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All you need to know about our tours

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HOW HARD IS IT?

Our rides cater to riders who are happy to travel at speeds from 20-25kmphr. Sometimes we go faster, sometimes we take it slow...but we always make sure it's FUN. No matter what, you will always be supported and cared for on our tours by our Ride Leaders. Each ride has a difficulty rating.

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WHAT BIKE CAN I RIDE?

We have a great selection of bikes for you but our 'go to' is the Specialized Vado SL flat bar e-road bike. A lightweight and nimble machine suitable for hills or flat roads. By consultation only we do allow riders to bring their own bikes, or rent conventional road bikes or flat bars.

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CAN MEN JOIN IN?

Partners are partners right...whether they are male or female we think it's pretty awesome that you want to experience the adventure together. We welcome male partners and friends as well as same sex couples. Whether they are male or female, we are always happy to see couples share the love of a bike ride!

We're like locals

Our tours are designed by our Director of Fun, Tina.  She is an expert on women's cycling, as well as cycling in Japan with extensive experience in both areas. That doesn't mean that men aren't welcome, it simply means we understand that sometimes the needs of women differ to that of the boys! Of course, everyone is welcome but we put women first.

Manageable routes

We know who our target riders are so we ensure that we set courses exactly suitable for those riders, with a few challenges thrown in. We make it very clear on every course exactly what the skill and fitness requirements are to meet the ride criteria.

Small group sizes

Our tours are immersive and an intimate experiences of exploring Japan. Meeting local cyclists, taking the paths less travelled, finding places the tourists don't visit. For that reason we keep our groups to a maximum of 10 riders. Tours have a minimum number to go ahead.

E-bikes available

Stay Tuned

Not everyone likes to travel with their bike, it can be combersome and difficult in Japan. We offer a range of Specialized flat bar e-road bikes as well as conventional bikes for rental through a third party. We recommend the fun e-bikes for everyone, unless after consultation.

“While we began as Wheel Women, our adventures are open to everyone...

male partners and LGBTQI+ riders are warmly welcomed into our cycling family.”

We will show you that your bike is the doorway to adventure.

Why are our tours only to Japan?

It's a good question and something we get asked often...but the answers are very simple!

Setoda pagoda

It's safe!

We know that feeling safe is important, especially when travelling on your own or joining a group for the first time. One of the many things we love about Japan is the sense of comfort and ease it offers travellers. Widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, Japan has a culture of respect, kindness and consideration that helps visitors feel at home. While it's always wise to take the usual precautions wherever you travel, our guests consistently tell us how safe and relaxed they feel exploring Japan. In fact, it's one of the reasons so many of them return year after year.

Ikuchi bridge

It's close!

We know that for some women, saying goodbye at the airport can be one of the hardest parts of the journey. Whether it's your first trip without your family or simply taking time for yourself after years of caring for others, it's natural to feel a little apprehensive. The good news is that Japan is closer than many people realise, and if an unexpected family emergency arose, you're generally only a day away from home. We hope that never happens, of course, but many of our guests find comfort in knowing they can fully embrace the adventure while still feeling connected to those they love.

Friends on the Shimanami

We're like 'locals'!

Tina first fell in love with Japan as a young design student in the 1980s and has been returning ever since. Today, she spends months each year cycling its quiet backroads, discovering hidden corners and catching up with friends who have become like family. Her local friends often laugh that she's "more Japanese than the Japanese"—a reflection of her deep affection for the country and its culture. With decades of experience, a little Japanese language, and endless curiosity for the stories, traditions and people that make Japan so special, Tina loves sharing a side of Japan that few visitors ever get to experience.

A note about
sustainability

Working towards creating sustainable travel

Our mission for sustainable travel

At Wheel Women we always respect the environment and do our best to tread lightly by minimising our impact. We support and respect local communities and contribute to local economies so they reap the economic benefit of our stays in each area. We strive for 2 night minimum stays in each location, insist on BYO drink bottles, provide re-usebale chopsticks to each rider when possible and leave no trace.

 

It's our shared world...let's respect it and be gentle.

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