Japan Gourmet Cycle Tour

This gourmet cycling tour is a unique collaboration between Bespoke Cycle Tours and Risa and Aaron, owner-operators of the two-hatted Kadota Japanese restaurant in Daylesford, Victoria. Beginning in Osaka, the group takes the Shinkansen to Risa's hometown of Okayama for two days of cultural and culinary discovery, including Korakuen Garden and the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

The route then heads to Naoshima Art Island before riding one of Japan's signature routes, the Shimanami Kaido, which crosses six islands by bridge. In Hiroshima, riders visit the Peace Memorial Park, followed by a day on Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The final two nights are in Kyoto, with curated cycling, a traditional Kaiseki dinner and a night in a Ryokan.

Throughout, meals are carefully chosen by the hosts, ranging from Izakaya and hidden-gem sushi to Yakiniku and Kyoto's seasonal cuisine.

Highlights:

• Cycling the Shimanami Kaido, one of Japan's great rides
• Korakuen, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and Okayama Castle
• Naoshima Art Island and the Chichu Art Museum
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima's floating Torii gate
• Kyoto's temple precincts, a Kaiseki dinner and a night in a Ryokan
• Curated local dining and onsen hot springs

Surface and terrain: Predominantly shared bike paths and dedicated cycleways, including the Okayama-Soja Cycle Route, Shimanami Kaido and Kyoto's Mt Konpira-Nijo Castle Cycling Road.

Suitable for:
Food and culture lovers comfortable with relaxed daily rides of 10-50 km, with the option of longer distances on the Shimanami Kaido. E-bikes and walking options make it accessible to a range of abilities.