Travelling around Japan by bicycle is a great way to see many of the country’s off-the-beaten-track attractions. The nation has several well-maintained cycling routes, not only in the large cities but also in the countryside and rural areas, and these feature magnificent and breathtaking scenery that if travelling by bus, car or train you may not have the opportunity to experience.

Reasons To Bike

There are numerous benefits to touring Japan by bike; here are some of them:

To get away from heavy traffic

Even though the public transportation network in Japan is the best in the world, it still experiences some of the typical commuting problems other nations in the world experience every day — long lines and packed train cars during the rush hours. So, if you want to spare yourself these difficulties, rent a bike and be on your merry way to your destination.

To be able to travel at your own pace

Public transport in Japan follows a set schedule that may sometimes not be convenient for your plans. In the small cities and towns, trains and buses may only travel once every hour or so. For this reason, it is smart to have your own method of transport — a bicycle — to take you to where you want to go, whenever you want. With a bike, you can start your day as early as you desire and create an itinerary without planning around the metro, subway or bus schedules.

To feel closer to nature

Many of Japan’s hidden natural treasures are difficult to reach via public transport and often the roads to get to these gems, whether a stunning waterfall or an ancient shrine up on a wooded hill, tend to be too narrow to allow a car to pass through. With a bike, you will not miss out on any opportunity to check out these less travelled routes and see these gems up close.

To save a bit of money

Renting a bicycle in Japan is very affordable – usually around 1,000 yen for an entire day’s use. Some hostels even provide bicycles for their guests to use free of charge. So, instead of catching the train, bus or a cab, consider getting a bike to freely explore the sites and attractions you wish to see for a fraction of the cost.

special bicycle lane for crossing the street in japan

Planning The Route

In order to enjoy touring Japan by bicycle, it is best to do a lot of research and planning in advance. Check where the bike routes are found and make a map of how to get from one point to another in such a way that your time is used most efficiently.

In the large metropolitan areas, cycling might not be the best way to sightsee as the busy roads and heavy traffic may put you at risk.

It is also essential to check an atlas and read the elevation profiles of your destinations.  For instance, in the countryside, some areas may be too hilly and steep and can make cycling quite challenging and leave you exhausted after only a few kilometers.

You can use Google Maps, mapmyride.com, and other similar online resources to help you with the planning.

The Best Time To Go

Weather is a major factor in determining whether it is a good idea to travel by bike or not. In Japan, the Spring and Autumn seasons are generally viewed as the best time to explore the country on a bicycle as the temperatures are mild and rainy days are few. During the Summer months, cycling might not be a good idea as the days can be extremely hot and humid, even on the rainy days of June and July, and quickly make you tired and dehydrated. However, in the Hokkaido region where the Summer temperatures are not as high as in Tokyo and other parts of Honshu, cycling can be comfortable. Cycling is still possible In Winter, specifically in Japan’s southern region and Pacific Coast which have a dry and mild climate during this season.

many of bicycles are parking near train station in Japan

Recommended Cycling Routes

Below are some of the top rated cycling routes in Japan:

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