We meet at Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit) or your pre-booked hotel. After a professional fitting of your bicycle, we head out for a "lite version" of our most popular Arashiyama tour. Leaving the city center, we cycle to the scenic western district to visit the iconic Bamboo Forest, a historic Emperor’s Tomb, and a quiet Zen temple famous for its Rock Garden. Here, we pause for a bowl of Matcha tea to embrace the Zen spirit. We stay in the vibrant Shijo-Karasuma district, perfect for exploring Kyoto’s best restaurants and bar scene on foot in the evening.
We start the day with a short support car transfer to Uji to bypass the city traffic. From here, we cycle into the emerald hills of Wazuka, a hidden gem known as "Teatopia." You will ride through breathtaking landscapes of meticulously groomed tea plantations designated as a Japan Heritage site, stopping at a farmer’s cafe for lunch amidst the green fields. In the afternoon, we cross the pass into Iga, a region historically famous as the home of the Ninja. We visit the Iga Ninja Museum to explore a trick-filled Ninja house and watch a thrilling demonstration before checking into a beautifully renovated historical hotel in the castle town.
We cycle along the scenic Iga Kaido, a historic path leads us to Seki-juku, known as one of the most representative post towns on the Old Tokaido Road. With its beautifully preserved Edo-period wooden buildings, it feels like traveling back in time to the days of the Samurai. After that, we cycle south to Matsusaka. Historically a wealthy merchant town, it is the home of Matsusaka Beef—a delicacy considered in Japan to be the highest quality brand, surpassing even the world-famous Kobe Beef. In the evening, to ensure you experience the absolute best quality, your guide will arrange a reservation at a top-tier specialty restaurant for an unforgettable dinner.
We follow the historic Ise Kaido, the final approach of the pilgrimage route. During the Edo period, this road was traveled by over 4 million people annually. We cycle along this spirited path, stopping at traditional tea houses and mochi shops that have refreshed weary travelers for centuries. 
We begin the day with a scenic 55-minute cruise across Ise Bay by ferry, landing on the tip of the Atsumi Peninsula.
We take a support car transfer to Jukkoku Pass to skip the heavy traffic. From this high vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. We then cycle into Hakone, historically known as the most difficult section of the Tokaido road. This area served as a critical security checkpoint to protect Edo (Tokyo).
After we spend a relaxing morning in Kamakura, we take a private transfer directly to Tokyo. This route follows the historic path taken by the Emperor 150 years ago, when the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.
e-Mail Address
kyoto@e-bike.co.jp
A Premium Journey from the Ancient Capital to Edo with eBikes & Full Support
From the ancient tranquility of Kyoto to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, “The Shogun Trail” is more than just a cycling tour—it is a journey through the very soul of us Japanese. This 7-day expedition connects the two capitals via the historic Tokaido and Ise Pilgrimage routes, paths once traveled by millions of worshippers and Samurai warriors centuries ago.
Utagawa Hiroshige, 53 Stations of the Tokaido (1830)
Your journey begins in the green hills of Kyoto’s tea country and the mystical river valleys of the Iga Ninja homeland. You will pedal through preserved post towns where time stands still, and follow the sacred road to Ise Jingu—Japan’s spiritual heart. Here, you will trace the footsteps of the historic “Okage Mairi” pilgrimages, a phenomenon where over 4 million people—one-sixth of the entire nation’s population—journeyed to worship in a single year during the Edo period.
The adventure continues across the sea. After a scenic ferry crossing over Ise Bay, the route hugs the Pacific coastline, offering sweeping ocean vistas and the glittering night views of Lake Hamana. The climax awaits in the mountains of Hakone, where you will ride the skyline with the majestic Mt. Fuji watching over you, before soothing your muscles in legendary hot springs.
This tour is crafted by a dedicated team of Kyoto-living guides and professional mechanics who know these roads intimately. We don’t just show you the way; we invite you into the deep history and culture of our home. With our fleet of high-performance E-Bikes, challenging passes become effortless joyrides. Our full-service support car acts as your mobile concierge, carrying your luggage and ensuring your comfort every mile of the way.
・Up to 31 days before departure: Free of charge (100% refund)
・30 to 8 days before departure: 10% of the total tour price
・7 days to 1 day before departure: 50% of the total tour price
・On the day of departure / No show: 100% of the total tour price
Day1 (Kyoto) : Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
A perfect blend of Kyoto’s tradition and modern comfort. The hotel features a relaxing Garden Bath (large public bath) where you can soak while viewing a curated Japanese garden. The breakfast buffet is renowned for its “Obanzai” (traditional Kyoto-style home cooking), offering a gentle and healthy start to your day.
Day2 (Iga) : NIPPONIA Hotel Iga Ueno
A boutique hotel created by renovating historical merchant houses (Machiya) scattered across the castle town. You will stay in a beautifully preserved cultural property that blends Edo-period atmosphere with modern luxury. The on-site restaurant serves exquisite dishes featuring local specialties like Iga Beef, Iga Rice, and Iga Sake, offering a true taste of the region’s terroir.
Day3 (Matsusaka) : Just Inn Matsusaka Station
A modern, functional hotel chosen for its strategic location right in front of the station. While the rooms are simple and compact, it offers excellent access to the city’s dining district. This allows you to fully enjoy the legendary Matsusaka Beef dinner and local nightlife without worrying about transportation. The hotel provides clean facilities and a freshly prepared breakfast to recharge you for the next day.
Day4 (Ise) : Ise Shinsen
A luxury ryokan conveniently located right in front of the station and the approach to the Outer Shrine (Geku). Every guest room is equipped with a private open-air natural hot spring bath, allowing you to relax in complete privacy. Its central location is perfect for exploring the local dining scene or taking a serene early morning walk to the sacred shrine before the crowds arrive.
Day5 (Lake Hamana) : Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa
A prominent resort hotel located on the shores of Lake Hamana, offering panoramic views of the lake and the ocean. It features spacious guest rooms and a large open-air hot spring bath (onsen) where you can relax while feeling the sea breeze. The diverse buffet dinner, showcasing local ingredients, is also a highlight. It is the perfect place to recharge after your journey across the sea.
Day6 (Hakone) : Yoshiike Ryokan (or equivalent luxury ryokan)
A historic ryokan established in the pre-war era, famous for its magnificent 33,000-square-meter Japanese strolling garden—a former villa of a prominent zaibatsu family. You can enjoy a peaceful walk through the garden, which changes its expression with every season. The bath uses 100% natural hot spring water directly from the source. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of traditional Japan before the final leg of the journey.
Note: Due to the extreme popularity of this ryokan, specific room types (such as those with private open-air baths) may be fully booked depending on the season. In such cases, we will consult with you in advance and arrange an equivalent luxury ryokan in the Hakone area.
Powered by SHIMANO: World-Leading Japanese Engineering We deliberately chose E-Bikes equipped with drive units from SHIMANO, Japan’s own world-leading bicycle component manufacturer. Known for their whisper-quiet operation and incredibly smooth assist, these Japanese-engineered motors provide a natural riding feel that perfectly complements the serene landscapes of the Shogun Trail. Reliability is paramount on a long journey, and with Shimano, you are in the safest hands.
Our primary model is the KONA El Kahuna (or equivalent). This versatile bike is designed to handle every terrain on the Shogun Trail—from smooth tarmac to historic cobblestone paths and sandy coastal roads. Its robust tires and front suspension ensure a stable, comfortable ride, absorbing bumps while providing excellent traction.
For riders who prefer a more relaxed, upright posture, we offer the MERIDA eSPRESSO. This “step-through” model allows for easy mounting and dismounting without lifting your leg high. It is perfect for long-distance cruising while enjoying the scenery with minimal strain on your back and shoulders.
The Best Fit in Japan We are proud to be the only tour operator in Japan fully stocked with a wide range of frame sizes from XS to L. Whether you are petite or a tall rider with a Western physique, we guarantee a bike that fits you perfectly for a safe and comfortable journey.
Our support van travels with you every step of the way, fully stocked with water and snacks. It is specially equipped to transport both you and your bike simultaneously, giving you total flexibility. This ensures you can customize your ride on the fly. If you encounter rain or feel tired, we can easily shorten the route or switch to a walking tour or cultural experience instead. On steep climbs, it is quite common for guests to relax in the comfort of the van and cheer on their partners who want to tackle the challenge. You can ride as much—or as little—as you wish.
I will be the primary guide for this tour. I will respect your privacy while supporting you in enjoying a unique part of Japanese history and cycling to the fullest.
I learned English when I was an officer in the military. My hobbies are traveling abroad and cycling, with Belgium, the Dolomiti, and Tuscany being particularly memorable!
During the cycling, you will be accompanied by support members. They are skilled and very kind, but they have a craftsman-like nature.
We believe that a great journey begins with a personal connection. Rather than filling out a generic form, we invite you to contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email. Our staff will personally assist you in planning your perfect trip.
Please send us a message mentioning that you are interested in the “Shogun Trail” (or Kyoto to Tokyo Tour). To help us serve you better, we would appreciate it if you could also include:
・Preferred Dates
・Number of Guests
・Cycling Experience Level
We look forward to hearing from you.
e-Mail Address
kyoto@e-bike.co.jp