Cycle Japan Overview

Who are Cycle Japan?

Cycle Japan has been running tours across Japan since 1985. Founded by the inimitable John Morrell it has pioneered cycle tourism in the country with a series of groundbreaking tour itineraries across the country.

Tour operations are now run by Ride and Seek Bike Tours in conjunction with Air Bike Tours and Air Furano. John continues his involvement with Cycle Japan as an advisor and ambassador.

Our Samurai Tour Collection is the most extensive guided tour offering to be found in Japan. It is aligned with the Northern Collection from Air Bike Tours in their home region of Northern Japan.

john morrell cycle japan FOunder

GaRETH EVANS (AIR BIKE TOURS) & DYlan REYNOLDS (RIDE & SEEK)

Why ride with Cycle Japan?

Cycle touring in Japan is extraordinary! Although more famous for its neon-lit cities and busy highways, Japan’s network of quiet, smooth backroads offers world-class road cycling. Once you leave the bustle of the big cities, rural Japan exists as it has for centuries and exploring it by bicycle will give you an insight into this hidden world. A world of Buddhist pilgrims, soaring snow-capped peaks, terraced rice paddies, ancient temples and traditional arts and crafts. A world of quiet dignity where warm hospitality evokes images of the simpler life of a long-gone era. 

Cycle Japan Tour Jersey

Cycle JAPAN TOUR JERSEY

We Love to Ride and have been running guided cycle tours in Japan since 1985. Our current cycle Japan tours have evolved from over thirty years of personal cycling experiences, professional guiding and thorough tour planning, ensuring you of the best cycling holiday this land has to offer.

The Samurai tour was unlike any other riding - remote roads through bamboo forests and hillsides, past Buddhist temples and through small villages. The landscape, food, and culture made for a wonderfully unique trip that exceeded expectations. I highly recommend this trip. Thanks for another great tour! .
— Emily, Samurai Tour

Tour Spotlight

Mt Fuji, Across Japan

We are very excited about this annual itinerary in the iconic Japan Alps and around spectacular Mt Fuji. On this ride you cycle in the “Shadow of Mt. Fuji” as we travel through some of Japans highest peaks to the dramatic coastline of the Izu Peninsula. Along the way experience the challenge of the Japan Alps, Fuji Five Lakes and the Hakone area. Throughout experience Japanese hospitality, great food and our renowned professional support and guiding. Contact us for details or to book your place.

Cycling Shikoku Island

Tour Spotlight

Tohoku, Northern Japan

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s northernmost region on this unforgettable cycling journey through Tohoku. Depending on the season, ride beneath the delicate cherry blossoms of spring or through the fiery hues of autumn leaves. Traverse scenic coastal roads, charming rural villages, and historic towns as you discover Tohoku’s hidden gems. Along the way, enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, warm hospitality, and our expert guiding and support. This is a journey for cyclists seeking both challenge and awe-inspiring scenery.

Contact us to reserve your spot or learn more about this seasonal adventure.

Tour Spotlight

Cycle Shikoku Island

Our ride takes us from the spectacular Iya Gorge, the deepest gorge in Japan, with its thatch roof houses and old vine bridges, through the spectacular mountains around Mt. Ishizuchi, Shikoku and Western Japan's highest mountain.

We explore the Pacific coast with its beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle before travelling along Japan's last great pure river, the Shimanto. Contact us for details or to book your place.

Group shot by  SHIMANAMI KAIDO bridge

FINAL RIDE DAY ON THE 2023 SAMURAI COLLECTION ACROSS THE SHIMANAMI KAIDO


Tours

Season: April to October We have a range of both guided and self guided tours to choose from. Any of these itineraries can be taken as a private departure at a time that suits your group. We don’t have a set minimum number for this so contact us to arrange a personal guided or self guided cycle tour of Hokkaido, Shikoku or Honshu - Kii Peninsula & The Japan Alps. 

Stunning Lake Kanayama, which features on our Hokkaido tours.