Highlights
- Cycle through Kyoto's eastern hills and along Lake Biwa's shores
- Soak your muscles in traditional onsen baths while staying at ryokans
- Browse the elegant collection of the I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum
- Wander the streets of Kyoto's Gion district and visit important temples
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Osaka, Transfer to Kyoto, Self-Guided Exploration | Kyoto |
| Day 2 | Cycle Through Kyoto's Eastern Hills | Otsu |
| Day 3 | Cycle North to Azuchi Castle & Nagahama Castle Park | Nagahama |
| Day 4 | Cycle Along Lake Biwa's North Shore | Takashima |
| Day 5 | Cycle Through a Hidden Valley | Otsu |
| Day 6 | Cycle to the Miho Museum | Otsu |
| Day 7 | Cycle or Transfer Back to Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Osaka, Depart Japan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Osaka, Transfer to Kyoto, Self-Guided Exploration
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Osaka airport, you'll meet your driver for a one-hour transfer to Kyoto. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to rest in your hotel and gather your energy for a week of cycling or to get out into the city and explore on foot.
A good place to start is by heading to the charming Gion neighborhood to experience some traditional Japanese culture, architecture, and cuisine. Geisha and maiko (trainee geisha) are a common sight here. If you want to see some of Kyoto's famous attractions, check out Kiyomizu-dera, an ancient Buddhist temple on a hill, or Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.
Day 2: Cycle Through Kyoto's Eastern Hills
Today you'll begin your cycling adventure! Your expert riding guide will meet you at your hotel in Kyoto, where you'll be fitted for the most suitable bike and gear. Then embark on a picturesque ride through the eastern hills of Kyoto. Although Kyoto is a big, modern city, it's also surrounded by forested hills, and it takes little time to get out into nature.
After pausing for lunch at a traditional Japanese soba eatery, emerge from the trees and descend into Otsu, a lakeside town. Your ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, sits along the tranquil shores of Lake Biwa. Refresh from the day's exertions with a luxurious onsen bath at your ryokan, then don the provided cotton yukata robes and take a stroll along the lakeshore. Later, join your guide for an exquisite traditional multicourse kaiseki dinner and raise a toast to an unforgettable week ahead. Be prepared to cycle around 12.4 miles (20 km) today and gain about 820 feet (250 m) in elevation.
Day 3: Cycle North to Azuchi Castle & Nagahama Castle Park
After a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day, start cycling to the southern tip of Lake Biwa, which happens to be Japan's largest lake, and then continue north. As you leave the urban landscape behind, verdant rice fields and majestic mountains come into view, painting a picturesque scene of blue and green hues.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Cycle Along Lake Biwa's North Shore
Lake Biwa's north shore is more secluded and rural, and, today, you'll continue cycling through some of the most picturesque shorelines in Shiga Prefecture. Head toward the peaceful Kaizu Osaki Peninsula, famous for its stunning cherry blossom tunnel featuring over 600 trees, which bloom in spring. The autumnal hues here are also worth checking out in the fall.
Spend time exploring the peaceful fishing villages and ancient shrines and temples along the coast before you call it a day. Make sure to catch the sunset, as tonight's ryokan promises lovely views over the lake. Today you will ride around 39 miles (62 km) and gain about 1,470 feet (450 m) in elevation.Day 5: Cycle Through a Hidden Valley
After tracing the shores of Lake Biwa over the previous few days, today's journey will ascend into a nearby river valley and dense forests. Revel in the smooth roads that weave through charming towns and rural landscapes as you explore the serene western side of Biwa.
After a steady morning of climbing, you will reach the summit and embark on a thrilling descent back down to Lake Biwa to complete your lap of the lake. Tonight, you will arrive at your last ryokan for the next two nights. With artistic, modern Japanese rooms, this ryokan will be one of your favorite spots and a perfect stop for recovery. Celebrate completing a lap of Lake Biwa with some glasses of local Nihonshu (sake) at dinner. Today you'll cycle around 31 miles (50 km) and gain about 2,460 feet (750 m), the most of any day on this trip.Day 6: Cycle to the Miho Museum
Get back into the saddle today and cycle to the Miho Museum, an architectural wonder located southeast of Lake Biwa. Designed by legendary architect and designer I.M. Pei, the museum offers a meticulously crafted experience. Take a step back in history through its collection of antiques, and learn more about modern Japanese architecture. You'll have plenty of time to wander the grounds, browse the exhibits, and stop for refreshments at the café. After, you may either cycle back to the hotel or give yourself a break with a shuttle ride back.
Day 7: Cycle or Transfer Back to Kyoto
On your last full day, you may choose to ride back to Kyoto via a secluded mountain pass, a final challenge that offers a great experience in nature. If this is what you prefer, you'll be riding for around 13.7 miles (22 km) and gain an elevation of 160 feet (50 m).
Alternatively, you may indulge in a relaxing morning at the onsen and take one last stroll along the lake's shoreline. After lunch, board a vehicle for the transfer back to Kyoto. If you're not too exhausted from your epic week of cycling, enjoy one final celebratory meal in Kyoto. Gion is an ideal place to enjoy elegant haute cuisine in a charming setting.
Day 8: Transfer to Osaka, Depart Japan
More Great Japan Itineraries
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