Japan: the Shogun Ride from Nasu-Nikko

Our Shogun Ride from Nasu–Nikko is a fully supported journey by bike through the cultural heart of old-world Japan, where every turn of the pedals traces the path of Japan’s legendary Shoguns. Think cedar-lined mountain roads, landscapes shaped by centuries of tradition, steaming onsen hot springs to soothe tired legs, sacred shrines, immaculate countryside and a rhythm of life that feels beautifully removed from the rush of modernity. This is where Samurai history meets volcanic landscapes and where every ride includes something unexpected…perhaps matcha in a centuries-old garden, handmade chocolate in a mountain village, or cheesecake at altitude.

This is more than a ride – it is a passage through centuries of history, culture, landscapes and beauty, curated the Après Vélo way.

Non-riding partners are part of the journey and encouraged to attend this bucket list experience.

Japan doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It unfolds — quietly, gracefully — as you ride.

This fully supported road cycling tour is beautifully balanced 70–85km per day with meaningful elevation — challenging enough to feel earned yet designed so you return each afternoon with time to soak, wander, and absorb Japan at a slower rhythm.

We stay in traditional onsen ryokans and carefully selected boutique properties. We ride quiet countryside roads, forest passes, sacred mountain climbs, balanced with serene descents and soul-filling scenery. We experience culture not as tourists — but as welcomed guests.

Off the bike, the immersion deepens. Kaiseki dining. Guided hikes. Pottery making. Local sake tasting. Tatami rooms. UNESCO-listed shrines. Impeccable hospitality and cultural immersion that lingers long after the final pedal stroke.

At heart, we’re devoted food lovers — and Japan is a culinary revelation.

Each region we ride through tells its story at the table: pristine seafood pulled from nearby waters, mountain vegetables harvested at their seasonal peak, delicate fruits, regional specialties you won’t find outside their prefecture, and beautifully crafted local sake for those inclined.

Even if you’re well acquainted with Japanese cuisine, prepare to be surprised. The depth, precision and regional diversity we experience on tour goes far beyond the familiar — this is Japan’s food culture, experienced intimately and authentically.

This is Japan through the lens of Après Vélo — considered, immersive, beautifully paced.