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

On this tour, you will cycle in rustic regions that are rich in great nature and farmlands and yet possess unique cultural heritages. Our ride starts in Aizu, which is a scenic region surrounded by beautiful mountains in northern Japan. The route takes us through rice fields and along serene rivers, and crosses Honshu (the mainland). Our journey ends after reaching the Sea of Japan in Niigata. On our way, we make many stops at historic sites, temples and shrines, and small towns and villages that maintain their old charms. Both Aizu and Niigata are known as Japan’s main sake (rice wine) and onsen (natural hot spring bath) centers, so every night we can celebrate our ride with good sake and unwind in onsen.

• Day 1 (Monday) 29km
  Meet in Tokyo (you are collected at one of the few designated hotels) and shuttle to Aizu (either by train or bus TBD; takes about 3 hours). Following quick lunch, we start our warm-up ride. Our route follows quiet country roads through rice fields, and into Yunokami spa. You can soak in abundant hot spring water and relax – perfect way to prepare yourself for another day of riding.
• Day 2 (Tuesday) 63km
  Following breakfast, we start a 6km ascent to Ouchijuku, an old post town on a road used long ago by Aizu clan lords to travel back and forth to Edo (now Tokyo). After a stroll and rest in Ouchijuku, our route follows rolling terrain in the wood for about 20km. We take a lunch break at a local inn before we start climbing a peak. It is a fairly challenging peak hunt, so if you feel tired, you can always hop on the support van. After a quick descent, we cycle pleasantly through rice fields past small villages until we start climbing another peak. Again, you can always choose to jump on the support van and take it easy. Past the peak, it is a nice and easy ride into the Nishiyama spa - a secluded spa with excellent hot spring water.
• Day 3 (Wednesday) 50km
  This is a “temple/shrine-hopping” day. After breakfast, we cycle 15km to the town of Yanaizu, and visit beautiful Enzo-ji temple. Then, we ride along the calm Tadami River towards Eryu-ji temple, where we take a lunch break. On our way to Aizu-Wakamatsu, we stop by another temple, Shojo-ji. We ride through Aizu-Wakamatsu towards Higashiyama spa, the castle town’s back parlor. We unwind in our inn, which is a stunning wooden building officially designated as cultural property. An extended route (about 20km) to Kitakata, a town of kura (mud-walled storehouses) is available for eager riders.
• Day 4 (Thursday) 30km
  We spend the morning touring the castle town of Aizu Wakamatsu by a minivan, including visits to the Tsuruga-jo Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki (reconstructed samurai villa). After lunch, we shuttle to the tranquil Hibara-ko (Lake Hibara) which is situated half-way up the Bandai-san (Mount Bandai, a magnificent volcano). We cycle a loop around Hibara-ko, enjoying spectacular scenery. Instead of cycling, you may choose to stroll around Goshiki-numa (Five-Colored Lakes) which is just behind our hotel.
• Day 5 (Friday) 22km
  After breakfast, we say good-by to Aizu, and shuttle to Sado Island by bus and ferry (about 4 hours). Upon arrival in Sado Island, we ride along the coastline past the old port town of Ogi, and then to our inn which is a beautiful conversion of an old Japanese house. Before sunset, we ride to the Sawasaki Lighthouse and watch an amazing sunset into the Sea of Japan.
• Day 6 (Saturday) 55km
  Following breakfast, we stop by Shukunegi, a preserved village which prospered in ship building and shipping business during the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries). We then cycle around the Sawasaki peninsula and surrounding areas, along magnificent coast lines and hills. If you feel tired, you can always hop on the support van and take it easy. In the evening, we go to an open-air concert performed by a vocalist, a Japanese bamboo flute player and a samisen player. An optional extended route is available for eager riders.route is available for eager riders.
• Day 7 (Sunday)
  Following breakfast, transfer by ferry and the Shinkansen (Bullet train), and arrive in Tokyo in the early evening.

• All lodgings
• Meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners)
• Guides and van support
• Rental bikes
• Any ground/ocean transportations (except for private taxis)
• Admissions to concert and temples/shrines.