Japan is one of the best countries on Earth to experience on a set of wheels, so I’m going to reveal to you the 5 best cycling routes to try!
Lake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji)
In no particular order (because they’re all great!) I’ll be kicking off the list with one of the first cycling routes I ever went on – the Lake Kawaguchiko route. This is easily one of the most scenic bicycle rides you’ll experience in your life, with the crisp air filling your lungs and the calm waters of the Fuji Five Lakes offering peace and serenity. Of course, the best part is the iconic Mt. Fuji overlooking the trail with its breathtaking presence and its mysterious snow-capped gaze.
Yamashina-Uji Intersection
A lesser-known cycling route is the Yamashina-Uji Intersection, a term I coined to describe the point at which the Uji River splits in two, its other half forming the beginning of the Yamashina River. This route is located near my brother’s home in Mukaijima, and just parallel to Kangetsukyo Station on the Keihan Line. Beautiful mountainous backdrops and wide flowing waters surrounded by thick greenery are sure to give the mind a sense of peace and serenity.
Nara City
Nara City, popularly known as Japan’s City of Deer, is home to some of the most unique nature and wildlife in the entire country. The cycling routes in and around Nara Park offer tranquil sites such as the Sarusawa Pond and Todaiji Temple. Everywhere you go, wild yet domesticated deer appear on and around the roads, typically waltzing about the nearby trees or resting under the shade.
Shimanami Kaido
This one is for those willing to dedicate an entire day to relentless cycling – The Shimanami Kaido. One of the most famous cycling routes in the whole world, it runs across numerous islands between Hiroshima’s city of Onomichi and Ehime’s city of Imabari. The scenery of this route is simply unbeatable, with crystal clear bays and large expressway bridges that resemble San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It’ll take you up to 8 hours to complete this ride, though there are options for shortening it by including ferry trips or early exits.
Kyoto to Yatawa (Kamo River Route)
Ever wondered what would happen if you kept cycling along Kyoto’s Kamo River without stopping? The answer is it would lead you to a neighboring city called Yawata. Indeed, the Kamo River is vast in its length, but continuing the route toward Yawata allows you to see a side of Kyoto that most people miss. Unique angles of the Kamo River and a pathway that eventually takes you to Sewaritei, the stunning cherry blossom spot by Yodogawa Riverside Park, this cycle route is a must-do!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!