Nasu to Nikko: Bike Tour & Culinary Delights in Japan

What you get on this adventure:

• • Experienced local cycling guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Accommodation in quality hotels or ryokans (traditional inns) based on twin occupancy (5 nights)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners)
  • Snacks, fruit, and water during ride
  • Support vehicle and mechanical support
  • Luggage transfers
  • Transportation during the adventure
  • Entrance tickets for attractions along the way
  • Accident insurance

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:

• • Transportation to the starting point of the tour
  • Beverages during dinners (except for the first drink for a toast)
  • Guide gratuities — optional

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:

• • Bike or e-bike — can be rented
  • Helmet
  • Comfortable riding clothing (made from moisture-wicking materials)
  • Waterproof cycling shoes
  • Breathable outside layer or jacket
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Daypack that can fit all the items you might need in a day
  • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, cosmetics, personal hygiene products etc.)

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:

• • The maximum group size for this group tour is 9.
  • It takes a minimum of 4 persons for the tour to run.
  • If you’re joining by yourself, adding a single supplement upon checkout is mandatory.

Bike tour from Nasu to Nikko can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors (as young as 10) are also able to go on trips with a legal guardian, but this is usually possible only on private tours. If you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate—just note that there is a limited number of bikes for children that can be rented.

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!