Cycling Japan Old Tokaido Highway Tokyo to Kyoto

Arrive Tokyo by 10th Oct and explore the city for 2 nights taking in the bright lights, historic sites and local Izakaya (Japanese pubs) fabulous food and much more. Complete our cycling trip Tokyo to Kyoto via the old Tokaido Highway using back roads and cycleways throughout, shorten your days cycling by taking the train if you wish!

Arrive Kyoto 19th Oct and enjoy two nights to relax and enjoy this fabulous historic city, explore with a Kyoto bus pass all the sites you wish to visit.

Checkout Kyoto 21 Oct for your onward travel!

Accommodation is twin share two beds, two same sex adults in each room throughout, all 3-4 star hotels in great location, some with hot spring (onsen) for an evening soak 😊

Price is $1990 plus flights and bike hire, any local transport required whilst cycling. Price is subject to change and availability and currency fluctuations. Single supplement aprox $1050

At the time of RSVP please email [david@discoverytravel.com.au](mailto:david@discoverytravel.com.au) your full name & mobile number. Yes I can assist with flights if you wish, plus any other sightseeing you wish to do.
Bike hire is not included standard road bikes aprox jpy19000 per week Ebike aprox JPY24000 per week see link for more details https://cycletrip.jp/ja/item_detail.html?s=471
Once we have minimum 8 RSVP then we can look at other bike rental companies as a group for discounts above is a guide only. Yes one way rental is OK Tokyo to Kyoto
Cycling itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo to Enoshima 65km

• The Start: Depart from Nihonbashi, the historic "Kilometer Zero" of Japan’s road network.
• The Route: Follow the Tokaido Highway through Tokyo’s vibrant residential and shopping districts, passing the first post-town of Shinagawa.
• The Crossing: Cross the Tama River (a site famous in Ukiyo-e prints) and continue through Yokohama toward Fujisawa.
• Destination: Arrive in Enoshima by 3 p.m.
• Highlights: Explore the island’s ancient shrines, sea caves, and observation tower, featuring iconic views of Mount Fuji.

Day 2: Fujisawa-Mishima 80kms Crossing the Hakone Pass

• The Ascent: Tackle the Hakone Pass (846m), the Tokaido’s most challenging climb, made easy with high-performance e-bikes.
• The Scenic Route: Ride through Hiratsuka and Odawara, enjoying flat coastal roads lined with ancient pines and mountain vistas.
• Historic Milestones: * Stop for a break at a traditional thatched tea house.
• Explore Lake Ashi and the reconstructed Hakone Sekisho (Edo-era checkpoint).
• Walk the historic cedar tree-lined path.
• Destination: Arrive in Mishima, the "City of Water."
• Evening: Relax by Mt. Fuji-fed springs and enjoy a local unagi (eel) dinner.

Day 3: Mishima to Fuchu (Shizuoka) 70 km

• The Many Faces of Fuji: Experience ever-changing views of Mt. Fuji as the Tokaido Highway curves through the landscape.
• Key Scenic Stops:
• Senbon Matsubara (Numazu): Ride a dedicated cycling path through thousands of evergreen pines with views of Suruga Bay.
• Yoshiwara’s "Left-Fuji": Witness the rare phenomenon where a sharp bend in the road places the mountain on your left—a view made famous in Ukiyo-e art.
• The Photography Highlight: Climb the Satta Pass for an iconic panoramic view of Mt. Fuji towering over the blue waters of the bay and modern transport arteries below.
• Destination: Finish in Fuchu (Shizuoka City). Enjoy the vibrant local nightlife and diverse culinary scene of the region’s largest city.

Day 4: Shizuoka to Kakegawa 60 km

• Edoperiod Flavors: Step back in time at Ishibeya (est. 1804) for traditional Abegawa mochi and Chojiya (est. 1596), a restaurant preserved exactly as seen in ancient Ukiyo-e prints.
• Engineering History: Traverse the Utsunoya Pass, home to four tunnels from different eras, including a registered Meiji-period red brick tunnel.
• Record-Breaking Bridges: Cross the Horai Bridge in Shimada—the world’s longest wooden bridge at 897 meters.
• Tea Country Ascent: Climb Nakayama Pass through lush tea fields to visit a 300-year-old tea house at the summit for a taste of "Kosodate Ame" candy.
• Destination: Kakegawa. Wrap up the day with a visit to the historic grounds of Kakegawa Castle.

Day 5: Kakegawa to Yoshida (Toyohashi) 75 km

• The Midpoint: Ride through tranquil pine forests to reach Fukuroi, the official halfway point of the Tokaido Highway.
• Lakes & Shrines: * Cycle through Hamamatsu to Lake Hamana.
• Stop at Bentenjima Beach Park to see the iconic "floating" red Torii gate.
• National History: Visit the Arai Sekisho, the only original Edo-period checkpoint building remaining in Japan.
• Coastal Vistas: Enjoy panoramic sea views from Shirasuka before riding through peaceful rural farmland.
• Destination: Arrive in Yoshida (Toyohashi).
• Bonus: If time allows, visit Toyokawa Inari Shrine to see its mystical forest of over 1,000 stone fox statues.

Day 6: Yoshida (Toyohashi) to Miya (Nagoya) 70 km

• The Best Pines: Cycle the 600m stretch between Goyu and Akasaka, home to 300 ancient pine trees—widely considered the finest pine-lined street on the Tokaido.
• Historical Lodging: Stop at Ohashiya, a museum that served as a working inn from the Edo period until 2015.
• Defensive Design: Navigate the "27 Turns" of Okazaki, a zig-zagging road layout originally designed for city defense.
• Culinary Heritage: Visit a Hatcho Miso factory. This dark, intense miso has been produced in Okazaki for 800 years and was once the exclusive supplier to the Imperial family.
• Traditional Craft: Explore Arimatsu, a town famous for its preserved architecture and historic tie-dyeing (shibori) handicraft.
• Destination: Finish the day in the bustling metropolis of Nagoya.

Day 7: Kuwana to Minakuchi 80 km

• Maritime History: Begin at Kuwana’s historic port park, the traditional landing site for Edo-era travelers arriving by boat from Nagoya.
• The Modern Tokaido: Ride through Yokkaichi, where the ancient highway has evolved into a vibrant, roofed shopping arcade.
• The Crown Jewel: Explore Sekijuku, the best-preserved post station of the Tokaido’s 53 stops. Unlike more famous mountain towns, this hidden treasure retains hundreds of original Edo-period buildings.
• The Challenge: Tackle the Suzuka Pass, historically ranked as the route's second most difficult crossing after Hakone.
• Destination: Descend into the quiet town of Minakuchi for your overnight stay.

Day 8: Minakuchi to Kyoto 60 km

• The Descent: Enjoy a relaxing, gentle downhill ride toward Kusatsu, a historic junction where the Tokaido and Nakasendo highways meet.
• Feudal Luxury: Visit Kusatsujuku Honjin, one of Japan’s largest and best-preserved elite rest houses, formerly reserved for feudal lords and nobles.
• Famous Crossings: * Cross the Seta no Karahashi, one of Japan’s "Three Famous Bridges."
• Complete the final climb and descent over Mount Osaka.
• The Grand Finale: Arrive in Kyoto, the ancient capital. Your 492-km adventure officially concludes at the historic Sanjo Ohashi Bridge.
• Evening: Celebrate your journey's end with a farewell dinner at a local favorite in the heart of the city.

Itinerary may change. This is an international travel trip and travel insurance with unlimited medical cover, including existing conditions is compulsory.
By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here:
https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/

Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.

Deposits are non-refundable, final price is subject to currency fluctuation.