Cycling in Japan

Overview

by Lonely Planet:: Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.

Somewhere between the elegant formality of Japanese manners and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitized shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan.

Japan's geography is dense in forests and mountains, making for breathtaking scenery and limitless opportunities for exploration. Cycling can be done more or less anywhere; stretches of open land in more rural areas or bike friendly highways are easily accessible on the island of Honshu (the main island), and slightly more difficult rides through mountain regions are available to cyclists with a bit more experience under their belt.

When To Go

Spring (March to May), with its clear skies and cherry blossoms, is probably the most celebrated Japanese season, but the Golden Week period, which is 29 April to 7 May, is a holiday period for the Japanese and many of the more popular travel destinations tend to be flooded with domestic tourists. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to travel: the temperatures are pleasant, and the autumn colours in the countryside are fantastic. Mid-winter (December to February) can be very cold, while the sticky summer months (June to August) can turn even the briefest excursion out of the air conditioning into a soup bath; on the plus side, major tourist attractions will generally be quieter at these times of the year. It's also worth considering peak holiday seasons when you plan your trip. Moving around and finding accommodation during New Year, Golden Week and the midsummer O-Bon festival can be a real headache.

For Travel Packages

We've researched travel packages by the subsequent companies, all offering eco-friendly vacations throughout Japan. What makes these eco-friendly vacations? Read our guide on ecotourism to find out.

* ResponsibleTravel
* GorpTravel

Helpful Resources:

Get the Lonely Planet Guide :: Japan. Let the bullet train whisk you from futuristic Tokyo to Kyoto's most exquisite temples. Join a sake-filled cherry blossom party or the drum beat of a local matsuri. Pick your own way through sophisticated mega-cities packed with world-class museums. Then meet the wild snow monkeys of Chubu. How could one country offer so much? This bestselling guidebook explains it all.

* Lonely Planet Guide :: Japan
* Japan Cycling Information
* Asia Travel Blogs
* Japan Interactive Map