What is a Recon Tour and why the discount? Every time we host a tour on a brand new route, we discount the cost. Whilst we have ridden the route, and all hotels etc the standards of all our tours, this experience might be a little less polished, with some elements still being refined - but fun is guaranteed!
What better way to explore Japan's most iconic sights than by bike? This tour offers exactly that—and more.
While Japan is known for its technology and fast-paced cities, just a few kilometers into the countryside a different side of the country unfolds as you pass farmers tending rice fields, pristine rivers shimmering in golden sunlight, traditional houses and ancient temples—all under the watchful gaze of the peaks above.
The tour begins in Tokyo with a day to rest, gather essentials and enjoy a light riverside ride. We then set off on Day 1 along a dedicated bike path through the city, heading out to climb the renowned Doushi Road (featured in the Tokyo Olympic road races), at the top of which breathtaking views of Fuji San await.
Over the next two days, we ride to Kiso, a picturesque village nestled in the mountains of southern Nagano. Stage 4, the longest at 145km, takes us to Shirakawago, known for its gasshō-zukuri, or "praying hands" houses. After a rest day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we continue through scenic roads, finishing in the historic and beautiful city of Kyoto.
Along the way, staying in traditional ryokans and indulging in delicious local cuisine will be highlights of this unforgettable tour.
Please note than some 35% plus of this route is on ‘rindo roads’. These are old forest roads that are generally used only by farmers these days, and though tarmac and generally smooth, the edges can be gritty, and the surface at times uneven. Normal road tires are generally fine on these roads, but we do recommend a 28mm tire up to a 35mm tire for greater comfort. The 5% gravel mentioned is about 7km of the entire route and is not challenging.
*For this tour we recommend a road bike /all-road bike with 28-33mm road / gravel tires. Slicks would be fine, yet we will ride a light gravel tire: see the Panaracer GravelKing tire as an example.
**On all of Kojo Collective Tours, we make sure that no one gets left behind, and always have one guide at the front and one at the back. We are all about inclusivity, not exclusivity - this is a collective, after all!
JAPAN / TOKYO to KYOTO Recon
Dates
June 11th - June 22nd 2025
Distance
Stages
Rating
Intermediate / Challenging
8
797km
Daily Average
99km
Elevation
10,120m
Recon Cost
$5500 $4700
95% Road / 5% Gravel
Road Type
2
Group Leaders
Single Supplement
$700
Fully Supported
Support
THE LOWDOWN
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DAY 1
TOKYO
Arrival day offers the perfect opportunity to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead. Unpack, assemble your bikes, and unwind at your own pace. While dinner is not scheduled, you’ll find a selection of nearby restaurants and a bar within the hotel for a relaxed evening.
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DAY 2
TOKYO / Optional Light Spin
In the morning, after breakfast, we will host an optional and short riverside spin. The rest of the day is yours to explore Shinjuku, visit the Imperial Palace, or enjoy any of the countless things to do in this great city. In the evening, we will host a great Welcome Dinner and Tour Social.
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DAY 3
TOKYO - FUJIYOSHIDA 126km / 1680m
No need to transit out of the city, as there is a dedicated bike path that runs from near the hotel to the outer suburbs of Tokyo. From there, it's a short hop onto the famous Doushi Road, which is 50 km in length with a mild 3% average incline. This beautiful, shaded climb brings us to a view of one of the most famous mountains in the world – the sacred Fuji-san. We skirt its eastern slopes as we head to our final destination, a ryokan with a spa in Fujiyoshida. A hearty meal awaits!
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DAY 4
FUJIYOSHIDA - SUWA 113km / 1280m
A day that looks tougher on paper than it is. We start by rounding the lake near the previous night's hotel, then head out on country roads with rolling hills. A 15 km descent takes us to the valley where Lake Suwa and our next hotel are located. From there, we continue further into mountainous Nagano by way of a 40 km incline with a 3.5% grade, until it flattens out and we arrive at Suwa.
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DAY 5
SUWA - KISO 64km / 980m
A shorter day, but again we climb. Two steepish (6-7%) 6 km climbs come soon after the start as we rise into the hills, followed by a longer, shallower climb before we descend the last few kilometers to the famous village of Kiso. Once a vital 'post town' (there are 69 but Kiso is the best perserved) on the 587 km 'Nakasendo' route (1600-1868), Kiso played a key role in keeping communications open between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). We will stay in a nearby traditional ryokan, and today's short stage allows plenty of time to take in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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DAY 6
KISO - SHIRAKAWAGO 145km - 2820m
The Queen Stage. This looks quite tough when you see its stats, but half of it is downhill. In fact, there's one super long 70 km descent that starts at the 34 km mark and finishes at 104 km. The rugged, deeply wooded Kiso Valley surrounds us as we coast downhill. After that, we face a 16 km climb with a 7-8% average gradient. From the summit, you are rewarded with a descent into the village of Shirakawago, famed for its beautiful traditional houses, and our second World Heritage site in two days.
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DAY 7
SHIRAKAWAGO 20km / 300m
Today is a well-deserved rest day, and the ride is optional. We plan to head out on bikes to ride along the river and explore the town before strolling around the area on foot. With its cafés and craft shops, it's a delightful place to while away a few hours.
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DAY 8
SHIRAKAWAGO - GUJO 98km / 1110m
Leaving the World Heritage site, we head southward to the sleepy town of Gujo. The town has a pretty castle, restored in the 16th century, tucked amongst the trees, with a museum that showcases the area as it was some 400 years ago. It's 'ryokan time' again, and we will enjoy a traditional meal and possibly a glass of sake or two.
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DAY 9
GUJO - NAGAHAMA 139km/ 1650m
This is the last stretch of quiet mountain roads, as we push on, getting closer to civilisation once again! After a brief climb, we descend quite a way until a flat valley brings us to the 70km mark. From there, it's uphill for 40 km, rolling at first before we tackle the last climb of the tour. After conquering that 10 km at 6%, we head down toward Lake Biwa and Nagahama.
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DAY 10
NAGAHAMA - KYOTO 85km / 360m
We skirt around Lake Biwa at a leisurely pace and roll into Kyoto – historic, traditional yet modern, vibrant and always fascinating Kyoto. Once we've checked in, had a shower, and taken a rest, we will meet in the lobby and head out for our last meal, our Farewell Dinner.
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DAY 11
KYOTO / Leisure Day
We have added an extra day here to ensure you have at least one full day to take in some of the amazing sights of this city. Tour leaders will be available for suggestions and will arrange an optional short ride also.
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DEPARTURE DAY
KYOTO / Departure
Please do let us know before the tour starts if you need any help with booking trains or vans to the airport. And bon voyage!
