Japan is so much more than Tokyo and Kyoto—come explore its authentic side on two wheels! Kicking off in the highland town of Nasu, we’ll traverse terraced rice fields, delve into the mountainside, ride between towering cedars, and eventually reach Nikko, a sacred town that has attracted samurais for centuries. Now, no trip to Japan would be complete without tasting its rich cuisine! Ramen, soba, tempura, grilled river fish, wagyu beef…you name it, we’re tasting it. We’ll stay in established hotels and traditional inns featuring onsens—soothing hot springs that are just what you need after a day of cycling. So, gear up for a bike tour between Nasu and Nikko—where every pedal stroke takes you deeper into Japan’s nature, history, and, of course, its gastronomy.
Explore the authentic side of Japan on a 6-day bike tour from Nasu to Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture. Traverse picturesque landscapes, visit historical sites, and savor rich Japanese cuisine. Stay in quality hotels and ryokans, enjoying onsens each night. Lead by local guides, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko Toshogu and ride through scenic routes like the Nikko Cedar Avenue. This all-inclusive tour offers gourmet meals, snacks, a support vehicle, and more. Immerse yourself in Japan's nature, history, and gastronomy on this unforgettable adventure.
Our cycling escapade commences at Nasushiobara Station, a swift 70-minute journey from Tokyo aboard the Tohoku Shinkansen. At the Ride Experience tour desk, we’ll fine-tune your rental bikes for an optimal riding experience and go through a gear check. We will then get a shuttle to an enchanting onsen ryokan (Japanese inn with hot springs) in Nasu, where a traditional Japanese “Kaiseki” dinner awaits. This culinary masterpiece features an array of dishes, each meticulously crafted with seasonal vegetables, locally sourced fish, and an infusion of regional flavors.
Meals: Dinner
Awaken to a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for a day of exploration in Nasu, a haven for both gourmands and cycling enthusiasts. With its royal resort history, Nasu unfolds as we cycle through highlands and countryside, framed by majestic mountain vistas. Navigate the rich tapestry of Nasu’s cultural gems, including shrines, castle ruins, and serene bamboo forests. A culinary highlight awaits at a local farmer’s house—a full-course lunch where each bite celebrates the bounty of fresh, local ingredients. As the day unfolds, we’ll traverse the highland forest, followed by indulging in a delicious cheesecake and rice flour ice cream.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 43.5 miles (70 km)
Following breakfast, we’ll begin our day with an exhilarating ride across a suspension bridge and weave your way through paths alongside terraced rice fields. We’ll traverse tranquil mountain villages, relishing a local lunch of fresh soba and tempura. A short hike leads to a breathtaking waterfall, complemented by visits to an ancient and sacred cedar tree and a renowned Japanese confectionery store. The day concludes in a hidden onsen village in Shiobara, where a cozy ryokan offers a Kaiseki dinner spotlighting seasonal mountain vegetables and succulent wagyu beef.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 31 miles (50 km)
Following another delightful morning meal, Day 4 unfolds with a journey from Shiobara to Nikko. We’ll traverse a suspension bridge, meander through captivating countryside roads, and explore historical sites. The crown jewel is the Nikko Cedar Avenue, an ancient Samurai Road enveloped by towering 400-year-old cedar trees. We’ll then arrive at the classic Nikko Kanaya Hotel, the oldest resort hotel in Japan, where the evening beckons for a delightful dinner in Nikko at your chosen restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 43.5 miles (70 km)
After breakfast, it’s time to immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko Toshogu and its surroundings. There, we can opt for the unique Gomadaki fire prayer at Rinnoji Temple. In the afternoon, pedal from Nikko Kanaya Hotel to Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel via the picturesque Iroha-zaka slope, Lake Chuzenji, and a captivating waterfall resembling a dragon’s head. our day culminates at a lakeside resort hotel, where an onsen promises rejuvenation for the last time during this tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 18 miles (30 km)
As you savor a final breakfast and bid farewell to the hotel, your journey concludes. Board the hotel’s private shuttle to Tobu Nikko Station, where you part ways with your guide, fellow cyclists, and the enchanting landscapes of Japan. Reflect on your unforgettable adventure or extend your exploration.
Meals: Breakfast
Knowledgeable guide took us to hidden local gems, including beautiful ryokans and charming restaurants. High-quality bikes, well-designed routes, and breathtaking scenery. Excellent attention to detail and top-notch customer service. Highly recommend for an authentic and memorable experience.
What you get on this adventure:
Bike or e-bike rentals are available for an added fee of $140. Single rooms can be arranged for an added fee of $275.
What’s not included:
For this guided bike tour from Nasu to Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture, you need to have a very good level of fitness. Participants need to be able to cover 18-43 miles (30-70 km) of cycling per day, sometimes featuring strenuous ascents, for 4 consecutive days. To prepare, we suggest engaging in cardiovascular and strength training in weeks prior to the tour. It is also important to cycle regularly, at least during the weekend.
Keep in mind that you will take breaks during each day and that your guide will set the pace that takes into account your fitness level. They will also monitor your technique and make the necessary route adjustments if there ever occurs a need for one. However, in general, the average speed will be 15km/h—and while this pace could feel slow to some, keep in mind that this is also a foodies’ bike tour, and the pace may be adjusted slightly depending on the group’s skill level.
You will also have a support vehicle riding between hotels, which means that you are always covered in the event that riding becomes too difficult.
If you think mileage and the climbs will pose too big of a challenge for you, consider renting an e-bike! Both regular road bikes and e-bikes can be rented at the same rate during the booking process.
Here’s what you’ll need for your daily outings:
Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season. Late May and early June in Tochigi, Japan, typically experience mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It marks the transition from spring to early summer, with occasional rain showers. Late October and early November bring cooler temperatures to Tochigi, ranging from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F). It’s the autumn season, characterized by colorful foliage, and generally drier conditions compared to late spring.
Make sure to also bring some leisure clothes for evenings and free time. A more comprehensive packing list will be provided to you upon booking.
Your guided cycling trip from Nasu to Nikko is as much of a culinary journey as it is a bike tour. Savor a kaiseki dinner (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) at a historic ryokan, relish local specialties in each town, and delight in diverse Japanese dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Feast on wagyu beef, fresh river fish, Nikko rainbow trout, highland vegetables, cheese, and ice cream from ranches-owned shops. Enjoy local sake, craft beer in Nasu Highland, and Tochigi wine. Your biking adventure also offers glimpses into the production of these local delights. Don’t miss the chance to experience ramen, soba, tempura, and a full-course lunch at a local farmer’s house, along with delightful conversations with the family. You’re in for a bike tour that satisfies not only your wanderlust but also your discerning palate—sensational food that defines Japanese gastronomy at its finest.
Group sizes and prices:
Bike tour from Nasu to Nikko can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your Nasu-Nikko cycling adventure starts at Nasushiobara Station in the morning of Day 1. To get there, most people fly into Haneda or Narita International Airports (both serving Tokyo). From there, you should take a shuttle to the Tokyo Station (main railway station) in Chiyoda. The shuttle will take you either between 20 minutes and 1 hour (if getting there from the airport). Once there, take the Tohoku Shinkansen (high-speed train) to Nasushiobara Station (the shuttle will take you 70 minutes).
We suggest arriving in Japan at least one day before and arranging accommodation in Tokyo (preferably close to the airport or the railway station), to give yourself a chance to combat jet lag.
While accident insurance is included in the price of this tour, we highly recommend that you arrange travel insurance as well. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Japan, please refer to Japan’s foreign travel advice.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% of the trip price is to be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Early bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your early bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how early bird bookings work below:
Wow – a super professional company with great friendly English speaking staff. If you’re looking for a cycling adventure, then look no further. They will adapt the tour to what you would like to do. A great mix of cycling, cultural events with extremely comfortable accommodation. oh, don’t worry about going hungry, the food is exceptional.
Just go ahead and book – NOW