Join us on an epic cycling journey from Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan’s cultural capital to the modern metropolis. You will ride a variation of the great ‘Tokaido’ or ‘Eastern Sea Road’ route which was the chief route which linked the two important capitals from ancient times.
Over five cycling days you will follow in the footsteps of Shoguns, merchants and traders over centuries past. You will also climb to the highest road point in Japan, Mt Fuji’s Fifth Station at 2,300 meters. This will be an unforgettable cycling adventure.
- Stay in the grounds of a 1,200 year old temple
- Ascend Japan's iconic Mt Fuji
- Stay in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo
Long riding days over 100 km daily and long climbs with steep sections. Elevation gains of approximately 1,000 meters and above daily.
Start Location
Kyoto
Finish Location
Tokyo
Days Riding
5
Season
April-June/ September-November
Total Distance
682 km
Total Elevation
12,258 m
Biggest Climbing Day
2,000 m
Longest Day
168 km
Day 1
Arrive in Kyoto, the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and also known as the ‘City of Ten Thousand Shrines. Transfer to the hotel which is located in the grounds of
Enryaku-Ji, a 1,200 year old Temple. Before dinner we will take a funicular railway to the top of Mt Hiei for stunning views of Kyoto and Lake Biwa.
Day 2 Kyoto to Toba (162 km)
The first leg of the route will take you in a southeast direction. You will cycle past Lake Biwa, which is Japan’s largest freshwater lake. The destination is Toba, a coastal port town on Ise
Bay, famous for oysters and cultured pearls. The town dates back to the Sengoku Period where a sea-pirate took control of the land and built a castle fortress. (1,300m ascent)
Day 3 Toba to Yaizu (169km)
The day will start with an early morning ferry crossing over Ise Bay. You will then ride along the Atsumi Penninsula and then past Lake Hamanako. The lake is a vacation spot and is renowned for
oyster cultivation and also for mandarin and strawberry orchards which surround the lake. You will then ride through the famous tea plantations of Shizuoka area before arriving at your
destination of Yaizu. (1,321m ascent)
Day 4 Yaizu to Fujiyoshida (162 km)
Today's ride will take you northwards around the western side of Mt Fuji towards the Fuji Five Lakes area. This is one of the best places for viewing this iconic mountain, where the water
reflects views of the volcano. The lakes were formed by volcanic lava flows during Mt Fuji’s multiples eruptions which damned areas of river. The destination is Fujiyoshida, a high elevation town
built on old lava flows and which is known as the gateway to Mt Fuji.
Day 5 Fuji Hill Climb (62km)
Climb Japan's iconic Mt Fuji. The ascent totals 23km and 1,200 meters of ascent with an average gradient of 5%. You will top out at 2,300 meters at the fifth station of the mountain and the highest road point in Japan. Enjoy the descent!
Day 6 Fujiyoshida to Tokyo (124 km)
Ride in to the modern metropolis of Tokyo. We will go around the last of the 5 lakes and through the mountains in to the outskirts of Tokyo. From there we take a series of back roads to the hotel located in the center of the city.
Day 7 Sayonara
Farewell and airport transfer after breakfast.
Please inquire with your group size, dates and accommodation preference.