This tour is so much more than just amazing cycling in some of the most beautiful regions of Japan. You will also experience the culture, learn about the history, enjoy the stunning food and meet the wonderful locals along the way.
The scenery is constantly changing as we make our way from the Nagano Prefecture, deep in the Japanese Alps, down to the coastline on the Izu Peninsula. But no trip to Japan is complete without a ride up the famous Mt Fuji.
Come ride with us on this Intermediate Japan Cycling Tour, Alps to the Coast. We will delve deep into the vibrant Japan culture and tackle some of the best, yet mostly undiscovered cycling in the world. After gathering in Matsumoto, we will spend a few days exploring the ancient castle town and the incredible cycling it offers.
The tour then heads to Lake Shirakaba which will immerse the group into the alpine life at more than 1500m above sea level. Next is on toward Fujinomiya, the traditional base of Mt.Fuji. The final few days take us up the majestic mountain at more than 2300m before we head for the coast and the crystal blue waters of the Izu Peninsula. The contrast will amaze, as will the 7 days of cycling that lay ahead as we visit hot springs, ride over majestic mountains, visit ancient temples and taste delicious local produce on our way.
This Japan Cycling Tour comes loaded with breathtaking scenery, challenging riding and plenty of off-bike experiences to enjoy as well, the stage is set for a uniquely rewarding cycling holiday – one you and your legs will remember for a long time to come.
Intermediate tours strike the perfect balance for those that enjoy a decent ride each day, yet want have some time to absorb the wonderful culture and scenery. You do the riding, we take care of the rest and this Japan Cycling Tour includes your meals and accommodation, the best support crew and guides and they are all of the highest quality.
31.8km/19.8 miles | 618m/2,027 feet
Welcome to Matsumoto. We will meet at Matsumoto Station around 12PM and get our hotel and bikes sorted before heading out for a short ride to test equipment and to get you familiarized with riding in Japan.
ACCOMMODATION: Kagetsu Hotel Matsumoto
70.8km/44 miles | 1,729m/5,672 feet
Don’t be fooled by the distance, as there are some real surprises in store for this short, sharp day over up and over the beautiful Venus Line and Kirigame Highland.
Climbing straight out of Matsumoto, the riders face a long climb on the southside of Utsukushshigahara through deep valleys and stunning gorges. With the hard part of the day complete, the riders will be rewarded with stunning views across the Venus Line and even to Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The ride undulates across the beautiful plateau before descending down to the beautiful Lake Shirakaba.
The final climb of the day takes us up to our accommodation for the evening, the spectacular Tateshina Grand Hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Tateshina Grand Hotel
147.9km/91.9 miles | 1,380m/4,528 feet
After a nice short day, today is the longest, but by no means difficult. Rolling out of our hotel, we head off the mountain and begin our journey to Mt. Fuji. The road is smooth and fast until we meet the Fuji River where we make a turn south and follow the river down through the valley. Mt. Fuji on one side and the mighty Minami Alps on the other. Simply amazing riding and after 147km, we arrive at the south western corner of Mt. Fuji in the ancient and important town of Fujinomiya.
ACCOMMODATION: Fujinomiya Fujikyu Hotel
42.2km/26.2 miles | 748m/2,454 feet
After a big day yesterday, today is a semi rest day with a superb ride taking us to the magical Shiraito Falls and Tanuki Lake, two of the most iconic images associated with Mt. Fuji. We head back early after soaking in the views for a chance to visit the Mt. Fuji Heritage Centre, a newly constructed tribute to the famous volcano and of course, a visit to the ancient temples and shrines that Fujinomiya is home to.
ACCOMMODATION: Fujinomiya Fujikyu Hotel
96.7km/60.1 miles | 3,122m/10,242 feet
Today we follow in the footsteps of the ancient monks who used Fujinomiya as their resting place and base for their pilgrimage up to the summit of Mt. Fuji. While not exactly the summit, we will be heading for the end of the road and the lofty 2300m high Mt. Fuji 5th Station. With views to the ocean on a clear day, the climb is a solid beast, but well worth the effort. After climbing the majestic mountain, we head for Hakone and our amazing accommodation where a good onsen will be well appreciated. One day to go!!
ACCOMMODATION: 箱根七福荘
101km/62.8 miles | 1,430m/4,691 feet
We have come from deep in the alps, crested some of the highest roads in Japan, tackled Mt. Fuji and now we come to the coast. A brilliant ride to finish the day as we head south along the rice fields, cutting in and out of the small villages and there will certainly be some surprises in store along the way.
We meet the coast after passing through ancient Shuzenji and up the final climb of the tour. We hit the coast at the 69km mark and weave in and out of the coves as we head for a stunning lookout point and a chance to dip our feet in the beautiful water. A short ride to our accommodation at the Kona Stay Cycling Hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Kona Stay Izu Nagaoka
72.7km/45.2 miles | 2,029m/6,656 feet
Our final day is short in distance but the climbing will still make it a challenge. But after a week of climbing in the Japanese mountains it will feel like a normal day! The great news is that the accommodation is right on the coast and celebrations will be in store. Well done on completing the Alps to the Coast Tour!
ACCOMMODATION: Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel
After breakfast and checkout, we will assist you in making your way from the hotel to the train station for your onward journey. If you are flying home today you will have plenty of time to make your way back up to Tokyo for any flights after 5pm. What a tour!!
ACCOMMODATION: Kagetsu Hotel Matsumoto
ACCOMMODATION: Tateshina Grand Hotel
ACCOMMODATION: Fujinomiya Fujikyu Hotel
ACCOMMODATION: Fujinomiya Fujikyu Hotel
ACCOMMODATION: 箱根七福荘
ACCOMMODATION: Kona Stay Izu Nagaoka
ACCOMMODATION: Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel
My cycling tour in Okinawa with Connect Sport was absolutely fantastic! This was my first time riding in Japan, and will not be my last. The routes were carefully chosen to showcase the island’s stunning natural beauty, from coastal views, lush forests and mountain passes. Each day with a mix of challenging riding. Bade and his team were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. Connect Sport’s attention to detail and excellent service ensured a seamless and memorable adventure that I would highly recommend to any cycling enthusiast!
I recently had the pleasure of riding with Connect Sport in Okinawa Japan. From booking the tour to the day we waved each other goodbye Bade and his team were simply amazing.
Each day was well organised and such fun. The riding was a great mix of challenging hills and pacy casual riding. My bike played up mechanically a couple of times and Bade and Albert were so helpful and patient in getting me back in the saddle. The hotels were simply superb and we all loved the food. All in all I had a great time.
These guys really know Japan. Riding the back roads through amazing scenery with mostly hot mix to ride on. Some tougher climbs mixed with longer more gentle climbing was a perfect match. The food was fantastic with a few surprise tastes along the way. I got to experience the real Japan by bike.
The ‘Alps to the Coast’, Japan, bike tour, was an amazing experience. It was well planned, highly organised and very informative. The accommodation was excellent. I would recommend this bike tour to any keen riders out there.
My cycling tour in Okinawa with Connect Sport was absolutely fantastic! This was my first time riding in Japan, and will not be my last. The routes were carefully chosen to showcase the island’s stunning natural beauty, from coastal views, lush forests and mountain passes. Each day with a mix of challenging riding. Bade and his team were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. Connect Sport’s attention to detail and excellent service ensured a seamless and memorable adventure that I would highly recommend to any cycling enthusiast!
I recently had the pleasure of riding with Connect Sport in Okinawa Japan. From booking the tour to the day we waved each other goodbye Bade and his team were simply amazing.
Each day was well organised and such fun. The riding was a great mix of challenging hills and pacy casual riding. My bike played up mechanically a couple of times and Bade and Albert were so helpful and patient in getting me back in the saddle. The hotels were simply superb and we all loved the food. All in all I had a great time.
These guys really know Japan. Riding the back roads through amazing scenery with mostly hot mix to ride on. Some tougher climbs mixed with longer more gentle climbing was a perfect match. The food was fantastic with a few surprise tastes along the way. I got to experience the real Japan by bike.
The ‘Alps to the Coast’, Japan, bike tour, was an amazing experience. It was well planned, highly organised and very informative. The accommodation was excellent. I would recommend this bike tour to any keen riders out there.
Japan has some of the best cycling in the world! You will ride on roads very few people in the world will ever see, roads only used by the farmers who live in these remote parts of this beautiful country.
Are you looking to explore Tropical North Queensland on your own and at your own pace? We can design a self-guided tour for you, taking in the best roads in the region to ensure you maximise your time.
It can be as simple as us providing you with maps for your GPS unit to follow and you arrange everything else. Or, we can arrange everything for you including your accommodation, where to eat, off bike experiences which could include a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, walk through the Daintree Rainforest, spotting crocodiles on the Daintree River or so much more.
This is a cycling experience designed for cyclists by cyclists and will take in some of the most magical roads in Tropical North Queensland. But, with so many things to do in Cairns the cycling is only part of the experience.
Tropical North Queensland is the perfect escape during the colder months. This cycling tour will provide a great mix of cycling and exploring this amazing part of Australia.
This is a cycling experience designed for cyclists by cyclists and will take in some of the most magical roads in Tropical North Queensland. But, with so many things to do in Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, the cycling is only part of the experience.
Discover a distinct island culture born of subtropical sun, white sand, mangrove jungles and the age of the Ryukyu Kings on this 9 day/8 night cycling tour.
Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa is a chain of islands with its own history as an independent kingdom and a distinctly subtropical climate, as well as the birthplace of karate. The riding here is truly unique and different from mainland Japan, plus we will explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, and visit magnificent beaches and coastlines with an amazing array of coral and undersea life. We will be riding on some roads that appear to be lost to time and not even used by the locals. There is rare flora and fauna all around, and an island mindset that makes you forget the clock and follow the sun.
We have the perfect mix of challenging, yet very enjoyable cycling, along with amazing cultural experiences only found on the main island of Okinawa, Japan.
