While many highlight reels of Japan focus only on shopping, eating, and temple-hopping, Japan is an amazing destination for an active vacation. Japan has some amazing multi-day hikes, including the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and the Michinoku Coastal Trail. It also boasts beautiful oceanside cycling routes, including the Awaji Kaido and the Shimanami Kaido included in this itinerary.
While Tokyo isn’t my personal favorite for cycling, I find that most other cities and towns in Japan are best explored by bike. Bike rental shops are common, and bicycle sharing services like Hello Cycling and Luup are fairly straightforward for visitors as well.
Bicycle Rules and Etiquette in Japan
In Japan, cyclists most often use sidewalks, with the portion of the sidewalk between the tactile paving and the buildings for pedestrians, and the portion closer to the street for cyclists. There are also many places with dedicated bike lanes.
As cycling is a common way to commute, there are more rules associated with cycling in Japan than you may be used to at home.
Bikes must be parked in dedicated parking areas: many of these areas in front of shops, shrines, and restaurants are free, but some parking areas on busy streets or covered parking lots at train stations are paid. If not parked correctly, bikes will be impounded.
When riding, you cannot wear headphones or carry an umbrella. Children over 5 (and adults) may not ride on the back of a bicycle. You cannot bring your bicycle on the train or bus unless it is a folding bike which has been packed into a bag. In most cases, you can bring bicyles on ferries, but make sure to check in advance!
What to Wear when Cycling and Hiking in Japan
In general, athleisure clothing is not common in Japan, and people tend to dress for the activity they’re doing - hiking gear for hiking, cycling clothes for distance cycling (not for commuting on a mamachari, or basket bike), and nicer clothing for sightseeing and dining. However, if you plan to sightsee by bicycle and want to wear comfortable clothing, no one will be offended by your yoga pants! Shrines, temples, and casual restaurants for lunch do not have dress codes, but do plan to freshen up at your hotel before going to a nicer dinner.
A 2-week Active Itinerary in Japan
This itinerary is just an idea of the types of activities you can enjoy in Japan, with my recommended pacing for a fairly fast-paced 2 week trip. In addition to time exploring Tokyo and Kyoto, I’ve included a rural countryside walk with a stay in a minshuku, or family run inn (more information on accommodation types in Japan), the best bike route in Japan, and time hiking and exploring off the beaten path on Shikoku Island. Most of this trip can be done by public transportation, but for some of it I would recommend a rental car (more on driving in Japan). If you’re not comfortable driving in Japan, you can easily do a modified version of Shikoku and the Iya Valley by train.
Want a fully customized itinerary for your next trip to Japan? We can help!
Days 1-3: Tokyo
Start your first day in Tokyo with an early-morning run to beat jet lag and familiarize yourself with the pace of the city. After freshening up, head out to explore. Fuel up with a seafood bowl at Tsukiji Fish Market, or with a steaming bowl of ramen in Ueno’s Ameyokocho shopping street.
On your second day, you may want to get out of the city for a day trip that is popular with locals, a hike up Mt. Takao. It takes about 90 minutes by train from the city center to Takaosanguchi Station, which was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. From here, you can elect to take the cable car to the summit or hike. There are a few trails ranging from paved and gently sloping to steep dirt paths.
On your final day in Tokyo, get a dose of local culture (and greenery) in one of Tokyo’s amazing parks. Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu are popular options, as is nearby Shinjuku National Garden. The Imperial Palace Gardens are beautiful, but do check opening hours and days ahead of time! One of my favorite parks in Tokyo is Hamarikyu Gardens, a huge riverside Japanese garden.
Days 4-6: Hiking the Nakasendo Trail
Today you’ll leave Tokyo for the countryside, starting your Nakasendo Walk. This route is part of the original footpath that led from Tokyo to Kyoto during the Edo period, and much of the path retains the original cobblestones! The post towns along the way (denominated with the suffix juku) are small, cozy, and full of welcoming shops and family-run guesthouses.
You’ll alight in Nagiso and stay overnight here or in nearby Tsumago-juku at a minshuku, or family-run guesthouse. Make sure to check availability and secure accommodation early in your trip planning, as these guesthouses are very small!
On your full day of walking the Nakasendo Trail, you’ll take the Magome Pass between Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku. This is a leisurely 3 hour hike, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, and the post town of Magome when you arrive. You can overnight in Magome, or extend your walk to the next post town of Ochiai-juku.
On your final day on the Nakasendo, you’ll be making your way on foot or by bus or taxi to the largest town in the area, Nakatsugawa. Here, you’ll catch the train to Nagoya, then on to Kyoto.
Days 7-10: Kyoto by Bike
Kyoto is best explored by bike. Many hotels offer bicycle rentals, and there are plenty of bike rental shops offering regular and e-bikes. With added mobility, you will be able to explore less crowded neighborhoods.
While all of Kyoto is very bike-friendly, there is an exceptionally nice bike path along the Katsura River heading south from the Arashiyama district that I would highly recommend. And while Arashiyama can definitely get crowded, with a bicycle you can easily get away from the station to explore more hidden temples and shrines, as well as access some great hiking trails in this area. Do note though that this area can be quite hilly!
On the other side of the city, you can cycle north from the Silver Temple towards Yase Station to take the cable car up towards the summit of Mt Hiei. There are a plethora of amazing hiking trails in this area, some with views of Kyoto, and the temple and grounds of Enryaku-ji.
Kyoto is also a great base for day trips. During your stay here, you may wish to take the train to visit the ancient capital of Nara, home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites and hundreds of semi-wild deer. Doing a day trip to the shores of nearby Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake (and one of the few lakes in Japan where swimming is permissible), is also a great option. On the eastern shores is Hikone Castle, one of the 12 original castles of Japan. On the western shores you can find the floating hall of Ukimido, swimming beaches, and some great hikes a short distance from the train line.
In the afternoon on Day 10, you’ll leave Kyoto and make your way to Onomichi, the starting point for the Shimanami Kaido.
Day 11: Cycling the Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido is a 70km route that connects the main island of Honshu with the island of Shikoku. The main route crosses 6 smaller islands and is connected by a series of bridges, but there are additional routes to extend your ride, and a network of ferries that you can take to spell your legs (do check the timetables in advance as some smaller ferries do not allow bicycles).
You can cycle the Shimanami Kaido from north to south or from south to north, and there are a few bike rental shops along the way if you want to ride only a section of the route. The Visit Shimanami website is an excellent English-language resource with route maps, island guide, and a link to their partner bike rental website.
When renting your bicycle, do keep in mind that there is quite a slope getting on and off some of the bridges between islands. And while it is definitely possible to cycle the Shimanami Kaido in summer (and you can stop and swim along the way!), renting an e-bike in the summer is a great option to keep you from getting overheated.
Days 12-14: Exploring the Iya Valley
After cycling the Shimanami Kaido, you’ll pick up your rental car in Imabari, and drive through rural Shikoku to the Iya Valley. Shikoku is an incredibly underrated destination in Japan, with beautiful hikes, amazing river fishing, whitewater rafting, and serene farm stays. Shikoku is also home to the 1,200km long 88 Temple Pilgrimage. However, do be prepared that in leaving the main tourist trail, you will find much less English spoken in Shikoku. With this expectation in mind, you will find the locals so warm and welcoming!
For a first trip to Shikoku, I would highly recommend a stay in the Iya Valley. Here, you will be able to enjoy hot springs, hiking, and a visit to a vine bridge stretching across a river valley. Originally constructed in 1185 during the Genpei War by fleeing samurai, crossing one of the 3 remaining bridges (now fortified and regularly maintained) is a great way to connect with Japan’s history.
On day 14, you can drive to Takamatsu and from there, catch the train (with a transfer in Okayama) back to Tokyo. Alternatively, drive across Awaji Island to Itami Airport to catch a short flight to Tokyo.
Shikoku Without a Car
While much of Shikoku is best accessed by car, if you don’t wish to drive in Japan, you can still explore the island! From Imabari, catch the train to the small town of Kotohira, famous for its mountainside shrine, Konpira-san. From Kotohira, there is a small train line that winds its way into the Iya Valley. Alight at Oboke Station to enjoy rafting on the Yoshino River.
Ready to Keep Daydreaming?
I'd love to talk with you about how I could help you craft your own custom adventurous itinerary in Japan. Get in touch!