- A gentle and immersive experience
- The famous Shimanami Kaido by bike
- Easily accessible cycling rides
Set off to discover Japan by bike with Shanti Travel and live a unique 17-day adventure, from Tokyo to Fukuoka. This cycling tour allows you to explore Japan at your own pace, immersing yourself in the heart of its traditions, nature and iconic cities.
From the soothing calm of Lake Kawaguchiko to the timeless elegance of Kyoto, each stage brings you closer to Japanese authenticity. Savour the culinary specialities of Osaka, discover the natural beauty of Nara, and ride the famous Shimanami Kaido, a mythical route crossing islands and bridges above crystal-clear waters.
Along the way, unwind in the hot springs of Beppu, a restorative stop before ending your adventure in Fukuoka, a dynamic city with subtle charm. With Shanti Travel, this cycling journey through Japan allows you to fully experience the essence of the "Land of the Rising Sun", at your own pace and away from the crowds.
Japan by bike
Tokyo Airport - Tokyo
Welcome to Japan
Upon your arrival in Tokyo, an assistant will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel by public transport. You will activate your IC card for transport and purchases, and receive a Pocket Wi-Fi for unlimited internet access. Enjoy a free half-day to explore the city before spending your first night in Tokyo.
Tokyo Airport - Tokyo
Welcome to Japan
Upon your arrival in Tokyo, an assistant will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel by public transport. You will activate your IC card for transport and purchases, and receive a Pocket Wi-Fi for unlimited internet access. Enjoy a free half-day to explore the city before spending your first night in Tokyo.
Tokyo
Tokyo's must-sees by bike
Today, discover Tokyo by bike, off the beaten track. Begin with a visit to Sensô-Ji Temple, one of the most venerated temples in the archipelago. Pass through the charming Nakamise Street, where you can find numerous traditional items. Then stroll through the Asakusa district, the historic heart of the capital with the nostalgic charm of a forgotten Tokyo. End the day at the top of Tokyo Sky Tree, the second tallest structure in the world.
Cycling time: 3h / Distance: 8km
Tokyo
Tokyo's must-sees by bike
Today, discover Tokyo by bike, off the beaten track. Begin with a visit to Sensô-Ji Temple, one of the most venerated temples in the archipelago. Pass through the charming Nakamise Street, where you can find numerous traditional items. Then stroll through the Asakusa district, the historic heart of the capital with the nostalgic charm of a forgotten Tokyo. End the day at the top of Tokyo Sky Tree, the second tallest structure in the world.
Cycling time: 3h / Distance: 8km
Tokyo
Lake Kawaguchi by bike
You leave Tokyo for Kawaguchiko, a journey of approximately 2 hours by train. Explore the town freely and visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, climbing its 397 steps for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Then cycle around Lake Kawaguchi, a magical 3-hour ride at the foot of the mythical Mount Fuji. At the end of the day, return to Tokyo by train.
Cycling time: 3h / Distance: 7km
Tokyo
Lake Kawaguchi by bike
You leave Tokyo for Kawaguchiko, a journey of approximately 2 hours by train. Explore the town freely and visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, climbing its 397 steps for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Then cycle around Lake Kawaguchi, a magical 3-hour ride at the foot of the mythical Mount Fuji. At the end of the day, return to Tokyo by train.
Cycling time: 3h / Distance: 7km
Tokyo
The lively districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku
A free day in Tokyo for you. Explore Shibuya, discover the Hachiko dog statue, and admire the panorama from Shibuya Scramble Square, with a possible view of Mount Fuji. Walk through Yoyogi Park and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. End the evening in the lively district of Shinjuku, with its dazzling neon lights and vibrant nightlife.
Tokyo
The lively districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku
A free day in Tokyo for you. Explore Shibuya, discover the Hachiko dog statue, and admire the panorama from Shibuya Scramble Square, with a possible view of Mount Fuji. Walk through Yoyogi Park and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. End the evening in the lively district of Shinjuku, with its dazzling neon lights and vibrant nightlife.
Tokyo - Kyoto
Heading to the ancient imperial capital
Today, you leave Tokyo for Kyoto by train. Spend the day exploring the city on foot. Visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, then savour the gourmet specialities of Nishiki Market. In the iconic Gion district, stroll through traditional streets and discover Yasaka-jinja Shrine. In the evening, soak up the unique atmosphere of the historic Pontocho district.
Tokyo - Kyoto
Heading to the ancient imperial capital
Today, you leave Tokyo for Kyoto by train. Spend the day exploring the city on foot. Visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, then savour the gourmet specialities of Nishiki Market. In the iconic Gion district, stroll through traditional streets and discover Yasaka-jinja Shrine. In the evening, soak up the unique atmosphere of the historic Pontocho district.
Kyoto
With a guide by bike in the "City of a thousand temples"
Join your guide for a cycling exploration of Kyoto, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city at your own pace. Ride along winding canals and picturesque lanes, soaking up the local atmosphere. This day is punctuated by majestic temples, peaceful shrines and charming machiya townhouses. A truly gentle and immersive experience, offering a different way to discover Kyoto.
Cycling time: 8h / Distance: 15km
Kyoto
With a guide by bike in the "City of a thousand temples"
Join your guide for a cycling exploration of Kyoto, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city at your own pace. Ride along winding canals and picturesque lanes, soaking up the local atmosphere. This day is punctuated by majestic temples, peaceful shrines and charming machiya townhouses. A truly gentle and immersive experience, offering a different way to discover Kyoto.
Cycling time: 8h / Distance: 15km
Kyoto
Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Today is a free day to continue discovering Kyoto as you wish. Visit for example the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryôan-ji Temple with its zen garden. Tenryû-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are also places we highly recommend. For a touch of serenity, Jojakko-ji Temple and Nison-in Temple are perfect choices.
Kyoto
Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Today is a free day to continue discovering Kyoto as you wish. Visit for example the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryôan-ji Temple with its zen garden. Tenryû-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are also places we highly recommend. For a touch of serenity, Jojakko-ji Temple and Nison-in Temple are perfect choices.
Kyoto - Osaka
Shinsekai, the "New World"
With your JR Setouchi Area Pass, continue your train exploration of the Kansai region and leave Kyoto for Osaka. Discover the underground galleries of the Kita-Umeda district. Then stroll through Tenno-ji Park with its zoo and botanical garden, before wandering through the Shinsekai district, literally meaning "new world", yet possessing an undeniable retro charm.
Kyoto - Osaka
Shinsekai, the "New World"
With your JR Setouchi Area Pass, continue your train exploration of the Kansai region and leave Kyoto for Osaka. Discover the underground galleries of the Kita-Umeda district. Then stroll through Tenno-ji Park with its zoo and botanical garden, before wandering through the Shinsekai district, literally meaning "new world", yet possessing an undeniable retro charm.
Osaka
The city's treasures by bike, with a guide
After breakfast, join your guide for a half-day cycling exploration of Osaka. Discover the treasures of Osaka, from Namba Yasaka Shrine to Kuromon Ichiba Market and through the Shinsaibashi-Suji district. End your day on foot along Osaka's most famous street: Dotonbori Street. Festive and luminous, the street is lined with enormous illuminated signs, shops, bars, restaurants and arcades.
Cycling time: 4h / Distance: 10km
Osaka
The city's treasures by bike, with a guide
After breakfast, join your guide for a half-day cycling exploration of Osaka. Discover the treasures of Osaka, from Namba Yasaka Shrine to Kuromon Ichiba Market and through the Shinsaibashi-Suji district. End your day on foot along Osaka's most famous street: Dotonbori Street. Festive and luminous, the street is lined with enormous illuminated signs, shops, bars, restaurants and arcades.
Cycling time: 4h / Distance: 10km
Osaka
Day trip to Nara
In the early morning, a guide accompanies you for a full day in Nara. Visit Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji Temples, stroll through Isui-en Garden and wander through Nara Park, where you will encounter the shika deer. Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and end with a stroll through the historic Naramachi district, with a visit to Gango-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You return to Osaka in the late afternoon.
Osaka
Day trip to Nara
In the early morning, a guide accompanies you for a full day in Nara. Visit Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji Temples, stroll through Isui-en Garden and wander through Nara Park, where you will encounter the shika deer. Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and end with a stroll through the historic Naramachi district, with a visit to Gango-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You return to Osaka in the late afternoon.
Osaka - Onomichi
Mount Senko-ji and the Seto Inland Sea
Today, you head to Onomichi, which you discover at your own pace. We recommend visiting Senko-ji Temple, on the mountain of the same name. Accessible on foot or by cable car, it offers breathtaking views over the Seto Inland Sea. If you choose to walk, take the Literature Path, dotted with engraved poems. At the summit, admire the park with its cherry trees and azaleas, then visit the temple, famous for its Senju Kannon goddess.
Osaka - Onomichi
Mount Senko-ji and the Seto Inland Sea
Today, you head to Onomichi, which you discover at your own pace. We recommend visiting Senko-ji Temple, on the mountain of the same name. Accessible on foot or by cable car, it offers breathtaking views over the Seto Inland Sea. If you choose to walk, take the Literature Path, dotted with engraved poems. At the summit, admire the park with its cherry trees and azaleas, then visit the temple, famous for its Senju Kannon goddess.
Onomichi - Imabari
The Famous Shimanami Kaido route
Today, you begin your cycling adventure along the Shimanami Kaido route. From the city of Onomichi, you ride through the splendid landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea, crossing several islands and panoramic bridges before arriving in Imabari. This coastal city is renowned above all for its magnificent "sea castle".
Cycling time: 9h / Distance: 70km
Onomichi - Imabari
The Famous Shimanami Kaido route
Today, you begin your cycling adventure along the Shimanami Kaido route. From the city of Onomichi, you ride through the splendid landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea, crossing several islands and panoramic bridges before arriving in Imabari. This coastal city is renowned above all for its magnificent "sea castle".
Cycling time: 9h / Distance: 70km
Imabari - Fukuoka
Second day on the Shimanami Kaido
Another cycling ride along the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari. The route remains just as visually spectacular, between the islands and the magnificent ocean views. You then take the train from Shin-Onomichi to Fukuoka. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the energy of Fukuoka. The Fukuoka Tower offers a beautiful view over the bay, and the **Canal City Hakata **complex, a vast shopping centre, is home to a "Ramen Stadium" famous for its local specialities.
Cycling time: 1h30 / Distance: 15km
Imabari - Fukuoka
Second day on the Shimanami Kaido
Another cycling ride along the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari. The route remains just as visually spectacular, between the islands and the magnificent ocean views. You then take the train from Shin-Onomichi to Fukuoka. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the energy of Fukuoka. The Fukuoka Tower offers a beautiful view over the bay, and the **Canal City Hakata **complex, a vast shopping centre, is home to a "Ramen Stadium" famous for its local specialities.
Cycling time: 1h30 / Distance: 15km
Fukuoka
Hakata bay by bike
After renting your bike, head to Hakata Bay. Set off from Ohori Park and pedal to the "Sakurai-Futamigaura" rock couple. Along the way, admire Fukuoka Tower, Odo Park, Imazu Park and Umizuri Marine Park. Free time for you in Fukuoka at the end of the day.
Cycling time: 1h30 / Distance: 15km
Fukuoka
Hakata bay by bike
After renting your bike, head to Hakata Bay. Set off from Ohori Park and pedal to the "Sakurai-Futamigaura" rock couple. Along the way, admire Fukuoka Tower, Odo Park, Imazu Park and Umizuri Marine Park. Free time for you in Fukuoka at the end of the day.
Cycling time: 1h30 / Distance: 15km
Fukuoka - Beppu
By bike on the Maple Yaba Trail
Today, you leave Fukuoka for Nakatsu. Once there, rent a bike to explore the Maple Yaba Trail. This accessible cycling path, making use of former railway lines, takes you across the Yamanuki Bridge, the Yaba-kei Bridge and the Ao-no-Domon Tunnel. After your ride, unwind in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot bath, then take the train to Beppu.
Cycling time: 4h / Distance: 36km
Fukuoka - Beppu
By bike on the Maple Yaba Trail
Today, you leave Fukuoka for Nakatsu. Once there, rent a bike to explore the Maple Yaba Trail. This accessible cycling path, making use of former railway lines, takes you across the Yamanuki Bridge, the Yaba-kei Bridge and the Ao-no-Domon Tunnel. After your ride, unwind in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot bath, then take the train to Beppu.
Cycling time: 4h / Distance: 36km
Beppu - Fukuoka
Relaxation and sand bath
Let yourself be won over by Beppu's specialities, such as toriten and Jigoku-mushi cuisine, cooked in the onsen. Dive into the fascinating world of the "Hells of Beppu", these spectacular hot springs nestled between Kannawa and Shibaseki. Finally, treat yourself to a revitalising hot sand bath. Later in the day, take the train back to Fukuoka.
Beppu - Fukuoka
Relaxation and sand bath
Let yourself be won over by Beppu's specialities, such as toriten and Jigoku-mushi cuisine, cooked in the onsen. Dive into the fascinating world of the "Hells of Beppu", these spectacular hot springs nestled between Kannawa and Shibaseki. Finally, treat yourself to a revitalising hot sand bath. Later in the day, take the train back to Fukuoka.
Fukuoka - Fukuoka Airport
See You Soon in the "Land of the Rising Sun"
Depending on your flight time, continue exploring Fukuoka and pick up some souvenirs. This marks the end of your journey through Japan and the moment to bid farewell to the "Land of the Rising Sun". See you soon on the roads of Asia.
Fukuoka - Fukuoka Airport
See You Soon in the "Land of the Rising Sun"
Depending on your flight time, continue exploring Fukuoka and pick up some souvenirs. This marks the end of your journey through Japan and the moment to bid farewell to the "Land of the Rising Sun". See you soon on the roads of Asia.
17 days • From 3700 €
Included in the price
- 24/7 assistance from our travel experts.
- French-speaking assistant services upon your arrival.
- Pocket Wi-Fi providing unlimited internet access throughout the entire stay.
- Accommodation or similar establishment, as mentioned in the programme, in a double room / Japanese-style room.
- English-speaking guide escort services on days 1, 2, 6, 9 and 10.
- Breakfasts from day 1 to day 17, dinner on day 12 and lunch on day 9.
- Bike rental on days 2 and 9.
- Activities as described in the programme.
- Your excursions as indicated — excluding free days.
- Suica / Pasmo / Icoca / Nimoca public transport cards (metro and bus).
- Your JR Setouchi Area Pass valid for 7 days.
- Your Northern Kyushu Area Pass valid for 2 days.
- Individual train tickets for days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15.
- Government taxes and service charges.
Not included in the price
- Visa fees and banking charges for payment by credit card or bank transfer.
- International flights. You may consult our list of tour operators offering flight-only options.
- International airport taxes.
- Insurance (available as an option, feel free to consult us).
- Repatriation assistance.
- Personal expenses.
- Local tourism taxes (e.g., 200 to 1,000¥ per night in Kyoto)
- English-speaking guide services other than those mentioned in the programme. Rates vary depending on the number of days and sites. Please consult us.
- Bike rental in Kawaguchiko, Fukuoka and along the Shimanami Kaido route — budget approximately €50 per person.
- Any overtime hours for the guide.
- Gratuities (for guides only).
- Main meals (budget between €5 and €20 at a local restaurant, per person per meal). Except meals mentioned in the programme.
- Visits and activities that are only suggested in the detailed itinerary.
- Optional entrance fees, excursions and activities.
- Transfers not listed.
- Luggage transfers.
- Top-up of transport cards.
- Anything not listed under the "prices include" section.




