At a Glance
Route: Kyoto - Kurama - Ohara - Uji - Wazuka - Nara
Explore some of Japan's natural and man-made treasures on foot and by bike on a five-day, four-night exploration of the extraordinary surroundings of Kyoto and Nara. This fully-guided tour offers the ideal introduction to a region rich in cultural heritage, ancient folklore and iconic landscapes. Experience days filled with discovery before relaxing in comfort each night in traditional Japanese lodging.
The tour begins in Kyoto and from here explores the mountains and valleys of a unique and unspoilt region. Over five fascinating days, the tour takes in the most picturesque and culturally significant locations surrounding Kyoto and Nara including the hot springs at Kurama; the quaint town of Ohara, surrounded by rice paddies and famed for its temples, beautiful gardens ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Bike hire including helmet & water bottle
- Pickup from Kyoto & drop off at Nara
- Include park and museum entrance
- Meal: 4x breakfasts, 4x lunches, 4x dinners. Snacks, local fruits and water is provided throughout the day when cycling
- 4 nights handpicked Japanese accommodation
- Guided cycling & walking with a Certified English speaking guide
- Support vehicle accompany during the cycling trip with luggage transfers, one piece luggage per person. Additional luggage can be transferred for extra cost
Itinerary
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Cycling distance: approx. 31 km. Elevation: approx. 402 m Today, leave the city area of Kyoto and cycle to the Northeast. First, follow the Takano River upstream and then pass through a rural area that gradually changes into a windy forested mountain road. At Kibune, cycle along a quaint mountain stream lined with some traditional inns before reaching the Kifune shrine. This an important religious Shinto sanctuary. From here, choose to either hike to Kurama via a mountain trail and return by bus or train to pick up the bike or continue cycling to Kurama. Above the town is the Kurama temple, majestically set among cedar trees on the mountain slope. Kurama is a popular weekend day trip for Kyotoites for its open air hot spring. Take a relaxing soak in the hot spring surrounded by beautiful nature. From Kurama, continue towards Ohara, further north. The way eventually goes down and after the mountain, arrive at a wonderful rural area with rice paddies, local vegetables and traditional farm houses. Ohara is a small local town famous for some beautiful temples with exceptionally beautiful gardens and also for the local produce market. Stay overnight at a wonderful traditional ryokan surrounded by beautiful gardens and serving locally sourced food. Room Style: Japanese Bed Type: Futon Toilet: Ensuite western style |
Ryoso Chatani Ryokan
Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling distance: approx. 29 km. Elevation: approx. 767 m Before leaving Ohara, visit the local farmers market to try some tasty local specialties. After the market visit the Sanzen-in Temple with its stunning garden, the Jakkoin Temple and the Hosenin Temple. Walking up a trail, walk to the Otonashi no Taki which means soundless waterfalls. Lunch before getting back on the bike and cycle to Sakamoto which is the old town area of Otsu at the foot of the sacred Hieizan Mountain which houses the important Enryakuji Temple. In Sakamoto there are many local temples and monks residences with beautiful gardens. Take the cable car up the mountain to reach the temple accommodation, Enryakuji Kaikan is a relaxing temple lodging hotel located at the ground of Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple with 1200 years history. Room Style: Japanese Bed Type: Futon Bath: Indoor bath Toilet: Ensuite western style |
Enryakuji KaikanBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling distance: approx. 28 km. Elevation: approx. 700 m In the morning attend the morning ceremony before exploring the Enryakuji Temple on foot. The temple complex is huge. Set on top of the forested mountain, it is one of the two Guardian Mountains of the city of Kyoto. Then, choose to either hike back down or take the cable car again and hop back on the bike. As the mountain is located right next to the Biwa Lake, the largest freshwater lake of Japan, enjoy majestic vistas from the cable car ride down. Today, cycle to Uji, a lovely small city on the banks of the Uji River. The city is famous for green tea and especially matcha. The tea here is called Ujicha. There are many tea shops and tea houses in this town. But another major attraction here is the Byodoin temple. One of the most beautiful temples in the country. Tonight, stay at Kyoto Uji Hanayashiki Ukifune-en a traditional Japanese style accommodation that serves delicious meals. Taste authentic Kyoto Kaiseki while watching the four seasons of the Uji River. Room Style: Western Bed Type: Twin shared Bath: Indoor bath Toilet: Ensuite western style |
Uji Hanayashiki Ukifune-enBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling distance: approx. 29 km. Elevation: approx. 767 m This morning, go for a walk around the city, visit the island in the river and the Tale of Genji museum on the other side. After that return to the bikes and hit the road and ride to Wazuka, the region where Ujicha tea is grown. The tea plantations are perfectly shaped and manicured up against the slopes, offering stunning views of the area. There are small winding roads through the tea fields making this one of the most attractive cycling areas of Japan. Take a break and lunch at Sabou Takenoko Soba Restaurant. After lunch cycle to Nara, a former capital city of Japan, but which is now a small city with some of the most impressive temple complexes of Japan. Overnight at Matsumae Ryokan. This welcoming little ryokan, conveniently located in Naramachi, offers total immersion in traditional Japanese culture. Ryokan Matsumae is known for its collection of Buddha carvings and calligraphy by the owners. Rooms are simple and comfortable in traditional style. Room Style: Japanese Bed Type: Futon Bath: Indoor bath Toilet: Ensuite western style |
Matsumae RyokanBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend the last day exploring the famous sites and temples of Nara on bike or choose to leave town to explore the natural area of the Yagyu Kaido route or perhaps follow a part of the oldest road in Japan, the Yamanobe No Michi. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Group discount is available for 4 or people. Please contact us for group bookings. Prices displayed above are all "From" prices as individual prices may vary depending on the departure date. We will confirm the price once we know your preferred departure date.
More Info
- The departure point Kyoto
- The finishing point Nara
Day 1: Leave Kyoto, guided cycle & walk in Kurama
Day 2: Guided walk to Otonashi no Taki, cycle to Sakamoto
Day 3: Guided cycle to Uji
Day 4: Guided cycle to Wasuka
Day 5: Guided cycle in Nara, depart from Nara
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
