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

Izu Peninsula extends out into the Pacific Ocean about 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The area belongs to the Fuji volcanic chain and was originally called Yu-Izu meaning “hot water (yu) gushing out (izu)” because of its abundant onsens (natural hot springs). Combined with its mild climate, dynamic terrains and many scenic spots, the area is one of the most popular destinations for cyclists in the central Japan. Our ride starts in Kofu, approaching Izu Peninsula via the foot of Mt. Fuji and a Buddhist sacred site of Minobu. Our ride ends in Shimoda at the Peninsula’s southeastern tip, where Commodore Perry visited in order to open Japan to the world at the end of 19th Century. Weather permitting there will be many chances to enjoy splendid views of Mt. Fuji en route. We stay at well-appointed ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), enjoying great food and onsens each evening.

Minimum number of guests required for guaranteed departure: 4

• Day 1 (Monday) Minobu-san (56km)
  Meet in Tokyo in the morning and transfer to Kofu by train (takes about 2 hours). Upon arrival in the city of Kofu, we start pedaling at a relaxed pace and visit the Takeda-jinja Shrine where the famous 16th century military general Takeda Shingen is worshiped. After lunch in Kofu, we head south on cycle paths and along the Fuji River, one of the three big fast-flowing rivers in Japan. Today, we stay at a ryokan* (traditional Japanese inn) in a tranquil temple town of Minobu which houses Kuon-ji Temple, the headquarters of the Nichiren Sect of Buddhism.
  * Guest rooms in this ryokan are equipped with private toilets but not with private baths.
• Day 2 (Tuesday) Shuzen-ji (101km)
  After breakfast and a visit to Kuon-ji Temple, we leave Minobu and cycle on flat or gently rolling terrains along the Fuji River and the southern foot of Mt. Fuji. We then ride into Izu Peninsula via the city of Mishima. Our route takes us on cycling paths along quiet rivers to Shuzen-ji, one of the major onsen (natural hot spring) towns in the region. Many intellectuals have loved the town for its quiet atmosphere. We stay at an elegant ryokan with onsen. You can soak in abundant hot spring water and relax – perfect way to prepare yourself for another day of riding.
• Day 3 (Wednesday) Matsuzaki (70km)
  We begin the day with a pleasant visit to Shuzen-ji Temple and a sightseeing stroll through the charming Shuzen-ji town. Before lunch, we take on a climb to the mountain range in west Izu. We ride the Nishi-Izu Skyline, which has steep and winding passages with spectacular views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji when visibility is good. We then descend to Matsuzaki, one of the main fishing port towns on the west coast of the Peninsula. We stay at a ryokan with onsen. In the evening we feast on fresh seafood direct from the local port.
• Day 4 (Thursday) Shimoda (78km plus a 23km optional ride)
  After breakfast we explore idyllic streets of Matsuzaki and visit some of the historic sites. Our ride today takes us inland through narrow mountain roads and then along beautiful sand beaches towards Shimoda, situated at the southeastern edge of the Peninsula. We stay at a ryokan with onsen. An optional extended ride to the historic Amagi Tunnel via a unique double-loop bridge is available for eager riders (the extended ride is mostly on road but encompasses some uncovered surfaces).
• Day 5 (Friday) Shimoda (75km)
  Today we explore the southern part of Izu Peninsula. In the morning we cycle to Matsuzaki, taking a different mountain road than what we have taken yesterday. From Matsuzaki we ride through rolling hills along rugged southern coastline of the Peninsula, which include some steep climbs and spectacular down hills. We stop by Iro-Zaki Point, the southern most tip of the Peninsula. It is a scenic spot with a lighthouse and towering cliffs, from which we can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We continue along the coastline to Shimoda, where our ride ends.
• Day 6 (Saturday)
  We spend the morning sightseeing the historic city of Shimoda. It is known as the city of the port that the American Fleet called Kurofune, the Black Ship, entered in the 19th century to demand trade with Japan, which at that time was under a national isolation policy that cut off any and all exchange with foreign countries. There are many historic sites in the city that relate to the opening of Japan. In the afternoon, you say goodbye to your leader/guide at the Shimoda train station and leave Shimoda by train. You arrive in Tokyo in the early evening.

• All lodgings 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.
• Meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners)
• Guides and van support
• Rental bikes
• Any ground transportations (except for private taxis)
• Admissions to temples/shrines, and museums