See Japan from your own folding bicycle!

Minimum group size is six riders; maximum of eight.

Folding Bike Tour # 5, October 24-November 7 2026! *

*dates subject to change

Alex Kent is your guide and interpreter for an unforgettable two-week odyssey through Japan by folding bike. Participants will enjoy a unique, bicycle-pace, close-to-the-ground, people-to-people journey through Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, rural Shiga Prefecture (for family homestay), and other Japan destinations. (Itinerary subject to change.)

On my tours, the goal is for you to have a deep experience of Japan, not to pound out enormous cycling distances each day. Party pace! We will, of course, visit some of the famous places. But it is often on a side street, a country road, or in a craft-person’s studio that the visitor can experience something of essential about Japan. I believe that the bicycle is one of the most powerful ways to see – to experience – a place.

Testimonials from previous participants:

“We loved the tour of Japan, especially the opportunity to meet with some local people, and learn a bit about what it is like to live in Japan. We enjoyed the varied experiences, from the big city to the small town and the delicious food along the way. The riding was fun, and it worked well taking our bikes on the trains.” -Berenice R., 2019 participant

“The April 2025 Japan bike tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Alex's knowledge and contacts there created a wonderful introduction to Japan. I loved the variety of places and people we visited. Lots of biking, lots of train travel. It was great to also have some amount of free time for exploring on our own. As a beginner cyclist, he was patient with me when I was dragging. I learned a lot and this was the best international trip of my life.” -Nicola M., 2025 participant

“This was a marvelous trip and much of the success of the trip for me boils down to how well organized and detailed was Alex’s planning for the trip. The careful route planning, transportation arrangements and hotel choices made life easier for all of us. Also, it must be noted that Alex’s deep love for the history and culture of Japan enriched our experience.” -Barry S, 2026 participant

“One of the best trips I have taken. Your expertise and tour guidance really did make the trip so wonderful.” -Teri A, 2026 participant

Is this tour for super cyclists?

No! You do not need to be a competitive cyclist; this is not a race! Daily mileage will vary from just a few miles up to around 15~25 miles. You do need to feel comfortable and secure on your bike (we will be riding in traffic). There is no age limit for the tour: our oldest participant was 86!

NOTE: Accommodations will vary: sometimes in the traditional Japanese style: Tatami rooms, futons, shared sleeping spaces, and shared bathrooms. Sometimes we will stay at Western-style hotels. Single occupancy available for additional fee.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I am unable to accommodate special diets, including strictly gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan, Kosher, Halal, etc. Allergies can typically be accommodated. Please inquire.)

Why folding bikes?

Folding bikes can easily be carried onto trains at no extra charge. We exit the train station, deploy our bikes, saddle up, cycle over to our lodgings to drop off our bags....and then, FREEDOM! We reverse the process to get back on the train and proceed to the next destination. I strongly recommend the Brompton folding bike because it is the most suitable for this kind of tour. We will be folding/unfolding our bikes at each destination. You need a bike that is easy to fold/unfold, that has a small form factor when folded, and that is stuiable for carrying your gear.

Do you need to bring your own folding bike? Not necessarily! Most tour participants bring their own folding bikes, but I now partner with a cycle tour outfitter in Japan who can provide you with a good folding bicycle (similar to a Brompton). The daily rental is ¥5,000 (about $31.50 {US}), with a ¥15,000 delivery charge (about $94.35). Thus, the estimated rental cost for a 14-day tour would be about $535.

How much does the tour cost?

Tours are priced as a package which includes: accommodations, most breakfasts and dinners, admissions, honorarium to homestay host families (two nights in Otowa Village, Shiga Prefecture), handling of bicycle case, and my services in developing, planning, and leading the tour. Participants are responsible for R/T airfare to Japan (Narita or Haneda airport), ground transportation from and to the airport to Tokyo Station, and in-country train fares. You will also need to purchase travel & health insurance. Contact me directly for more information or to schedule a video meeting. Tour cost is approximately $7,000 (subject to change depending on exchange rates and other factors). Please contact me for details.

2024

The April 2024 group consisted of six riders, hailing from Minneapolis, Western Massachusetts, New Orleans, North Carolina, and Southern Pennsylvania. The route included Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, the famous Shimanami Kaido (this time all the way to Shikoku!), and homestays in rural Shiga Prefecture.

(Photo credits to Brenda Carlisle, Ryo Yokoyama, and Scott Newland)

Thinking about getting a Brompton folding bike? The best folding travel bike on the market!

Click the Clever Cycles link! Really nice people, individualized support, and answers to all your Brompton questions!

Riding the Shimanami Kaido across the Inland Sea from Onomichi in Honshu to Imabari in Shikoku.

2025 Tour

The April 2025 group consisted of eight riders, hailing from Brazil, Seattle, Honolulu, Western Massachusetts, New York City, and California. Once again, the route included Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, the famous Shimanami Kaido (from Onomichi to Imabari), and homestays in rural Shiga Prefecture.

(Photo credits to Duane Eng, Eliete Silva, and Jeannette Koster)

Past Trips

2016

In 2016, Alex Kent set off with 6 tour members to travel across Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Kurashiki, and Shimanami Kaido to Naoshima.
2019

In 2019, Alex Kent guided 8 tour members across Japan to visit Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture, Kanazawa, and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.