Five Must-try Rental Bike Routes in Japan

Biking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about activities in Japan. But bicycle enthusiasts know the country is home to several world-famous cycling paths that take you through mountains, beaches, forest roads, and beyond.

Some of the most beautiful sights to be seen in Japan can’t be accessed on four wheels. Biking has many advantages: exploring off-the-beaten-path areas, the flexibility to stop wherever you want, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Depending on what you’re looking for — a leisurely beginner route or a pro-level intensive one — you’ll surely find a cycling destination that’s right for you. Luckily, all major cycling routes have plenty of rental bike shops along the way that make a biking trip even more convenient. Whether you pick up a bike for the day or plan a longer trip, these stores make it a breeze — no need to lug your equipment around.

Check out our top five locations in Japan for cycling on vacation.

The Seto Inland Sea is one of Japan's most famous regions for biking — thanks in particular to the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route. Located near Hiroshima, this route takes you island hopping from Honshu (Japan’s main island) to Shikoku. It may be a little-known fact, but Japan is home to over 7,000 islands. Only around 400 of those are inhabited, and this route allows you to explore a few of them at your own pace.

The route itself begins in the small city of Onomichi in Hiroshima, where you can pick up your rental bike. There are several bike rental shops within walking distance of Onomichi Station. From there, you'll be greeted by views of the Seto Inland Sea, pass over several bridges, and finally arrive in Imabari, Ehime. And you certainly don't have to worry about going hungry along the way, as you'll encounter countless options for fresh local seafood.

If you're a beginner to bike touring, this is a great option. The route is well marked the entire way and has many towns and oceanside cafes to stop by. Though the course is about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) long, you don't have to ride the whole time. You can easily stop along the way and return by boat or bus.

Nagano, the site of Japan’s 1998 Winter Olympics, is home to several mountainous regions, including the stretch known as the Northern Alps. It’s also home to some of Japan’s highest-elevation roads.

Mount Norikura in Matsumoto City is the highest of them all and should be saved for cyclists who are looking to get a true adrenaline rush. With a 2,702-meter (8,865-foot) summit, Mount Norikura is a huge stratovolcano that separates the prefectures of Nagano and Gifu. What makes this a particularly unique ride (aside from its towering height) is that the road is completely closed off to personal cars starting at around the 1,800-meter (5,905-foot) mark — a rare treat for mountainous cycling routes! (Road is closed off during the winter months.)

To tackle this bike route, be sure to choose a mountain bike (or an e-bike) so you’re well prepared for the elevation gains and mountainous paths. Mount Norikura is a cycling favorite during autumn when the leaves turn red and yellow, drawing in cyclists from all over the country.

Located less than two hours by train from Tokyo, Nikko in Tochigi is full of places designated as World UNESCO heritage. It’s an easy trip to make from the city for those looking for a nature getaway.

Start your journey at Nikko Station, where you’ll pick up your rental bike. Make your way out to Suginami Cedar Avenue, a stretch of road with huge cedar trees flanking both sides. It’s in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest cedar tree-lined avenue.

After you get your fill of the forest road, go to Lake Chuzenji for some entirely different views. Along the way, you’ll find the famous zig-zagging Iroha-zaka Route: a pair of winding roads with 48 hairpin turns. On that path, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of Lake Chuzenji, the massive Mount Nantai, and — if you’re lucky — Mount Fuji on a clear day. Make sure to hit the observation decks as pit stops. You may be able to see one of Nikko’s famous waterfalls and also the sweeping views over the valley below.

For more, check out our guide to 48 hours in Nikko here.

With a 200-kilometer (124-mile) circumference, Lake Biwa is the largest lake in all of Japan. Biking the loop around the lake is so popular that there’s even a nickname for this activity: biwaichi (“going around Biwa”). Advanced riders can complete the full lap in a day, but if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace, then it’s easy to make it into a multi-day trip. There are plenty of small towns to stay the night at, though camping by the lake is also an option. If you’re just looking for a taste of biwaichi, you can shorten the route by taking the Biwako Ohashi Bridge that cuts across or boarding a cruise boat that traverses part of the lake.

As for bike rentals, you’ll find plenty of options all around the loop. But if you’re coming from Kyoto, the closest point would be by Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. You’ll find that most of the terrain is flat, making for easy cruising. You’ll likely see hundreds of other cyclists along the way, together with some notable landmarks like Hikone Castle and the mountain temple of Enryaku-ji. If your timing is right, you may be able to catch the beautiful lit-up cherry blossoms at Hikone Castle.

Of course, not every bike ride has to be in the deep wilderness. If you’re looking for an urban route, the Kanda River Cycle in Tokyo is a great option. You’ll follow the Kanda River all throughout Tokyo, winding through several different neighborhoods for about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles).

Start your route on the western side of Tokyo at Kichijoji Station, where you can pick up your bike at a bike-sharing station nearby. From there, you’ll make your way through Inokashira Park — one of Tokyo’s most beloved green spaces — and then follow the river through Suginami, Nakano, Shinjuku, and Bunkyo wards until the river finally connects with the larger Sumida River near the Ryogoku Bridge connecting to the Chuo and Sumida wards.

From the west to the east, this journey will take you through Tokyo’s hidden green spaces, suburban enclaves, and some of the city's most bustling districts like Shinjuku. It’s a good taste of the wide range of expressions the city can offer, with infinite options for places to stop, shop, and dine on foot.

*Please note that under Japanese law, operating bicycles while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Enjoy the ride and save the drinks for when your bike is safely parked and locked at your overnight accommodation.