Why us
CRAFTING YOUR CYCLING JOURNEY WITH —OMOTENASHI—
Omotenashi [noun] おもてなし
pronunciation: oh-mo-teh-nah-shee
1. Japanese Hospitality: The profound and selfless art of hospitality in Japan, characterized by anticipating and fulfilling the needs of others with meticulous care and genuine warmth.
2. Essence of Service: A commitment to delivering a seamless, attentive experience that exceeds expectations, reflecting a deep respect and consideration for the guest.
EXCLUSIVELY SELF-GUIDED: A leader in self-guided cycling across Japan
When we made the pioneering shift from guided to fully self-guided cycling tours, we became the only provider exclusively dedicated to offering a unique blend of refined luxury and exhilarating adventure in a self-guided format. This distinctive approach allows us to craft personalized, immersive experiences for travelers seeking both elegance and exploration, while also promoting responsible travel by minimizing our environmental footprint and avoiding the overtourism that affects more crowded destinations.
We specialize in curating exclusive self-guided cycling tours designed entirely around your personal pace. Every journey is private, giving you the freedom to explore Japan’s hidden gems in solitude or with those you choose to share it with—without the constraints of a group.
Each day, as you ride, your luggage is seamlessly transported to your next destination, allowing you to cycle light and fully enjoy the journey. You can rest easy knowing that upon arrival, everything is ready for you at your carefully selected accommodations.
With easy-to-use turn-by-turn smartphone navigation, there’s no need for maps or guides. Simply follow the path set for you, allowing you to focus on the pure joy of the ride. Our tours are crafted so you can immerse yourself in the scenery, culture, and tranquility of Japan, without distraction.
From breathtaking coastal roads to quiet countryside trails, your experience is completely flexible and personalized, ensuring a luxurious balance of adventure and comfort. With the freedom of self-guided cycling travel, you can make every moment uniquely yours, at your own pace.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS: A refined stay beyond expectations
At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that true luxury is not defined by price, but by the quality and authenticity of the experience. We carefully select Ryokan—traditional Japanese inns—that offer something far more meaningful than conventional accommodations. These handpicked retreats, carefully chosen to complement your self-guided cycling tour in Japan, embody the essence of the country’s rich heritage and provide an exclusive window into its most cherished traditions.
Each Ryokan we partner with is an experience in itself, where every detail—from the architecture to the hospitality—is thoughtfully curated to complement your cycling journey. Upon arrival, you are greeted with Japan’s famed "Omotenashi", a hospitality ethos that anticipates your every need, ensuring that your stay is both seamless and deeply personal.
These stays are not just about rest; they are transformative experiences where you can embrace Japan’s refined way of life. Your accommodation becomes a gateway to "Kaiseki" dining, an exquisite multi-course meal that artfully reflects the changing seasons, crafted by master chefs using the finest local ingredients. After a day of exploring on your bike, unwind in a natural hot spring onsen, where the calming waters and serene surroundings offer a sanctuary of peace and renewal.
We believe that a stay in a Ryokan is the ultimate way to experience Japan’s authentic charm and understated elegance. Here, you don’t just witness Japanese culture—you live it. This is where the essence of tradition meets the height of comfort, offering an experience that enhances your self-guided cycling adventure and lingers long after your journey ends.
In select locations, we also include premier hotels where they offer the best experience. These are carefully chosen not only for comfort and quality, but also to offer variety—some guests appreciate a break from consecutive Japanese meals.
PAVED BACKROADS, LEISURELY PACED:
Artfully crafted for uninterrupted paths
At the heart of our self-guided cycling tours in Japan, we prioritize the quality of your route above all else. While many designated cycling routes in Japan are located on busy main roads, we believe in offering a more tranquil and immersive experience.
Each path is meticulously crafted by designers, who understand the luxury of quiet, traffic-free roads. We plan each day with the goal of keeping rides under 60 km (37 miles) and 1,000 m (3,280 feet) of elevation gain—and extended rides available where the route allows—you will explore Japan’s hidden gems, connecting both natural beauty and must-visit cultural sites along the way.
Unlike other parts of Asia, Japan offers well-maintained roads that provide a smooth and enjoyable ride. We spend countless hours refining these routes—not only by studying Google Earth or collaborating with local tourism bureaus but also by cycling and driving the paths ourselves. Every detail, from the quality of the roads to the ambiance of the surroundings, and even the direction of the wind, is considered to ensure an optimal experience.
While cultural experiences are important, the essence of our tours lies in the quality of the routes. Along your ride, you’ll find Japan’s unique convenience stores, thoughtfully placed to offer convenient stops for restroom breaks, hydration, and refreshments, ensuring you’re always supported during your ride.
We aim to minimize transportation, but when necessary to connect remote yet exceptional accommodations, a private driver will ensure a seamless transfer, delivering you to your next destination, where your luggage and personalized experience await.
E-BIKES, HYBRID-BIKES, ROAD BIKES, CHILD TRAILER:
Tailored to your cycling style and needs
At the core of our self-guided cycling tours is the belief that every rider should experience comfort, performance, and discovery in a way that suits their journey. To support that, we maintain our own fleet of carefully selected bikes—featuring Trek cross models with carbon forks and touring e-bikes powered by quiet Shimano motors that deliver 60Nm of torque and a long range of 70km (43mi) to over 100km (62mi), depending on the selected mode. Carbon forks offer a smoother ride than aluminum and are noticeably lighter than suspension forks. While front shocks aren’t necessary for paved touring, the comfort and weight savings of carbon forks make them an excellent choice. For guests interested in road bikes, these are available on request through our trusted local partners at all destinations.
Many of our guests choose e-bikes for their ease and enjoyable riding experience, especially on varied terrain. For couples, one may opt for an e-bike while the other rides a hybrid, helping both maintain the same pace despite differing fitness levels.
We were the first to introduce child trailers in the self-guided format in Japan, making it possible for families with young children to explore the country together. These trailers allow parents to cycle safely with their children, even when the kids are too young to ride independently. Child trailers are suitable for children aged 12 months and older, with a weight limit of 18 kilograms per child, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Whether you’re cycling for leisure or traveling with your family, we ensure your ride is smooth and tailored to your needs, offering flexibility and comfort throughout your journey.
FIRST-CLASS SUPPORT AND WEATHER CARE:
Effortless guidance, every step of the way
Our commitment to first-class support ensures that your self-guided cycling adventure is handled with care and precision. Throughout your journey, we stay connected with you via WhatsApp, providing real-time assistance. Whether it’s arranging transport or ensuring everything is running smoothly, our goal is to give you peace of mind at every turn.
Our bilingual staff, fluent in both Japanese and English, are always available to assist. Should severe weather be forecasted, we’ll reach out a week before your tour begins to arrange complimentary transport if necessary, ensuring your plans stay on course. For unexpected needs during your ride, such as requiring a transfer, we can arrange for a local taxi driver to assist—payment is made directly to the driver, ensuring flexibility without any additional service fees.
Before your journey begins, we arrange online meeting(s) to walk you through all the logistics, making sure every aspect of your trip is crystal clear. From start to finish, our goal is to ensure a smooth and carefree experience.
Additionally, our turn-by-turn navigation system is designed to guide you effortlessly along your chosen routes. This advanced technology provides clear audio instructions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey without worrying about the directions. Simply follow the cues and enjoy the ride, knowing that each step of your path has been carefully mapped out for your convenience.
With our first-class support, you can trust that every detail of your trip has been thoughtfully managed, so you can focus on enjoying the beauty of Japan.
LOCAL EXPERIENCES AND AUDIO TOUR GUIDE:
Learning through place, with on-demand storytelling
We understand the value of an exceptional local guide—the way they illuminate a destination through stories, history, and human connection. In a traditional tour, they are often the soul of the journey. In our self-guided format, the absence of a guide is the one element some guests may miss—and truthfully, so do we at times. Yet this is also what makes the journey uniquely yours.
To ensure your journey remains rich and meaningful beyond the ride itself, we arrange thoughtfully curated local activities that invite you to connect with culture and people. Whether it's a serene tea ceremony, a garden tour, traditional papermaking, visiting a local museum, or temple hopping through centuries of heritage, each experience is selected to deepen your appreciation of place without adding time pressure to your day.
In moments where a live guide is not practical—especially when we want to preserve your freedom without timed appointments—we offer a quiet companion instead: your personal audio tour guide. This intelligent system brings each destination to life through location-based storytelling, cultural insight, and helpful context available whenever you choose to listen. Before departure, we help set up your smartphone so this seamless voice of discovery is ready to ride with you, enriching your experience without ever getting in the way.
DISCOUNTS FOR FOREIGN REGIDENTS IN JAPAN:10% savings for residents exploring Japan’s undiscovered wonders
For foreign residents who are already familiar with Japan’s well-known sights, our mission is to guide you toward the country’s undiscovered wonders—hidden landscapes, serene backroads, and cultural treasures that are often overlooked. This exclusive 10% discount is designed to inspire you to explore these lesser-explored regions, providing a fresh perspective on the beauty Japan has to offer.
To benefit from this offer, proof of residency or property ownership in Japan is required. Acceptable documentation includes your residence card, valid visa, official certificate of employment, or property registration with your name. Once verified, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount as you embark on a uniquely curated cycling experience that reveals Japan’s authentic, lesser-traveled areas.
For more details, please read our FAQ section.
