Hotel Dhawa Yura, Kyoto
Set in the lively entertainment and shopping district of Sanjo, this upscale 4-star hotel is a minute's walk from Sanjo train station and features hardwood floors, and a chic restaurant.
This itinerary starts from the city of Kyoto and visits the cities of Nara, Kashihara, Koyasan, Hashimoto, 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:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
- Hotel properties unique and distinctive including traditional ryokans
- A ride you will never forget: each of the rides will be memorable through lush valleys and along the coast on quiet roads
- Food that is superb – if you’ve never been to Japan, you are in for an experience like no other
- Cannondale Quick model hybrid bikes (our fleet)
- We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises
Japan Biking – Kyoto to Koyasan
Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
Day 1
Nara
Nara, Japan
Days 2 + 3
Kashihara
Kashihara, Nara, Japan
Days 4 + 5
Koyasan
Koyasan, Koya, Wakayama, Japan
Day 6
Osaka
Osaka, Japan
Day 7
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 7 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners
- All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees
- GPS routes and maps
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 18-25 | Apr 17-24 |
| May 9-16 | May 8-15 |
| May 16-23 | May 15-22 |
| May 23-30 | Jun 5-12 |
| Jun 6-13 | Sep 18-26 |
| Sep 19-26 | Oct 9-16 |
| Oct 10-17 | Oct 16-23 |
| Oct 17-24 | Nov 6-13 |
| Nov 7-14 |
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
4-16 participants
Total Days
8 days / 7 nights
Arrive/Depart
Kyoto / Osaka
Activity Level
Moderate +
40-70 km daily
Van Supported
Terrain
Rolling with some short steep climbs
Cost
Land Cost
US $4,500
Includes 8B/6L/5D
Single Supplement
US $1,140
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Gravel Bikes*: US $480
E-bikes*: US $560
Tokyo Extension (before or after trip)
Includes 2 Days / 2 Nights and a half-day walking tour
US $695
Single supplement US $295
Includes 3 Days / 3 Nights and two half-day walking tours
US $995
Single supplement US $450
Pre-Trip extension in Kyoto
Includes 1 Day / 1 Night and a half-day walking tour
US $395
Single Supplement US $165
Includes 2 Days / 2 Nights and a half-day walking tour
US $695
Single supplement US $295
Post-trip Extension in Osaka
Includes 1 Day / 1 Night and a half-day walking tour
US $395
Single Supplement US $165
Includes 2 Days / 2 Nights and a half-day walking tour
US $695
Single supplement US $295
* 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.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
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.
1
Day 1
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.
2
Day 2
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
3
Day 3
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
4
Day 4
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
5
Day 5
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
6
Day 6
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
7
Day 7
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. 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; 390 m gain
8
Day 8
Depart
Depart at your leisure for onward travel.
For extra assistance with transportation reservations, the hotel concierge is available during your stay.
Miroku Nara, Nara
Flanked by greenery, this sophisticated hotel is a 10-minute walk from both Kintetsu-Nara train station and the Nara National Museum. There's a tranquil lounge, and a cafe/bar that has a terrace and the rooms are sleek and contemporary design.
Candeo Hotel, Kashihara
This new 4-star hotel in Kashihara boasts large rooms with western beds, contemporary decor, sky sauna and more.
Sainan-in, Koyasan
This temple guesthouse was founded by Kobo Daishi's leading disciple, Shinzen Daitoku and was made a royal temple by virtue of the fact that the Emperor Toba worshiped at the temple. Note that staying in an authentic temple is a unique experience. The room and facilities are rustic and simple and the next night we are back in the comforts of The Lively in Osaka, where complimentary beers await.
The Lively Osaka Honmachi, Osaka
Located just 2 minutes from the Sakaisuji Honmachi train station and close to Osaka Castle and Kuromon Icchiba market, this hotel features polished rooms, a restaurant, bar and terrace, plus a lounge.
Tour Reviews
“The overnight at the temple was a unique & authentic experience which I am thankful to have done. All dinners were amazing. My favourite was the French restaurant in Nara. The bikes were very light & comfortable to ride (hybrid bike). It was my first time in Japan and a wonderful way to experience the Japanese culture & food and to see the country. Our guides were amazing & so supportive.”
“Great ride with nice group. Guides went above and beyond.”
“We just returned from our Nara to Koyasan cycling trip. We’ve added so many new impressions to our memory. Very interesting riding all day long left then right then up then down from modern paved roads to Middle Age pathways. Sleeping in very authentic ryosans and eating Japanese-style in high quality, unique places. Our group had fun all day long. Our two guides knew everything there is to know about the history, religion, food, customs etc. Super interesting explanations and discussions. We learned a lot. Looking forward to our next trip – thank you!”
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