FAQ

Reaching us from Tokyo is incredibly easy. Many of our tours are based out of JR Nasushiobara Station, which is just a 70-minute ride from Tokyo Station via the Tohoku Shinkansen. From the station, our shuttle buses or support vans provide door-to-door transfers, minimizing travel time so you can start riding through Japan’s pristine landscapes almost immediately.

Our support car does more than just carry your luggage; it provides riders with water, snacks, and fresh fruit along the way. Equipped with professional mechanical tools, we can handle any technical issues on the spot. Furthermore, if you feel you’ve reached your limit or face a daunting hill, you can easily load your bike and hop into the van to be driven to the top.

Our carefully selected routes feature extremely low traffic, and Japanese drivers are generally very polite, maintaining a safe distance from cyclists. The roads are exceptionally well-maintained, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. Far from the congestion of the city, you can explore the “real Japan” safely in a peaceful environment filled with fresh air.

The heart of our tours lies in meaningful exchange—visiting the workshops of master craftsmen practicing traditional indigo dyeing or pottery, and enjoying home-cooked meals in a farmer’s living room. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, our English-speaking guides act as interpreters to bridge the conversation. Experience the genuine lifestyle and warm hospitality of the Japanese countryside, far from the typical tourist traps.

At our traditional Japanese inns (Ryokan), you can experience tatami rooms, futon bedding, and natural hot springs. For cyclists, the hot spring (Onsen) is the ultimate highlight; soaking in the natural thermal waters works wonders to soothe tired muscles after a ride. In the evening, you will be served a lavish Kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal local ingredients, allowing you to refresh both body and mind for the next day.

Our latest GPS devices come pre-loaded with local, low-traffic routes that we have personally scouted. There’s no need to worry about getting lost with a map; simply follow the on-screen instructions to find hidden gems. Additionally, our staff monitors your location via a smartphone app, making this ideal for those who want the freedom to ride at their own pace.

April brings the cherry blossom season, offering the magical experience of riding through falling pink petals. From October to November, the autumn colors peak, painting the mountains in vibrant shades of red and gold. In summer, enjoy the lush greenery of the Nasu highlands, and in winter, try our unique snow cycling tours. We will recommend the perfect time to visit based on the scenery you wish to see.

On our guided tours, our guides are able to handle common mechanical issues with rental bikes, such as flat tires and minor gear adjustments, so you can focus on enjoying the ride and the scenery without worrying about repairs. For bikes that guests bring themselves, we generally ask riders to take the lead in dealing with any mechanical issues, as they know their own bikes best. However, our guides are always happy to assist whenever possible. On self-guided tours, guests are responsible for basic repairs such as fixing a flat tire. However, if a serious mechanical issue arises, we may be able to provide emergency assistance, including dispatching a support vehicle and staff member to your location when necessary.

Your dedicated guide will act like a “paparazzi,” capturing your smiles at scenic spots throughout the day. These professional-quality photos taken with high-performance cameras are shared with you for free after the tour, providing a wonderful record of your lifelong memories. Our guests highly value being able to preserve the emotions of their journey without the hassle of handling a camera themselves.

With our fleet of latest e-bikes (electric-assist bicycles), everyone can enjoy the ride. Even steep climbs like Nikko’s famous Irohazaka Slope can be conquered without losing your breath, allowing you to enjoy the view while you pedal. The beauty of the e-bike is that it allows casual riders to share the same breathtaking vistas as elite cyclists.

For families or groups of friends who want a private experience, we offer tailor-made custom tours. Whether you want to shorten the riding distance to spend more time at cafes or focus on specific historical sites, the itinerary is completely flexible. Our coordinators will listen carefully to your wishes to realize a truly one-of-a-kind journey.

From Nasu Wagyu beef shabu-shabu to salt-grilled river trout and mountain vegetable tempura, we hand-pick dishes rooted in the local climate. Mid-ride energy boosts are also a treat, featuring handmade soba noodles and sweets from local cafes. At night, you can savor premium local sake from regional breweries alongside a multi-course Kaiseki feast.

Intermediate tours cover 30–70km per day with some elevation, while advanced tours are designed for cyclists riding around 100km. However, at any level, using an e-bike significantly reduces the physical burden, and you can always take a break in the support car. The sense of accomplishment after finishing the ride will be a truly irreplaceable memory.

Our guides are trained in “WAFA” (Wilderness Advanced First Aid), providing them with advanced knowledge of emergency medical care. Our support cars are always stocked with professional first-aid kits, and we take every precaution—from route selection to mandatory helmet use—to ensure your safety. While accident insurance is included, we also recommend personal travel insurance for comprehensive coverage.

All you need is comfortable sportswear and shoes. If you use clipless (binding) pedals, feel free to bring your own shoes and pedals, and our staff will install and adjust them for you. A lightweight raincoat is handy for sudden weather changes. Many accommodations have laundry facilities, allowing you to keep your luggage to a minimum even on multi-day tours.

We generally discuss the situation with our guests and make decisions together. In light rain, we usually continue the tour while taking all necessary safety precautions. If heavy rain is expected to persist during a multi-day tour, we may suggest an alternative plan, such as sightseeing by support vehicle or enjoying local cultural experiences instead of cycling. We are committed to being flexible and ensuring that even a day off the bike becomes a memorable part of your journey.

Our Kumano Kodo tour combines cycling with hiking, including a few hours of walking on three of the afternoons. We transport your hiking shoes in the support car and arrange for smooth swaps at key points. With slow-paced guidance, using both a bike and your own feet allows you to explore the deepest parts of this sacred pilgrimage site.

These tours take you through “Satoyama,” the traditional Japanese rural landscape where humans and nature have lived in harmony for centuries. Rather than racing for distance, we focus on engaging all five senses—riding through rice paddies, relaxing at hidden cafes, and visiting artisan studios. It is the perfect program for those looking to escape the bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the beauty of rural Japan.

We guide you to the “Hidden Japan” known only to locals and found in no guidebook. From beautiful country roads without traffic lights or congestion to quiet hot springs untouched by mass tourism, we promise a journey that connects you with the authentic lives and warm hearts of the Japanese people—places only a bicycle can reach.

As space in our support van is limited, we ask that each guest bring only one main piece of luggage. In addition, we recommend bringing a small backpack or daypack, separate from your main luggage, for any items you may need easy access to during the ride.

As train services may have limited seat availability, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance whenever possible. Once your travel plans are finalized, it is advisable to book your tickets through the relevant railway operator’s official website or another reputable ticketing platform to ensure availability.

While bringing your own bike is certainly possible, we strongly recommend renting one from us in most cases. In addition to the logistical challenges involved, bringing a bike to Japan often ends up being significantly more expensive than renting once all costs are taken into account. We offer a fleet of the latest full-carbon road bikes from Cannondale in a wide range of sizes, and they have been highly praised by past participants. Our professional mechanics carefully select the most suitable bike for each rider based on the tour itinerary, road conditions, and individual fit requirements, ensuring that every bike is prepared and maintained in top condition. When traveling with your own bike, you are responsible for its maintenance and repairs, and it is advisable to carry spare parts and other essentials in case of mechanical issues. You must also deal with the complexities of international bike transport, airline baggage restrictions, size limits for bike bags, and transportation within Japan, all of which can be both time-consuming and costly. For these reasons, unless you have a specific reason for bringing your own bike, renting one from us is usually the most convenient, reliable, and cost-effective option.