Essential Resources for English-Speaking Cyclists Touring Japan
If you're planning to tour Japan by bicycle, this guide is for you. As an English-speaking cyclist living in Japan, I've compiled a list of essential resources to help you navigate the country on two wheels. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or visiting Japan for the first time, you'll find valuable links to English-language websites, cycling communities, and cyclist-friendly accommodations. Bookmark this page, as I will continue updating it with new resources to ensure your cycling journey in Japan is as smooth as possible. I primarily cycle around Kanagawa, but I have a trip planned soon to cycle from Tokyo to the island of Shikoku. As my research progresses, I’ll share updates and insights here.
An ongoing blog entry. Last updated: September 17, 2024
Please do let me know what links you would find useful in this list via my pages in:
Facebook Groups and Communities for English-Speaking Cyclists in Japan
Connecting with local cyclists can be one of the best ways to get insider tips and meet fellow enthusiasts. Below are some Facebook groups that I've found particularly helpful:
- Half Fast Cycling (Facebook): A lively and welcoming group for cyclists of all levels, based primarily in Tokyo. Known for its casual and social rides, this group is perfect for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace and the camaraderie of group cycling. They organize regular weekend rides and social events, making it a great way to explore Japan while meeting like-minded cyclists. It was great following experienced riders through the back streets of Tokyo along routes I would not have found otherwise. Video. It's a bit of a trek for me to get to the meet ups, but once summer passes and the temperature drops I shall join again.
- Japan Road Cycling (Facebook): A vibrant community of road cyclists sharing tips, routes, and experiences from across Japan. Perfect for staying up-to-date on local events and finding riding buddies.
- Tokyo Cycling Club (website): Focused on the Tokyo area but with members from all over Japan, this group is ideal for discussing routes and gear. Really great community. Helped me with routes, buying a bike, and is simply a nice read.
- Cycling Japan: Tailored to English-speaking cyclists living or traveling in Japan, this group offers advice on everything from the best gear to cultural tips for cyclists.
Cyclist-Friendly Hotels in Japan
Finding accommodations that cater to cyclists can make a big difference in your tour. Here are some hotels that I've book marked for future use based on guest photos I sourced via google. In no particular order as yet. Those below based on the images allow bikes to be kept in your room.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/hotels/hotel-cycle-japan-a-bikethemed-pad-that-takes-style-up-a-gear-a204581.html
- https://www.japamigo.com/3302/
- https://www.yukiguni-journey.jp/en/4116/
- https://www.japan.travel/en/experiences-in-japan/4270
- https://www.interiorzine.com/2014/11/04/industrial-style-hotel-cycle-in-japan/
- https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hotel-cycle.html
To do:
- Kanagawa
- Chubu
- Shikoku
- Kanssai
Cycling Routes
Japan offers some of the most scenic and varied cycling routes in the world. Here are some resources where you can download routes that I personally recommend:
- Cycling Japan Routes (website).
- Bikemap (website). Currently 1,742 cycle routes in Kanagawa to explore. The routes you most commonly find here are of the flat or uphill type. Most people get on their bikes to ride here in the months of May and August (Bikemap).
- Japan Cycling Navigator (website). Explore Long-Distance Routes:
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- Length of Japan: Explore the famous routes:
- Fukuoka to Tokyo (1,100 km): A scenic journey through diverse landscapes.
- Tohoku (800 km): Experience the tranquility of northern Japan.
- Hokkaido (1,400 km): Take on Japan’s northernmost island with its wide-open roads.
- Tokaido (500 km): Ride along this historical route from Tokyo to Kyoto.
- KAN Cycling (website).Cycling in Kansai and Beyond: Discover Japan by Bike and Train with KanCycling. Explore the beauty of Japan through cycling with KanCycling. The website offers detailed guides for planning 100 km rides, highlights scenic rail lines with great views, and features articles from Japanese cycling magazines. Japan’s extensive transit system—trains, ferries, and buses—lets you seamlessly combine cycling with public transportation, offering flexible options for every rider. Whether you're a tourist or a local, start your virtual cycling tour by selecting a destination from the Destinations button.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information, check out the following sites:
- Japan Cycling Federation (website): Not for me me until I get fitter but maybe for you a list and calendar of Road, Track, Mountain Bike, BMX, Cyclocross, Trial, Indoor, and Para cycling events.
Links and Resources I'm Collecting for My Planned Tokyo to Shikoku Trip
- Enjoy a Hassle-Free Cycling Experience with Sagawa Express. Travel light with Sagawa Express, a trusted Japanese shipping company offering same-day delivery of bulky items between affiliated facilities. Drop off your suitcases, overnight bags, and backpacks to enjoy a seamless, baggage-free ride. For an effortless cycling adventure, try the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Without Baggage service.
- Guesthouses, Hostels, Minshuku, Rider Houses & Ohenro in Japan: Essential Links and Pricing Guide. Explore a comprehensive list of guesthouses, hostels, minshuku, rider houses, and Ohenro accommodations across Japan. This valuable resource includes essential links and a pricing guide, with most options ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥5,000 per night per person, though some may be more expensive. Note that campsites are generally paid, with a few stealth sites available—please "clean up before you leave." Rider houses may be seasonal in snow country and vary by location. Regular updates are made to this site, but please excuse any occasional errors. Use the search function to find accommodations by prefecture.
- Zoom.Earth: The Reliable Weather Tool for Accurate Forecasts and Route Planning. Tired of unreliable weather apps? Zoom.Earth offers a fantastic alternative with its accurate and dependable weather forecasts. This browser-based app provides live and predicted radar maps for wind, precipitation, temperature (both real and perceived), humidity, and pressure. With animations showing the weather for the next two days, you can zoom in on your planned route to see which areas will be wet or dry. This tool is invaluable for precise route planning and decision-making. Bookmark Zoom.Earth on your computer and iPhone for quick access to accurate weather information. Essential. Notably, if you are not from Japan you must check the temperatures and humidity in the summer months.
- CyclistWelcome.jp:(website) Find Cyclist-Friendly Accommodations and Routes for Your Next Cycling Adventure. CyclistWelcome.jp is your go-to resource for finding "cyclist-friendly" accommodations and recommended cycling routes across Japan. The site provides valuable insights into cyclist needs, concerns, and amenities, offering specific advice based on thorough inspections. Featuring interactive maps and specially selected accommodations, including hotels with bike maintenance and cleaning areas, CyclistWelcome.jp helps ensures a hassle-free stay. My very favourite feature is that you can enjoy peace of mind by parking your bike securely in your hotel room while you rest after a great ride. Yes please.
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Shikoku Circuit Route (Website). Explore Japan’s 1,000 km Cycling Island Adventure. Embark on the 1,000 km Shikoku Circuit Route, a breathtaking cycling journey around Shikoku, connected to Honshu by three bridges. This cycling paradise is rich with natural beauty and local attractions. Collect 29 stamps and submit your Strava data to earn the exclusive Shikoku circuit cycling jersey. Start at the "0 km around Shikoku" monument at the Ehime Prefectural Office Main Building.
The website offers recommended cyclist-friendly accommodations, including features like secure bike parking, maintenance areas, bike cleaning stations, and rooms where you can store your bike. With organized sightseeing maps and local dining options available for each of Shikoku's four prefectures—Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima
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I hope these resources prove useful for your cycling adventures in Japan. I will continue to update this page with more links and tips as I discover them.
Thank you for visiting, and I wish you all the very best in Japan.
