping at spring water points along the way. Lunch at a local soba café before continuing to Kameoka.

Board traditional riverboats for a two-hour journey down the Hozugawa River, once used to transport timber into Kyoto, surrounded by forested cliffs. Late afternoon, transfer to Uji, renowned for its green tea heritage.

Explore the tea-growing countryside around Uji — rolling hills, quiet roads, lush plantations, and sweeping valley views. Pass the Amagase Dam before descending to Kanou Shoujuan for lunch and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Time to visit local cafés, bakeries, and pottery studios. Guests may complete the full loop or return by support vehicle, leaving the afternoon free to explore Uji's tea shops and the iconic Byōdō-in Temple. Dinner at leisure.

Rejoin the Keinawa Cycle Route south before heading inland to the tea-growing region of Wazuka — rolling hills, terraced plantations, and traditional villages untouched by time. Lunch in Wazuka, then on to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital.

A well-earned break before the mountainous stages ahead. Unwind and explore the city, or join an optional loop ride through Nara Park and quiet countryside roads along an ancient pilgrimage route. Nara offers magnificent temples, gardens, and its famous free-roaming deer, plus an optional guided walk. Group dinner at a renowned local restaurant.

Continue south along the Keinawa Cycle Route through rural Japan, gradually climbing into the sacred mountain region of Mount Yoshino — famous for cherry blossoms, temples, and forested slopes. Time to explore the historic village before dinner.

One of the most memorable and rewarding rides of the tour, following ancient pilgrimage routes deep into the Kii Mountains through remote valleys and towering cedar forests. Lunch in the mountain village of Tenkawa, then the final climb to Mount Koya, one of Japan's most important Buddhist centres.

Tonight, a traditional temple stay — time to explore the lantern-lit streets and temples before dinner.

Morning prayers at the temple lodging, followed by a traditional Japanese breakfast, then a spectacular descent through forested mountains back toward the coast. Rejoin the Keinawa Cycle Route for a rewarding mix of countryside, riverside riding, and rolling terrain into Wakayama — the final stage of the journey.