This trip was created to appeal to those who want to experience the historic cities of Kyoto, Nara, Kashihara, and the temple city of Koyasan, which has World Heritage status. We offer a Classic trip that features lovely hotels, two of which have onsens. Our Luxe trip stays in fantastic hotels, comparable to our Luxe trips in Europe and elsewhere. We feel this trip will likely become one of our most popular ever offered. It’s that good and great value — one of our competitors offers a similar trip with one less day, for twice the price.
Day 1
We know many will arrive early to Kyoto, so we offer a pre-trip extension that includes two nights in Kyoto and walking tours with local guides, so you can explore the city in detail.
The first day of the trip begins with a bike fit and a short walk through the geisha district, stopping for a drink in an atmospheric spot you likely haven’t visited before. Then we walk to dinner at a restaurant in a bustling neighbourhood and return to our hotel, the Dhawa Yura.
Day 2
Kyoto is blessed with excellent bike paths, including one that conveniently leads us out of town along the river before deviating to the Tofuku-ji Temple and its contemporary Zen gardens. The cycling infrastructure here is remarkable, with dedicated raised paths, brand-new pavement, and rest stops with clean, covered facilities. We have lunch after 43 km at an atmospheric restaurant in a historic setting and it is delicious, of course.
The rest of the ride zigzags past many temples. Everyone loves this ride and we arrive in the city of Nara at our hotel, the Miroku Nara, a new contemporary property with large rooms and a great lounge. For dinner, we head to an Italian restaurant called L’Incto for a 10-course feast. We called out the chef and applauded him — something we did almost every night, the food being so good!
Ride Stats: Distance: 58 km; Elevation gain: 320 m; Moving time: 3h15
Day 3
Today’s ride was beautiful, following small roads out of Nara and through tea plantations in the rolling countryside. En route, we stopped at the Wazuka tea fields for a tour and tasting. There is a short 2.7 km section with traffic where a shuttle is offered, but this group chose to ride. Lunch was at a local spot, followed by a nearby café with fantastic roasted coffee. The afternoon was hillier but we were rewarded with great downhill sections and a coast back into Nara. That evening, we visited a studio to learn calligraphy from an 8th-generation master. Everyone received a stone and box to take home. Then we walked to dinner at Faon for a French meal that rivalled the one the night before.
Ride Stats: Distance: 53 km; Elevation gain: 850 m; Moving time: 3h15
Day 4
The group loved having three nights in Nara, as there was so much to see. We started the day riding out of the city again by a different route on quiet roads. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visited a photography museum and an artisanal gelato shop. Back in Nara, our guides led a walk through Nara Park and the temples. Dinner was “on your own” this night, with many options close to the hotel.
Ride Stats: Distance: 40 km; Elevation gain: 750 m; Moving time: 2h45
Day 5
This was probably my favourite ride of the trip, with a stop at Oomiwa Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan. We happened to arrive during a miko performance, with unmarried women performing elegant dances to honour the deities and pray for good fortune. Then we stopped at fascinating burial tombs in Asuka Village before reaching Kashihara along lovely streets. Here we stayed at the Candeo Hotel with its sky onsen, definitely a hit. This was another on your own dinner night; I took the guides to Pinot Noire, a French restaurant with just five seats (not as unusual as you might think).
Ride Stats: Distance: 60 km; Elevation gain: 590 m; Moving time: 3h50
Day 6
We left at 8:45 a.m. and enjoyed another lovely and easy morning ride (the riding gets better every day on this trip). Lunch was at a very cool restaurant — one I’ll keep secret — and it was definitely a highlight. Afterwards, we began climbing toward Mount Koya and Koyasan along a beautiful road with no traffic, following a rushing river through wild forest. It was the perfect route to Koyasan. We reminded the group that they could stop for a shuttle at any time; some did, but several rode all the way. I love climbing, so I quite enjoyed it!
Everyone was keen to reach the hotel and its famed onsen, but with dusk approaching, I wandered into the cedar forest and walked a portion of the Choishi Path. This 2 km stone-paved trail is lined with historic tombstones and lanterns, creating a sacred atmosphere. I’ve been to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and many other wonders of the world, and I was astounded by the breathtaking beauty and Zen of this place.
I then made my way to our temple lodge at Koyasan Sukubo Sainamin, where a monk greeted me and gave me a tour (I was keen to locate the onsen and learn when dinner would be served). It was a restful, contemplative night, and we were all thrilled with the experience.
Ride Stats: Distance: 82 km; Elevation gain: 1,200 m; Moving time: 4h30 (shorter options available)
Day 7
I woke in time for morning prayers and the fire ceremony, which I highly recommend. It was raining lightly, so no one was in a hurry to depart. Sensing some hesitation about cycling in the rain, I texted the group this message:
“Some of my best days riding have been in the rain. The secret is having a dry layer to change into once you stop. I wear one long-sleeved Patagonia layer, my jersey, vest, and a light Houdini rain jacket, that’s it. I carry a second long-sleeved layer in a ziplock bag in my jersey pocket. This ride is just 30 km and should take about 1.5 hours, riding slower due to wet pavement. When arriving for lunch in Hashimoto, simply change into a fresh dry layer (and socks) and enjoy a warm restaurant. If you don’t feel safe, don’t ride but if you do, it’s a glorious ride down!”
Lo and behold, everyone decided to ride.
But first, we visited Okunoin, the sacred site of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, surrounded by over 200,000 graves and one of the most sacred places in Shingon Buddhism.
Returning to the hotel, we changed into cycling gear and rode down to the valley on a different road, reaching the village of Hashimoto for lunch at a traditional restaurant with very friendly owners. Afterwards, we walked to the train station and boarded a train to Osaka for our final night at The Lively Osaka. We gathered for complimentary drinks before dinner at a fun restaurant, where stories were shared, memories exchanged, and hugs given.
It was truly one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken and one I can recommend wholeheartedly. For riding, meals, scenery, accommodation, and culture, there may not be an equal. Japan is exceptionally clean and safe; I once thought that might make it less interesting, but in fact the opposite is true. The hospitality is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been.
Ride Stats: Distance: 31 km; Elevation gain: 300 m; Moving time: 1h30
Day 8
Some people stayed on in Osaka, as there is much to see and do. For me, it was more cycling as I headed to Toyama to do more route research — always on the lookout for future trips, but that’s another blog.
If You Go
Great Explorations offers 8-day Classic and Luxe trips from Kyoto to Koyasan in the Spring and Fall, some of the best months to travel in this region are May, June, September, and October. Our Luxe itinerary has hotel upgrades in Kyoto (Granbell Kyoto or Dusit Thani), Nara (Setre Naramachi or Noborioji), Koyasan (Jokiin Temple), and Osaka (The Leben or W Osaka).
Watch the video from our trip in October, 2025.
Testimonial
“We just returned from our Nara to Koyasan cycling trip. We’ve added so many new impressions to our memory. Of cycling through ever changing natural and urban environments. Very interesting riding all day long left then right then up then down from modern paved roads to Middle Age pathways. Dizzying but good for anti-ageing. Sleeping in very authentic ryokans and eating Japanese style in high quality unique places. Group of 14 having fun all day long. Our two guides were walking spiritual leaders who knew everything there is to know about the history, religion, food, customs etc. Super interesting explanations and discussions. We learned a lot. We are so glad we were on this tour and that we had so many unique new experiences. Looking forward to our next trip!”
— Cornelis & Hellan V., Vancouver, BC
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