Welcome to Oka Tours! -Specialists in bike tours in Japan

We are constantly on the road throughout Japan in search of best routes. Each of our routes is a culmination of rigorous selection of safe and quiet roads, scenic beauty, high quality accommodations, and cultural attractions. We offer roughly two levels of trips: MODERATE with a relaxed pace over flat to rolling terrain and an average daily cycling distance of 40 to 60 kilometers (25 to 38 miles), and CHALLENGING for experienced cyclists with a daily average of 80 to 100 kilometers (50 to 63 miles) covering hilly terrain with passes and climbs. Because of hilly landscapes in Japan, roads are in general a little steeper than those in the US (but rarely exceed 10% grade - similar to local roads that you will find in France or Italy). However, you do not need to be scared off. We carefully consider how much effort it takes to gain elevation in designing rides. Moreover, a support van is around you to give you a lift just in case you have had enough. After all, these roads are exactly what enable you to enjoy beautiful scenery and rewarding rides!

On all of our trips, you will be accompanied by our tour leader (plus a guide for a group of more than eight guests.) Our tour leaders are bilingual Japanese nationals who have qualified as licensed guides under the Guide-Interpreter Business Law in Japan. They have vast knowledge of Japan and are well trained to introduce you to various aspects of Japan - its history, culture, places of interest, people's daily lives - in correct and interesting manners. All of them are friendly and love cycling in Japan. They are trained in first aid, and are committed to providing our guests with the best services and fun experience.

All trip prices include the use of a rental bicycle. Oka Tours has a fleet of SPECIALZED Crossrider CE SPORT (an equivalent of Crossroads Sport (CE)). They are 24-speed comfortable lightweight hybrid bicycles, which are agile, reliable and easy to handle. All of them are equipped with cycle computer, handlebar bag, water bottle, lock, patch kit with spare tube and pump. We emphasize safety and require helmets on all tours (we do not provide rental helmets because of sanitary reasons.) You are welcome to bring your own bicycles. However, please note that we cannot provide maintenance or assembly services to them.

Our accommodations are either ryokans (Japanese inns) or western-style hotels - a range of best accommodations in the areas visited. They are chosen not only for their comfort and quality of services, but also for their authenticity and regional characters. All of them have private baths and toilets in guest rooms (unless otherwise specified in each itinerary). In a ryokan you can experience the elements of Japanese culture and customs: living in a room with tatami (straw mat) flooring, changing into a yukata (robe) after taking an onsen hot-spring bath, sleeping on a futon (bedding) put down directly on the tatami floor. Our trip prices are per person based on a double occupancy basis. A limited number of single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional charge on most tours. If you are a single traveler, please inquire for room availability and a single supplemental charge.

Most of your meals are included in the trip – check out the itinerary on each trip to find out which meals are included. Eating in Japan is an experience to be enjoyed. Many of our guests have already been familiar with Japanese cuisine. But most of them are surprised with the variety of Japanese food, once they are on our trips. We strive to supply the best meals in each place that we visit – local dishes using freshly caught fish or wild mountain vegetables and mushrooms. Most lunches and dinners are Japanese. For breakfasts each guest has a choice of Japanese or western, whenever such a choice is available.

We will ask you for information about your food preferences before the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please check with us whether we can meet them or not before reserving a trip.

Cultural immersion is one of the key aspects of our tours. We strive to create opportunities for our guests to experience and enjoy the Japanese culture, history, and people’s way of lives. Our tours are designed to include cultural　or 'extra-curricular' activities such as visits to temples and shrines, Japanese drumming lessons, sake tasting at a local brewery, pottery lessons, soba noodle making, or trying your luck at a Pachinko parlor!