About Air Bike Tours

Air Bike Tours

Air Bike Tours is a boutique cycle tour operator based in Hokkaido, Japan. Our tours are either journey-type guided or self-guided. We focus on the northern regions of Japan, Hokkaido and Tohoku but also run tours in different areas across the country. As well as the rides themselves, we aim to take our riders to enchanting parts of Japan, staying in welcoming hotels and equally providing fulfilling cultural and culinary experiences along the way.

Air Bike Tours Team

Gareth: Leading from the front, but is nothing without the incredible team.
Loves a joke and a bowl of maguro don, tuna sashimi on rice. — Gareth: Leading from the front, but is nothing without the incredible team. Loves a joke and a bowl of maguro don, tuna sashimi on rice.

Rika :
The glue that holds the tour accommodation together, multi-tasker extraordinaire.
Koto player, qualified nurse, Is there anything she can’t do? — Rika : The glue that holds the tour accommodation together, multi-tasker extraordinaire. Koto player, qualified nurse, Is there anything she can’t do?

Yuichi: Tour mechanic with incredibly high standards. Mountain, gravel, road, no problem for this man! Always works with a smile on his face.

Mark:
Triathlete, hill climber, run-streak proponent - probably the most youthful member of the team. Calm nature mixed with sharp wit! — Mark: Triathlete, hill climber, run-streak proponent - probably the most youthful member of the team. Calm nature mixed with sharp wit!

The tech wizard with a penchant for travel. Always looking for ways to innovate and make systems better. Rihem isn’t just a genius but a sweetheart too!

Gabby:
Gabby holds the fort together, getting our guests the info they need as fast as possible. Expert at kimono, tea ceremony and purveyor of positivity. — Gabby: Gabby holds the fort together, getting our guests the info they need as fast as possible. Expert at kimono, tea ceremony and purveyor of positivity.

Kazue:
HIIT me baby one more time, Kaz! Hardcore cyclist and all round super human, Kaz’s smile will light up your world. — Kazue: HIIT me baby one more time, Kaz! Hardcore cyclist and all round super human, Kaz’s smile will light up your world.

Key’s eye and camera button finger are trained weapons. He can see what most men can’t and produces some stunning images of our tours.

Testimonials

My family and I absolutely loved our Playground of the Gods cycling tour! We were able to see areas of Hokkaido that we would never have gone to ourselves. Of course, those off-the-beaten-track places ended up being our favorites! The Cycle Japan team also chose wonderful food and hotels for us. We really felt like we got to see a side of Hokkaido that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The cycling itself was also high quality - all of the roads were in excellent condition, and we never had any big issues with traffic. We can’t wait to come back in the future!

Claire J, Playground of the Gods Guided, 2024
“Touring with Cycle Japan was the best way to see traditional Japan; seaside villages, stunning coastal scenery, mountain streams, rivers and lush forests. The accommodation was amazing, the food a real treat and the route varied and exciting. As a guide Gareth was invaluable; his knowledge of Japan, the people, customs and language added to the depth of our experience. The Japanese people were so friendly and welcoming and through Gareth we met and chatted with many locals. He took us to unique and special places as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. An amazing trip.”

Diane and Eric M, September 2023
“It was a fantastic trip that exceeded my expectations not only for biking, but also for hotel and baths, hikes, food, cultural experiences and daily challenges. Kathy and I have done a lot of bike trips and this one was right at the top.”

Jerry C, June 2023
“A holiday of a lifetime… Cycling with Cycle Japan gave me deep insight into the unique and special culture of this extraordinary country. I had previously travelled as a tourist on the fast train but this slower, yet energising cycling journey through the extraordinary country was one of my top experiences in a lifetime of interesting travel. Well organised, fascinating route, dramatic scenery, spiritual sites, huge forests, excellent bikes - including e-bikes.”

Jean W, September 2023
“Ease of travel for the moderately fit with fun guides and technical support. Every evening the welcoming relaxation of a hot bath, yukata gown, tatami mats, comfortable futons. Excellent food - no illness in our party of 8 yet we were given every style of Japanese cuisine such that later when we went to the food markets in Kyoto we realised we had already enjoyed most of what we saw. A truly magnificent holiday - top class quality. To be recommended at every level.”

Ann and Graeme W, September 2023
Great experience - wish it was longer: Blissful riding through hills and farmlands - gentle climbs rewarded with exhilarating descents. Gareth and Rika were delightful hosts and offered great advice. Air Furano is small and comfy and has a great breakfast, so don’t bother with an accommodation upgrade in Furano unless you really want big hotel amenities. The bicycles were of good quality, well maintained, and comfortable to ride (unlike most other clunky rental tour bikes we’ve ridden). The rides were well curated - along country roads with sparse traffic and with interesting stops here and there - the ramen lunch, art museum, photo museum and the glass factory are all well worth the time. Accommodations were comfy, had onsens, and most had generous kaiseki dinners, one had a buffet.

Heidi V, Rolling Hills Self-guided, 2024

About Air Bike Tours

Air Bike Tours

Air Bike Tours Team

“It was a fantastic trip that exceeded my expectations not only for biking, but also for hotel and baths, hikes, food, cultural experiences and daily challenges. Kathy and I have done a lot of bike trips and this one was right at the top.”