Kyoto - Nara - Kashihara - Koyasan - Osaka
This itinerary starts from the city of Kyoto and visits the cities of Nara, Kashihara, Koyasan, and Osaka. This region boasts the oldest civilizations in Japan and like most of this country, is filled with temples, castles, sake breweries and superb restaurants. Oh, and the cycling is very good as we explore quiet roads through magnificent scenery.
Only Great Explorations:
Kyoto, Japan
Day 1
Nara, Japan
Days 2 + 3
Kashihara, Nara, Japan
Days 4 + 5
Koyasan, Koya, Wakayama, Japan
Day 6
Osaka, Japan
Day 7
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 11-18 | Apr 10-17 |
| Apr 18-25 | Apr 17-24 |
| May 16-23 | May 15-22 |
| Jun 6-13 | Jun 5-12 |
| Sep 19-26 | Sep 18-25 |
| Oct 3-10 | Oct 2-9 |
| Oct 10-17 | Oct 9-16 |
| Oct 17-24 | Oct 16-23 |
| Nov 7-14 | Nov 6-13 |
Trip can start any date, although we recommend starting on a Saturday and avoiding travel during Golden Week. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate +
40-70 km daily
Van Supported
TerrainRolling with some short steep climbs
CostLand Cost
US $6,450
Includes 8B/6L/5D
Single Supplement
US $1,600
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Gravel Bikes*: US $480
E-bikes*: US $560
Pre- or Post Trip Extension in Tokyo
Includes 2 days/2 nights and a half-day guided walking tour
US $995
Single Supplement
US $450
Includes 3 days/3 nights and two half-day guided walking tours
US $1,295
Single Supplement
US $595
Pre-Trip Extension in Kyoto
Includes 1 day/1 night and a half-day guided walking tour
US $595
Single Supplement
US $265
Includes 2 days/2 nights and a half-day walking tour
US $995
Single Supplement
US $450
Post-Trip Extension in Osaka
Includes 1 day/1 night and a half-day guided walking tour
US $595
Single Supplement
US $265
Includes 2 days/2 nights and a half-day guided walking tour
US $995
Single Supplement
US $450
*Gravel and e-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. Rental rates include delivery to the first hotel and pick-up from the last hotel. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) – or fly into Tokyo and take the train to Kyoto; we will meet in Kyoto in the afternoon on the first day.
From Kansai International Airport, there is a ‘terminal to terminal’ Haruka Express Train operated by JR West that takes approx 80 minutes. Use the JR West Timetable and Fare Finder to find and book a train that suits your schedule. Additional suggestions will be found in your confirmation package. The trip will finish in Osaka, so you have the option to fly out of Kansai International Airport or if flying domestic, Itami Airport.
Kyoto
Arrive to Kyoto and meet up at 4 pm for a stroll through the Geisha district before dinner. You may wish to do the Kyoto Extension we offer before the cycling trip. Either way, we will provide you lots of recommendations on what to see and do in this UNESCO World Heritage City and iconic place.
Kyoto to Nara
There is an option to ride right from our Kyoto hotel today, along the Kamo river bike path south to Wazuka, famous for tea production. Enjoying a dedicated bike path much of the way, we’ll reach Nara in the afternoon which is the capital of Nara Prefecture. The city has temples and art from the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital. We’ll visit the fantastic Shinto shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which dates to 768 A.D. and boasts more than 3,000 lanterns. Dinner will be at a traditional restaurant in town.
Distance: 30 km; 250 m gain or 53 km; 380 m gain
Nara Loop
We’ll enjoy a loop ride from Nara on quiet roads through the countryside passing a number of small villages, shrines and places of interest including Enjo-ji a Shingon temple, designated a National Treasure. Mid-morning we will stop at a tea plantation and learn this craft and taste local teas.
In Nara, Todai-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. Constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan it grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple’s influence on government affairs.
Until recently, Todaiji’s main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world’s largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall’s size. The massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu).
We’ll enjoy a calligraphy course before dinner at what will be one of your favourite meals of the week.
Distance: up to 50 km; 850 m gain
Nara Loop
This loop explores another region of the Nara countryside that is filled with rice fields and bucolic farmland to Tenri with a view over the Furu River. We’ll stop for a local lunch and then at a cool gelato shop, and for those that wish, a photographer museum. Back in Nara, enjoy a walking tour through Nara Park. This is an OYO night for dinner and Nara is filled with great options, all a stroll from our hotel.
Distance: up to 40 km; 750 m gain
Nara to Kashihara
Ride from Nara to Kashihara with lots of cultural stops along the way including Oomiwa Jinja, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, this one dedicated to sake. We will also pass by and visit burial mounds. Arrive to our hotel, the Candeo Hotel Kashihara and enjoy the Sky Spa with stunning views over the Three Mountains of Yamato before dinner out.
Distance: up to 55 km; 660 m gain
Kashihara to Koyasan
Leave the Nara plains and follow in the footsteps of centuries of traders and pilgrims towards the Yoshino Valley and Mount Koyo (Kayasan). The ride is on a lovely quiet river-side road that climbs through forest. Stop and get a lift whenever you wish. Arriving to Koyasan, walk the Okuno-in trail through an old-growth cedar forest lined with ancient tombs – with lanterns lighting the way, it is truly breathtaking and a spiritual experience. Staying in an authentic temple lodge is an experience not to be forgotten, hosted by monks and with a traditional onsen.
Distance: 41km; 365m or 75 km; 1,500 m gain
Koyasan to Hashimoto to Osaka
Consider joining the monks as they do their morning ceremony of choral chants, or stroll through town, perhaps visiting the Konpon Daito Pagoda and memorial grounds. The ride descends all the way from Koyasan to Hashimoto, after which we will shuttle to Osaka for our final night stay at newly opened 5-star Patina Osaka overlooking Osaka Castle, with its massive 16th-century samurai architecture, sprawling picturesque park, and role as a museum detailing Japan’s unification. Osaka was recommended by the NY Times in 2025 Travel Destinations: 52 Places to Go This Year. For our final night celebrations, we will walk through the vibrant city filled with cultural treasures and cool new cafes, bars and boutiques and enjoy dinner at an acclaimed restaurant to celebrate our time together.
Distance: 30 km + options; 390 m gain + options
Depart
Depart at your leisure for onward travel.
For extra assistance with transportation reservations, the hotel concierge is available during your stay.
Ace Hotel is a part new build and part historic structure on the former grounds of the Imperial Palace, just a stone’s throw from contemporary cultural treasures like the Nishiki Market, the Museum of Kyoto, and Kamesuehiro, the 200 year old confectionary. There are three restaurants, and original artwork throughout. Guest rooms are large (30m2) and the property was designed by legendary architect Kengo Kuma.
Alternate: Dusit Thani, Kyoto
Setre Naramachi is an architectural gem, located on the banks of Sarusawa Pond, in a prime location in the very center of Nara with views of the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple. There is an extensive library filled with books on Nara history, a lounge where guests can enjoy light meals and drinks exclusively and comfortable sitting rooms.
Alternate: Noborioji Hotel, Nara
This new 4-star hotel in Kashihara boasts large rooms with western beds, contemporary decor, sky onsen and more.
Staying at a temple lodge in Koyasan is a unique experience. The temple lodges have opened their doors to visitors with an opportunity to take part in the temple’s daily rituals for a truly authentic and spiritual retreat. This lodge is in the center of town, close to the trails to the mausoleum.
Located overlooking Osaka Castle, this 5-star contemporary hotel opened in 2025 and Patina boasts spacious rooms, wellness-focused facilities, and design inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. The hotel blends nature, art, music, and modern comfort with panoramic castle and park views.
Note: If you wish additional nights, book our Extension that includes guided walking tours with Osaka’s best local guides.
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