No time machine, no problem! The 8-day Nakasendo Trail cycling trip will take us back to 17th century Japan, retracing the steps of samurai warriors, merchants, pilgrims, and other travelers moving between Kyoto, the Imperial Japanese capital and Edo (Tokyo), the political capital of the time. We’ll stroll through historical post towns, feel the serenity of bamboo groves, marvel at centuries-old shrines and temples, and spend nights in traditional minshuku and ryokan. This will be an adventure to remember!
Feel the centuries of cultural interchange of goods, ideas, and traditions
Gastronomic riches reflect centuries of diverse cultural influences
Dive back into the 1600s and stay at ryokan and minshuku at post towns
The Nakasendo Trail is more than just a cycling adventure—it’s a step back in time, a week-long journey to the Japanese Edo period, with well-preserved reminders along the trail. You will visit some of the most important and most beautiful post towns on the route, including Tsumago and Magome among many others. The rest of the cycling tour goes through serene woodlands, cobblestoned paths meandering through the mountains, remote villages, and a myriad of other landscapes. Join this guided journey and prepare for a total immersion into the Japanese Edo period, its culture, traditions, and its food.
The itinerary is just a sample—it is not set in stone, and neither are the daily distances, but this is what your cycling adventure should look like.
Make your way to GS Astuto Cycle Base in Annaka, where you’ll meet your guide and your team. Set up your bike, go through a briefing, and prepare for the upcoming days! Today you’ll cycle from Annaka to Saku.
Distance: 50 km / 31 miles
Day 2: Saku — Narai
Distance: 80 km / 50 miles
Day 3: Narai — Nakatsugawa
Distance: 75 km / 47 miles
Day 4: Nakatsugawa — Inuyama
Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
Day 5: Inuyama — Maibara
Distance: 72 km / 45 miles
Day 6: Maibara — Kyoto
Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
Your Nakasendo cycling adventure comes to an end. Take the train to Kyoto—either depart home or stay longer to explore Japan.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to join this Nakasendo bike tour, you need to be in great physical condition. You will be cycling for a week, anywhere between 50 and 80 km per day (31-50 miles). Daily elevation gains are around 150-200 m (490-650 ft), with the biggest elevation gain in a single day being around 1,200 m (3,940 ft).
What else is on the offer in Japan? Check out this biking & hiking Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage or a cycling tour of Hidden Japan on Shikoku Island.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Touring in Japan covers mountains, plains, and coastal areas, where rain is not uncommon. Weather in the winter can also get quite cold in the winter. Make sure to bring clothing appropriate for the season. Generally, pack light and use layers. Due to high humidity, a waterproof hardshell is great and effective as any membrane shell. High-quality Merino fabric base layers as well as high-quality bib or riding shorts are strongly recommended. You’ll be able to do laundry in most lodgings so you might not need as much clothing as you think.
Rental bikes
High-end conventional bikers or e-bikes typically featuring 1×11 or 2×11 wide range components are included in the price of the tour. You also get a repair kit (pump, tool, patches, etc.), safety lights, and “rinko” bags for the train. Helmet, rental clothing or shoes are not provided. If you bring your own saddle and/or pedals, they will be installed for you. Please do not bring racks, panniers, or other components without consulting first. Rental bikes are suitable for bikepacking type saddle bags, frame bags, or front, and not old-school expedition racks and panniers.
Your own bike
You can also bring your own bike! However, please keep in mind that land logistics in Japan may be challenging for bike boxes or cases that are larger than 200 cm (LWH). If you have a question regarding your specific box or case, just let us know. Also, if you bring your own bike, you will have to pre-arrange your own liability insurance (if you take your guide’s rental, you will automatically have liability insurance).
For taking your bike on the train, you need to use a full coverage bag. They’re called “rinko” bags and they are generally provided with rental bikes on request. By removing wheels, the bike can fit easily into the bag and be placed in the designated area inside the train.
Lodging along the Nakasendo Trail is a step back in time, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and modern comfort. The towns are strategically positioned along this ancient route and they’ve evolved into havens for travelers seeking an authentic experience. You’ll be taken back to the Edo period with meticulously preserved architecture and interiors that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Staying in these lodgings offers more than just a bed—it’s a chance to become a part of the living history of the Nakasendo. From tatami-matted rooms to soothing communal baths, every detail speaks for the trail’s rich cultural heritage.
This tour is more than just cycling—it’s also a culinary journey. The gastronomic tapestry of dishes reflects the diversity of landscapes and cultures that the trail has linked for centuries. From traditional tea houses offering matcha and wagashi confections to the charming inns with hearty local dishes, each top along the way is a taste of the past intertwined with contemporary culinary craftsmanship. Whether savoring mountain vegetables, river fish, or succulent wild game, the culinary experiences on the Nakasendo encapsulate the essence of Japanese “washoku” principles—a harmonious balance of flavors, colors, and textures.
Group sizes and prices:
Nakasendo bike tour can be arranged for bigger 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.
100% pre-payment to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the booking…
To get to GS Astuto base, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Tokyo and one of its two airports, Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). From there, you can take a train or a bus, it will take you 1.5-3 hours.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
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!
