Japan’s Cultural Heartland

Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 2: Kyoto - Ogoto, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Ogoto - Lake Biwa - Koka, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Koka - Nara, 38 mi. (61 km)
Day 5: Nara, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 6: Nara - Kyoto, 5 mi. (56 km)
Day 7: Departure from Kyoto

Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto, 11 mi. (18 km) | Elevation: +92m / -92m
The journey begins with a morning meeting at 09:00 AM at the hotel in Kyoto, followed by a relaxed 18 km ride through the heart of Japan’s former imperial capital. Highlights include Heian Shrine with its towering torii gate, the peaceful Zen temples of Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji, and the atmospheric Gion District, known for its traditional tea houses and geisha culture. A local lunch introduces regional flavors, and the day concludes with a welcome dinner. (L, D)

Sample Accommodation: Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi (Western-style)

Day 2: Kyoto - Ohara - Ogoto, 28 mi. (45 km) | Elevation: +712m / -649m
Leave the city behind and ride into the forested countryside northeast of Kyoto. The route passes through quiet backroads on the way to Ohara, a rural village nestled in the hills. Here, explore Sanzen-in Temple, a peaceful retreat featuring moss gardens, elegant halls, and mountain scenery. After lunch, continue to Ogoto, a lakeside town known for its hot springs. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen before sitting down to a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner. (B, L, D)

Sample Accommodation: Komorebi Ryokan (Japanese-style)

Day 3: Ogoto - Omihachiman - Koka, 34 mi. (55 km) | Elevation: +228m / -107m
Begin the day with a ride across the Biwako Ohashi Bridge, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa. From there, follow a scenic lakeside path to Omihachiman, a charming canal town with well-preserved Edo-era buildings and cobbled streets. After exploring the town and enjoying lunch, continue through gently rolling countryside to reach Koka, a quiet rural area known for its peaceful surroundings. (B, L, D)

Sample Accommodation: Route-Inn Koka Minakuchi (Western-style)

Day 4: Koka - Shigaraki - Wazuka - Nara, 38 mi. (61 km) | Elevation: +666m / -760m
Today’s route heads to Shigaraki, a town famed for its ceramic tanuki (raccoon dog) statues. After a short stop, continue along winding country roads into Wazuka, one of Japan’s top tea-producing regions. The ride offers sweeping views of perfectly manicured tea fields spread across the hillsides. After exploring the tea fields and taking a break for lunch, continue toward Nara. To avoid city traffic, the final 15 km is completed by local train. (B, L, D)

Sample Accommodation: Onyado Nono Nara (Japanese-style)

Day 5: Nara, 24 mi. (39 km) | Elevation: +420m / -420m
The day begins with a walking tour of Nara’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Visit Kasuga Shrine, famous for its vermilion buildings and thousands of stone lanterns, followed by Todaiji Temple, home to a massive bronze Buddha. After a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and lunch, take to the bikes for an afternoon loop along the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail, considered Japan’s oldest road. The route offers gentle terrain and passes through rural landscapes and ancient sites. Dinner is at your leisure. (B, L)

Sample Accommodation: Onyado Nono Nara (Japanese-style)

Day 6: Nara - Kyoto, 35 mi. (56 km) | Elevation: +317m / -339m
Cycle through the plains along the Kizu and Katsuragawa rivers on the return to Kyoto. The route is largely flat, passing through small towns and open countryside. The ride finishes on the city’s western edge with a visit to Tenryu-ji, a stunning Zen temple set against a backdrop of forested hills. Just nearby, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall green stalks rise overhead in a dramatic natural corridor. From here, a short metro ride brings the group back to central Kyoto for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Sample Accommodation: Via Inn Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi (Western-style)

Day 7: Kyoto Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel before check-out. Guests are free to continue exploring Kyoto or make their way to the airport or train station for onward travel. (B)

This tour combines Western-style hotels and traditional Japanese inns (ryokan), offering both comfort and cultural immersion. In cities like Kyoto and Koka, you’ll stay in modern hotels with familiar amenities, while in Ogoto and Nara, ryokan provide a more traditional experience, often including features like tatami rooms and onsen.