Calling All Overseas Cyclists! Discover Stunning Cycling Routes in Japan, Starting from Airports and Train Stations
Hey everyone! Hiroya, a bike-loving designer from Osaka, here.
My hobbies include tinkering with my chromoly-frame bike, photography, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. I commute 10km to work every day on my beloved bike (a chromoly, of course!). I can’t help but check out the parts and frames of bikes I see around town (laughs).
Today’s topic is “Overseas Cyclists Traveling Japan by Bike!”
In recent years, the number of foreign cyclists traveling in Japan has been increasing. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and safe roads – Japan is a cycling paradise!
But if you’re bringing your bike from overseas, the first thing you might wonder is, “Where should I start?”
So, this time, I’ve picked out some recommended cycling routes that are easily accessible from major airports and Shinkansen (bullet train) stations in Japan! I’ll also provide detailed information on distances and highlights, so please use it as a reference.
I haven’t actually ridden these courses myself, but they are all highly recommended based on opinions from cycling friends and communities, as well as articles in magazines and online!
1. Narita Airport Round Trip: Boso Peninsula Loop, a Stunning Route with Ocean Breeze (Approx. 300km)
- Start/Goal: Narita Airport
- Distance: Approx. 300km
- Level: Intermediate (50-70km riding per day)
- Duration: 4-6 days
The Boso Peninsula loop starts right from Narita Airport. Its appeal lies in its easy access to the city center, allowing you to assemble your bike and start riding right away.
The course basically runs along the coastline, so you can always feel the sea breeze. In particular, Kujukuri Beach on the Pacific Ocean side offers a pleasant cycling experience with its endless sandy beaches and the sound of the waves.
Highlights:
- Kujukuri Beach: One of the longest sandy beaches in Japan. The vast scenery is breathtaking!
- Cape Inubosaki: The place where you can see the first sunrise of the year in Japan. The view from the lighthouse is spectacular.
- Kamogawa Sea World: Take a break from cycling and get healed by marine creatures.
- Mount Nokogiri: Take the ropeway to the summit for a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay.
- Seafood Cuisine: The Boso Peninsula is a treasure trove of fresh seafood! Enjoy delicious seafood bowls and sushi.
Advice:
- It can be windy along the coastline, so be sure to take measures against the wind.
- The course has relatively few ups and downs, but the distance is long, so it’s recommended for those with good physical fitness.
- Book your accommodation in advance. There is a wide variety of options such as minshuku (private lodgings) and hot spring inns.
2. Haneda Airport Departure: Izu Peninsula Loop, Enjoying Varied Terrain (Approx. 400km)
- Start/Goal: Haneda Airport
- Distance: Approx. 400km
- Level: Advanced (60-80km riding per day)
- Duration: 5-7 days
Easily accessible from Haneda Airport by train or rinko (taking your bike on public transport), the Izu Peninsula Loop is a route with varied terrain and a beautiful coastline.
The Izu Peninsula has many hot springs and tourist attractions, so it’s recommended for those who want to enjoy not only cycling but also sightseeing.
Highlights:
- Atami: Famous as a hot spring resort. Enjoy a foot bath while looking at the sea.
- Izu Kogen: Many museums and cafes create a stylish atmosphere.
- Jogasaki Coast: A coastline with sheer cliffs. Enjoy the thrilling scenery.
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: A waterfall tour filled with negative ions. Great for healing.
- Shimoda: The place where Admiral Perry landed. It is interesting to stroll through the historical streets.
- West Izu: Known as a scenic spot for sunsets. Enjoy the romantic scenery.
- Hot Springs: The Izu Peninsula is a treasure trove of hot springs! Heal your tired body.
Advice:
- This course has steep ups and downs, so it’s recommended for those with good physical fitness.
- Check the gradient of the course in advance and adjust the gear ratio.
- Be careful of bicycle theft in tourist areas such as Atami and Ito.
- Having a rinko bag is convenient for traveling by public transport.
3. Kansai International Airport Departure: Awaji Island Loop (Awaichi), a Scenic Route Recommended for Beginners (Approx. 150km)
- Start/Goal: Kansai International Airport
- Distance: Approx. 150km
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate (50km riding per day)
- Duration: 2-3 days
Accessible from Kansai International Airport by ferry, the Awaji Island Loop (commonly known as Awaichi) is attractive because it has relatively flat roads and is easy for beginners to challenge.
You can enjoy cycling while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
Highlights:
- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: The world’s longest suspension bridge. Its power is overwhelming.
- Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park: A beautiful park where seasonal flowers bloom. Perfect for a cycling break.
- Awaji Farm: Taste fresh dairy products such as milk and soft serve ice cream.
- England Hill: Interact with cute animals such as koalas and sheep.
- Keino Matsubara: A beautiful coastline with white sand and green pine trees. It is also known as a scenic spot for sunsets.
- Awaji Island Gourmet: Enjoy dishes using ingredients unique to Awaji Island, such as onions and conger eel.
Advice:
- Awaichi is a popular cycling course, so it may be crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Book your accommodation in advance.
- There are few convenience stores on Awaji Island, so don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks.
- The scenery changes depending on whether you choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Rental bicycles are also available, so you can visit empty-handed.
4. Shin-Osaka Station Departure: Shimanami Kaido, a Scenic Bridge Route Connecting Islands (Approx. 70km)
- Start/Goal: Shin-Osaka Station (Onomichi Station or Imabari Station)
- Distance: Approx. 70km
- Level: Intermediate
- Duration: 2-3 days
Easily accessible from Shin-Osaka Station by Shinkansen, the Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan’s leading cycling roads, connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea by bridges.
The beautiful scenery is, of course, exceptional, and the exhilarating feeling of crossing the bridges is exceptional! It is a course that cyclists should ride at least once.
Highlights:
- Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge: The world’s first triple suspension bridge. Its magnificent appearance is overwhelming.
- Mount Kiro-san Observatory Park: A scenic spot where you can see the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge at a glance.
- Ohmishima Island: An island with ancient history. Oyamazumi Shrine is also known as a power spot.
- Ikuchijima Island: Lemon and citrus fruit cultivation is thriving. Setoda Sunset Beach is a scenic spot for sunsets.
- Innoshima Island: The island where the movie “Exchange Students” was filmed. Innoshima Suigun Castle is recommended for history buffs.
- The Islands of the Seto Inland Sea: Each island has its own personality and is full of attractions.
- Delicious Seafood: Fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea is exquisite.
Advice:
- The Shimanami Kaido is a popular cycling course, so it may be crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Book your accommodation in advance.
- It can be windy on the bridge, so be sure to take measures against the wind.
- Rental bicycles are also available, so you can visit empty-handed.
- You can enjoy the route from Onomichi to Imabari or from Imabari to Onomichi.
Summary
This time, I introduced some recommended cycling courses for cyclists who bring their bicycles from overseas to travel in Japan.
All of these courses are wonderful courses where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Japan.
Please discover the charm of Japan with your own eyes!
Be careful and enjoy the best cycling trip!
Finally
In addition to these courses, there are many attractive cycling courses in Japan.
Please find a course that suits your taste and travel Japan by bicycle!
Maybe it would be interesting to exchange information at a local bicycle shop!
Well, see you again!
Please let me know if you’d like any adjustments or further assistance!
