Private
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips
Book your fall training now – see Ride Camps
European Classic booking fast – see the trips
Trip Itinerary
Delve into the hidden world of Buddhist pilgrims, ancient temples, and the cultural Nara region on this awe-inspiring bike tour.
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Pick-up location:
Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Pick-up time:
9:45 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Drop-off location:
Hotel Dhawa Yura Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Drop-off time:
10:00 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays.
We recommend you fly into Kansai International Airport. There are various ways to get from Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station, but the easiest and fastest option is taking "terminal-to-terminal" Haruka Express Train, operated by JR West and takes approximately 80 minutes. There are frequent trains between Kansai Airport and Kyoto. You can use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder on www.westjr.co.jp/global/ to find a train time that suits your schedule.
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a one hour shuttle to Uji, one of the oldest cities in Japan, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River and famous for matcha green tea production. Here, we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Noborioji Hotel Nara (+81 0742 25 2591) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from Kyoto to the first hotel will take about 40 minutes and costs around $150.
Additional Departure Information
You will say farewell to your guides at the final dinner in Kyoto. The next day, you will depart from the hotel at your leisure. Check-out is at 10:00 AM. To get to the airport from the hotel, you can take a train from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport (~80 min) or hire a cab directly to the airport (~90 min). You can use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder on www.westjr.co.jp/global/ to find a train time that suits your schedule.
For extra assistance with transportation reservations, the hotel concierge is available during your stay.
Explore winding roads through tea fields of Uji
Overview
Welcome to Japan! Your trip starts in Kyoto, where you'll meet your guides at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a one-hour shuttle to Uji, one of the oldest cities in the country, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River and famous for matcha green tea production. Then we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week. We'll... Welcome to Japan! Your trip starts in Kyoto, where you'll meet your guides at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a one-hour shuttle to Uji, one of the oldest cities in the country, located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River and famous for matcha green tea production. Then we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week. We'll enjoy lunch together and finish with a matcha ice cream before we roll out. This first ride winds its way on beautiful roads through lush forest and rolling hills polka-dotted with tea terraces. Here you'll stop for a sip of a tea in Wazuka, a small town in the countryside famous for tea fields and many tea farms. Our destination is Nara, which will also be your home for next two nights. Don’t be surprised if you see deer roaming through the town, as they are practically domesticated and a common sight in Nara deer park. This evening we'll gather for a social hour and conclude with a Japanese traditional dinner at a local restaurant. Read More
Hotel
Noborioji Hotel Nara
Meals included
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Uji
Enjoy lunch in a beautiful town of Uji with its fascinating shrines and temples.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Uji to Nara - Approximately 24 mi | 39 km and 2,300 ft | 701 m
Explore Nara and experience a traditional tea ceremony
Overview
Good morning in Nara! This vibrant city was once the first permanent capital of Japan and to this day remains an important historical and cultural center for the country, with eight temples and a former palace of the empire. Today it's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly one-of-a-kind. After a traditional Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, and grilled fish, we'll warm up our legs with the first climb of the day. We'll then descend on quiet, p... Good morning in Nara! This vibrant city was once the first permanent capital of Japan and to this day remains an important historical and cultural center for the country, with eight temples and a former palace of the empire. Today it's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly one-of-a-kind. After a traditional Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, and grilled fish, we'll warm up our legs with the first climb of the day. We'll then descend on quiet, pleasant backroads through the countryside. On the way back we'll spot a few temples nestled throughout the rolling farmland. We'll return to our hotel with plenty of time to explore the historical center of Nara before we experience the tranquility of a private Japanese tea ceremony. Afterwards, we will head to a local restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. Read More
Hotel
Noborioji Hotel Nara
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Tea ceremony
Experience the tranquility of a private Japanese tea ceremony.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Nara Loop - Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 2,800 ft | 853 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Nara Loop with Climb - Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 3,306 ft | 1,000 m
Activities
Activity 1
ACTIVITY:
Private tea ceremony
Activity 2
Ride to Japan's oldest temple and climb up Mt. Yoshino
Overview
This morning, you'll say goodbye to the town of Nara and its green tea backdrop to continue south on small roads surrounded by local farms, rice fields and tumulus. We will first make our way to Sakurai and Asuka, where we'll visit the oldest official temple in Japan with the oldest statue of Buddha as its signature symbol. We'll have a light lunch and treat ourselves to a favorite ice cream shop. Our ride then continues, and the hills start to increase until we arr... This morning, you'll say goodbye to the town of Nara and its green tea backdrop to continue south on small roads surrounded by local farms, rice fields and tumulus. We will first make our way to Sakurai and Asuka, where we'll visit the oldest official temple in Japan with the oldest statue of Buddha as its signature symbol. We'll have a light lunch and treat ourselves to a favorite ice cream shop. Our ride then continues, and the hills start to increase until we arrive at the foot of Mt. Yoshino–our home for the next two nights. Mt. Yoshino is truly majestic, set high on a ridge with a collection of temples as its crown. We'll stay in a ryokan well-known for its beautiful 300-year old traditional Japanese garden, where you can relax or walk on trails against the backdrop of Kinpusenji Temple, the main temple of Mt. Yoshino. Tonight we'll dine together and enjoy a traditional multi-course meal featuring local fresh ingredients such as Yoshino arrowroots from the mountains and Japanese trout from the Yoshino river. Read More
Hotel
Chikurin-in Gunpoen
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal | Chikurin-in Gunpoen
Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese ryokan experience, surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees and a historic Buddhist temple. Dressed in ... Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese ryokan experience, surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees and a historic Buddhist temple. Dressed in a yukata, you follow umami and green tea scents to a dining room adorned with gilded forest paintings. Here, a bento-style feast of Japanese specialties, including a hot pot with Wagyu beef, awaits you. A 60-year-old Japanese hostess, embodying tradition and warmth, enhances this culinary journey through a thousand years of Japanese culture and cuisine. Read More
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Nara to Yoshino - Approximately 36 mi | 58 km and 3,300 ft | 1,005 m
Bike through Mitarai Valley and explore the local market
Overview
Good morning! Enjoy a Japanese breakfast in your cotton yukata against a mountain backdrop. Today we discover more of this gorgeous landscape, starting with a descent from Yoshino toward Mitarai Valley. We'll stop at a market on the way for a friendly visit with the locals and a sample of delicacies, including fried Shiitake mushroom or freshly made mochi. We head back to Yoshino on winding forest roads for a little rest and relaxation. Visit to the Niukawakami S... Good morning! Enjoy a Japanese breakfast in your cotton yukata against a mountain backdrop. Today we discover more of this gorgeous landscape, starting with a descent from Yoshino toward Mitarai Valley. We'll stop at a market on the way for a friendly visit with the locals and a sample of delicacies, including fried Shiitake mushroom or freshly made mochi. We head back to Yoshino on winding forest roads for a little rest and relaxation. Visit to the Niukawakami Shinto Shrine where a white or black horse was offered to stop or bring rain depending on the needs of the village. Take an exhilarating walk across a suspension bridge across a deep valley. Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the sacred center of Shugando, a religion predating Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism. It’s also the name of a pilgrimage to Japan's most famous spring cherry blossom bloom. We'll regroup for our dinner together at our ryokan. Read More
Hotel
Chikurin-in Gunpoen
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Local food market
If you're looking to experience the unique taste and flavors of Japanese street food, then visiting a local market is a must! Japan is known... If you're looking to experience the unique taste and flavors of Japanese street food, then visiting a local market is a must! Japan is known for its vibrant and bustling street food scene, where vendors sell everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. Read More
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Yoshino to Shimoichi Loop - Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 3,500 ft | 1,066 m
Ride along the Yoshino river, stay in a temple, and discover the Buddhist way of life
Overview
After another leisurely, delicious Japanese breakfast, it's time to hop on the bike and head down the mountain. The first section of our ride is flat, along the Yoshino river leading into the town of Hashimoto. Here is a good opportunity to grab a snack and coffee at one of their ubiquitous convenience stores or at local café at Red Iron Bridge. After fueling up, we'll start the climb to Koyasan on a picturesque road through the forest. You can re-charge on a small... After another leisurely, delicious Japanese breakfast, it's time to hop on the bike and head down the mountain. The first section of our ride is flat, along the Yoshino river leading into the town of Hashimoto. Here is a good opportunity to grab a snack and coffee at one of their ubiquitous convenience stores or at local café at Red Iron Bridge. After fueling up, we'll start the climb to Koyasan on a picturesque road through the forest. You can re-charge on a small downhill before climbing to the top of this sacred mountain where the views will be well worth the effort. Mt. Koya is the holiest mountain in Japan and it's where you can spend the night in a shukubo, or temple pilgrim lodging. This is our chance to discover the Buddhist way of life at its most authentic. We'll be hosted by monks and served a traditional vegetarian dinner, or shōjin ryōri. Read More
Hotel
Sekishoin
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal | Shōjin ryōri
Let the monks host you and join them for meditation and shōjin ryōri (vegetarian dinner) at the temple.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Yoshino to Koyasan - Approximately 38 mi | 61 km and 4,600 ft | 1,402 m
Relax this morning at the temple and enjoy a luxury dinner in Kyoto
Overview
Rise early today for a stroll through this picture-perfect town just as it's waking, or join choral chanting monks for their morning ceremony. After breakfast, take the time to visit the bright orange 150-foot tall Konpon Daito Pagoda and surrounding memorial grounds, or relax in the temple’s Onsen before it's time hop back on our bikes. We descend on a beautiful and secluded, albeit rough, narrow and winding road. At the bottom, we'll board a scenic shuttle back ... Rise early today for a stroll through this picture-perfect town just as it's waking, or join choral chanting monks for their morning ceremony. After breakfast, take the time to visit the bright orange 150-foot tall Konpon Daito Pagoda and surrounding memorial grounds, or relax in the temple’s Onsen before it's time hop back on our bikes. We descend on a beautiful and secluded, albeit rough, narrow and winding road. At the bottom, we'll board a scenic shuttle back to Kyoto. Tonight at social hour, we'll toast to a week of new experiences, discovering a new culture, and meeting new friends. We will say our goodbyes over a final dinner together. Read More
Hotel
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Descend from the high mountains
Enjoy a nice descent through the peaceful pine tree forests of Koyasan back down to bustling Hashimoto. The curvy roads and impeccable views... Enjoy a nice descent through the peaceful pine tree forests of Koyasan back down to bustling Hashimoto. The curvy roads and impeccable views to the valleys below are bound to put a smile on your face. Read More
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Koyasan to Hashimoto - Approximately 28 mi | 45 km and 1,800 ft | 548 m
Enjoy a relaxed morning with a cup of Japanese tea
Overview
Enjoy a slow breakfast and relaxing morning. Departure is at your leisure before check-out at 10:00 AM. If you are enjoying extra time in Kyoto, the hotel is very close to the town center and walkable to a wide array of famous sights in the area. Your guides will be happy to give you recommendations.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself