Your journey begins in Omihachiman, a beautifully preserved canal town on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll attend an introductory meeting with your cycling guides, followed by a bike fitting to prepare for the tour.

Omihachiman offers a rich blend of history and natural scenery. You can enjoy traditional boat cruises, stroll along the historic merchant streets, ride the ropeway to Mt. Hachiman, visit Hachimanyama Castle ruins, explore the Kawara Museum, or sample Omi beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands. The town is easily accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka by train, making it an ideal starting point for a cultural and scenic cycling adventure.

Today’s ride begins with a scenic route along the bike paths that follow Lake Biwa’s shoreline. The lake’s vastness creates the impression of an inland sea, and the peaceful ride offers views of everyday life in the lakeside villages. As the scenery becomes more rural, the relaxed terrain provides a comfortable and scenic introduction to the journey.

Our destination is Koka (Koga), historically famous as a ninja training center during the feudal era. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Koka Ninja Village or museum, where you can see traditional ninja tools, escape routes, hidden doors, and try throwing shuriken (ninja stars). The day’s route is relatively flat, making it ideal for warming up early in the tour.

Today’s cycling route winds along narrow rivers, farmland, and forested backroads, offering a peaceful ride through the countryside. The gentle ascent leads to Shigaraki, a famous pottery town in Shiga Prefecture. Known for its ceramic kilns and iconic tanuki (raccoon dog) statues, Shigaraki’s artistic streets offer a memorable mid-ride stop.

Continuing the climb, we reach Wazuka, the southernmost town of Kyoto Prefecture. It is known for its scenic tea plantations, where the horizontally terraced tea fields create a stunning green landscape. Here, you can enjoy matcha soft serve, sample local green tea, or join a short tea field walking tour.

The day concludes in Yagyu, a historic village associated with a legendary samurai clan. Tonight’s accommodation is a traditional ryokan, offering a quiet and cultural overnight stay.

Today’s long-distance ride immerses you in the essence of rural Japan, passing through quiet farming villages and a historic samurai town linked to the Yagyu swordsmanship lineage. You’ll witness classic Japanese wooden houses, rice fields, and untouched natural scenery.

A highlight is the visit to Muroji Temple, located deep in the forest. Known as the “Women’s Koyasan,” it features a striking five-story pagoda, moss-covered stone steps, and an eleven-faced Kannon Buddha, a designated national treasure. The peaceful, mystical setting offers a moment of reflection.

The route follows the Yoshino River, eventually arriving in Yoshino, a region famous for its spiritual heritage and seasonal beauty. Tonight’s accommodation is a private Japanese-style rental house, offering comfort and a sense of home as you prepare for the climb to Yoshino Mountain the next day.

Today’s ride is a challenging but deeply rewarding ascent to Mount Koya (Koyasan), one of Japan’s most revered spiritual destinations. Founded over 1,200 years ago by the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism, home to a vast mountain temple complex and sacred forests.

The ride begins along quiet riverside roads, gradually climbing into the forested mountain ranges. As you ascend, enjoy sweeping views, cedar-lined paths, and the calm energy of the natural surroundings.

At the summit, you can visit major landmarks including Okunoin Cemetery, Danjo Garan temple complex, and the iconic Daimon gate. Each location offers insight into the rich religious history of the region.

Tonight’s accommodation is at a shukubo, a temple lodging where you will experience monastic life, dine on shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and relax in the spiritual stillness of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Departing from the peaceful mountain temples of Koyasan, today’s ride descends into the forests and hills of Nara Prefecture. The route takes you through winding mountain roads and rural villages as you traverse toward Kurotaki Village, a quiet settlement surrounded by natural beauty.

One of the day’s highlights is a visit to Mitarai Gorge, a scenic valley known for its steep cliffs, turquoise pools, and cascading waterfalls. The trail along the gorge offers a refreshing walk, with opportunities to photograph some of the region’s most picturesque river landscapes.

After a steady climb through wooded foothills, we arrive at Dorogawa Onsen, a traditional hot spring village nestled in the shadow of Mount Omine. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Pilgrimage Routes, this area is both spiritually and historically significant.

Tonight’s stay allows you to relax in natural hot springs and enjoy the calming sound of the mountain river, offering a perfect reset before the second half of your journey.

Today is a well-deserved rest day in Dorogawa Onsen, a peaceful hot spring village nestled deep in the mountains of Nara. This traditional onsen town is known for its wooden ryokan, spiritual atmosphere, and refreshing mountain air.

You may choose to unwind in a soothing outdoor hot spring bath, take a quiet walk through the historic onsen town streets, or visit the nearby Ryusenji Temple, a sacred site connected to mountain ascetic practices (Shugendo).

If you're feeling adventurous, optional short hikes are available to explore the surrounding Omine mountain foothills, including scenic forest trails and small waterfalls. Whether you rest at your ryokan or venture into nature, Dorogawa offers a tranquil escape to refresh your body and spirit.

After a restful stay in Dorogawa Onsen, we begin today’s ride along the Tenkawa River, known for its clear waters and forest-lined banks. Our first stop is the revered Tenkawa Shrine, dedicated to Benzaiten, the Shinto goddess of water, music, and the arts. Surrounded by cedar forests, the shrine offers a mystical setting for reflection and spiritual renewal.

Continuing our ride, we descend through mountain gorges and valleys with spectacular views of waterfalls and cliffs. Be sure to activate your bike lights, as several dark tunnels lie along the route.

The day ends in Totsukawa, a remote village known for its authentic countryside charm and connection to the Kumano pilgrimage network. We’ll stay in a cozy family-run Minshuku, where you can enjoy a warm meal made from local ingredients and a genuine rural hospitality experience.

Today’s ride showcases the dramatic beauty of the Totsukawa River valley, with high bridges offering sweeping views of the forested mountains. As you enter the Oku Kumano region, the winding river adds serenity to the rugged terrain.

One of the day’s highlights is a visit to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the spiritual heart of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network and a revered World Heritage Site. From there, we pass through Yunomine Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, known for Tsuboyu, a tiny stone bath linked to the legend of Oguri and Princess Teru, a tale of healing and devotion.

The final stretch leads us to Kawayu Onsen, where hot spring water bubbles up directly from the Daito Riverbed. You can dig your own natural bath and relax by the riverside, surrounded by quiet mountain scenery. Optional rides are available, or you can enjoy a full rest in this peaceful onsen village.

Today’s journey begins with a scenic ride along the river from Kawayu, taking us into the historic Kiwa region, home to a

copper mine over 1,000 years old. The copper mined here was famously used to construct the Great Buddha of Nara,

adding a rich historical element to our journey. The highlight of the day is the stunning Maruyama Senmaida, a terraced

landscape of 1,350 rice fields cascading down a 160-meter slope. Each terrace follows the natural curves of the land,

creating a truly breathtaking view. After a long descent, we continue along the river to Shingu, arriving at Kumano

Hayatama Taisha. One of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, this sacred site rests by the Kumano River, honoring deities

of nature and healing. For centuries, pilgrims have come here to pray and seek blessings. As we pay our respects, we take

another step in our journey through the Kumano Sanzan shrines, feeling ever more connected to Japan’s spiritual core.

Today’s journey begins in Shingu and heads to the coastal town of Taiji, known for its panoramic Pacific Ocean views and long-standing maritime traditions. From the sea, we turn inland and follow a winding riverside road through rural villages set against steep terraced rice fields, offering an authentic glimpse of traditional Japan.

The day’s spiritual highlight is a visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan). Before reaching the shrine, we stop at Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 meters, revered for its divine presence and centuries-old role in pilgrimage.

Completing the final shrine of the Kumano Sanzan marks a powerful achievement on this sacred cycling route. The day ends in Nachi-Katsuura, a scenic fishing port known for its hot springs, fresh seafood, and ocean-facing onsens. Here, we’ll celebrate the end of our pilgrimage-inspired journey with stunning coastal views and a sense of fulfillment.

After breakfast, the Kumano cycling tour officially concludes in Nachi-Katsuura, a coastal town known for its hot springs and fresh seafood. You are free to continue your journey—whether exploring more of Wakayama’s coastal beauty, relaxing in a local onsen, or transferring to your next destination via train or bus.