Top 5 Must-Try Cycling Routes in Japan

Looking for a different way to travel through Japan? As a country with numerous scenic cycling routes that wind through beautiful areas, around lakes, and across forested mountains, why not start your Japan tour with a leisurely bike ride? Below are five of the most popular cycling routes in Japan, far from motor traffic, with few intersections, clear signage, and a cyclist-friendly atmosphere, providing you with the best cycling experience.

Cycling Routes in Japan

Shimanami Kaido

• Route: From Onomichi, Hiroshima to Imabari, Ehime
• Length: About 70 kilometers (4 to 10 hours ride)

The Shimanami Kaido was once named the world's most beautiful cycling route by CNN. This well-maintained national cycling route crosses the Seto Inland Sea, spanning six islands, with rest stops providing drinking water, restrooms, air pumps, and more.

The route has a gentle gradient, making for a pleasant ride where you can take in the sea breeze, blue skies, and scenic islands along the way. In late spring and fall, over 400 varieties of roses bloom along the path, adding to its charm.

Depending on your stamina, you can choose to ride only part of the route, with the option to take a bus at various stops or a ferry between islands to enjoy the rest of the journey. Though a day ride is enough to complete the route, a 1-2 night stay on different islands is highly recommended - not only to witness breathtaking seaside sunsets but also to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Coastal Scenery Along Shimanami Kaido

Biwaichi

• Route: Lakeshore loop around Lake Biwa
• Length: About 193 kilometers (1 to 3 days ride)

The Biwaichi cycling course encircles Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, located about a 20-minute drive from Kyoto via Shinkansen. Starting your ride at Maibara Station is a great idea, as bicycle rentals are available there. Follow the blue route lines, which are well-marked with signposts, roadside stations, and public restrooms along the way.

The Biwaichi cycling route is mostly flat, with minimal elevation changes. In summer and fall, you'll be treated to the lush greenery of summer and the vibrant colors of autumn. Professional cyclists can complete the circuit in about 10 hours, but if you're not looking to rush, consider taking your time over two days.

Cycling around the lake at your own pace, unwind in the gentle breeze as well as the summer firework displays. Pass through the stunning Biwako Valley and the charming Omi Merchants Cityscape. Nagahama town also makes for a perfect stopover, offering hot springs, beautiful lakeside hotels, and delicious local cuisine.

Ring-Ring Road

Route: Tsukuba Railway cycling path & Lakeshore loop of Lake Kasumigaura

Length: About 176 kilometers (1 to 3 days ride)

Located in Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park in Ibaraki, the Ring-Ring Road offers a mixed cycling route around Mt. Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura. This path features diverse landscapes, from wetlands and mountain hills to historic streetscapes and sacred shrines.

Tsuchiura, just about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo, is the ideal starting point for your cycling adventure. The Ring-Ring Road is equipped with well-maintained rest areas and a variety of accommodations, making a multi-day journey highly recommended to fully appreciate its many charms.

This route is accessible to everyone, with a clear sky and shimmering waters providing a relaxing backdrop. You'll ride through lush rice paddies and vibrant lotus fields in full bloom. For those seeking a challenge, an alternative route leads to the summit of Mt. Tsukuba, offering an exhilarating experience.

Ice Supply Point on the Way

Fuji Five Lakes

• Route: From Lake Kawaguchi to Lake Motosuko
• Length: About 110 kilometers (1 to 3 days ride)

The Fuji Five Lakes cycling route, located at the northern base of Mount Fuji, takes you through the stunning landscapes of Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko. Spring and autumn are ideal times to explore this route, enhanced by fancy cherry blossoms and stunning fall foliage.

It's an easy ride with minimal elevation changes, with plenty of rest stops along the way, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels.

Start your journey at Lake Kawaguchiko, passing by charming hydrangeas in bloom and enjoying views of the majestic Mt. Tenjo. From there, head to nearby Lake Yamanakako, which boasts several hotels for an overnight stay.

On your second day, continue towards Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko, cycling through the picturesque Aokigahara Forest, filled with hemlock and cypress trees, and take a break at the campgrounds near Lake Shojiko.

The final ride will lead you to Lake Motosuko, renowned as the best vantage point for viewing Mt. Fuji. In spring and fall, the tranquil waters of Lake Motosuko reflect the mountain like a vast mirror, a scene so beautiful it graces the 1,000 yen bill.

Nichinan Coast Cycling Line

• Route: From Aoshima to Nango, Miyazaki
• Length: About 52 kilometers (3 to 4 hours ride)

With minimal elevation changes and occasional steep slopes, the Nichinan Coast cycling route offers breathtaking seaside scenery in Japan, featuring meadows, flowers, and unique rocky landscapes - perfect for a spring or summer adventure.

As you ride, you'll pass the vibrant meadows of Cape Toi, home to Misaki-uma, wild horses considered a national treasure of Japan. As well as the Miyakoh Botanic Garden, where hundreds of flower and plant varieties flourish.

The route's stunning seaside rock formations will surprise you as well. During low tide at sunrise or sunset, you can see an expanse of rocks resembling washboards, known as Devil's Washboard, where locals used to wash their clothes.

After your ride, treat yourself to local delicacies such as Miyazaki beef, oysters, and wine at a restaurant just five minutes from central Aoshima. Be sure to save time to visit the Aoshima Shrine, a beloved spot among locals where you can pray for good luck and participate in love fortune-telling activities just like they do.

Scenery of Nichinan Coast

Tips for Cycling in Japan

Park in Designated Bicycle Areas

Bicycle rentals, rest stops, and attractions along the cycling routes all have areas for parking bicycles, however, if you are temporarily going to a roadside store or other places and need to park your bicycle in a non-bicycle parking spot, please be careful not to park for more than ten minutes to avoid getting a warning sticker.

Turn on Your Lights for Night Rides

Please turn on your lights when riding your bicycle at night. It is important for your safety and the safety of others to turn on your lights for illumination and to attract the attention of pedestrians and vehicles. In addition, if you do not turn on your bicycle lights at night, you may be stopped by police.

Ride on the Left Side

When riding a bicycle in Japan, remember to ride on the left side of the road; it is against the rule to ride on the right side of the road.

Stay Hydrated and Energized

Carry some energy bars, sandwiches, and drinks with you to prevent hypoglycemia and dehydration. Be careful, too, that you don't eat too much before the ride to avoid stomach upset.

Unwind the Best Japan Cycling Route With Odynovo

Are you ready to cycle in Japan? Which cycling routes would you most like to try? From a simple day trip to a multi-day trip to islands or mountains, let Odynovo know your preferences to create your ideal itinerary and take care of any hassles for you.