Japan Heritage

Japan Heritage

7 Days Starting and ending in Kyoto, Japan

Visiting: Kyoto, Ogoto, Omihachiman, Nara

Tour operator:

SpiceRoads Cycling

Tour code:

JPN-JHB

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

Min age:18

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $4950 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through Japan's rich heritage with our "Japan Heritage" tour. Starting and ending in the historic city of Kyoto, this active journey takes you on a scenic ride through iconic heritage sites, serene rural landscapes, and charming historical towns. Experience the tranquility of Kyoto's rural hinterland, unwind in the renowned hot springs of Ogoto, and explore the Edo-era canals of Omihachiman. Cycle through terraced tea plantations to the ancient capital of Nara, where you'll visit cultural gems like Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, and partake in a traditional tea ceremony. Conclude your adventure with a ride through the Kansai countryside, visiting the Zen temple of Tenryu-ji and the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove. With hybrid bikes included and e-bikes available for hire, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty for cycling enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Visit iconic heritage sites, gardens, shrines, and historic communities in Kyoto.

  • Experience the serenity of Ogoto's renowned hot springs (onsen).

  • Explore Omihachiman's charming historical area with Edo-era canals and traditional buildings.

  • Cycle through terraced tea plantations and small backroads from Koka to Nara.

  • Discover Nara's cultural gems, including Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

  • Visit the Zen temple of Tenryu-ji and the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove near Kyoto.

Itinerary

What's Included

Hybrid bike hire is included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

E-Bike HireE-Bike hire is not included and costs an additional US$ 490.

Single Supplement

US$ 320

Bike Hire

Hybrid: Included, E-Bike*: US$ 490

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bike is included in the tour?

    A hybrid bike is included in the tour.

  • Is there an option to upgrade to an e-bike?

    Yes, you can upgrade to an e-bike for an additional cost of US$ 490.

  • What can I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will embark on an 18 km ride in Kyoto, visiting iconic heritage sites, gardens, shrines, and historic communities.

  • Will there be any challenging rides during the tour?

    Yes, the ride on the second day is one of the hilliest of the trip as you head towards Ogoto.

  • What unique experiences are included in Nara?

    In Nara, you will visit Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and cycle along a historic trail.

  • What scenic locations will we visit on the last day of cycling?

    On the last day of cycling, you will visit the Zen temple of Tenryu-ji and the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove before returning to Kyoto.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

  • Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?

    There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.

  • Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?

    SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.

  • Do you have E-Bikes?

    Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.

  • What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?

    Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.

  • Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?

    In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Sunday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

May 12, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$4950 (USD)

Monday - Sunday

Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
$4950 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.

    At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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