FAQ

Questions, answered plainly.

Everything we're asked most before a journey. For anything else, write to experience@jimott.jp or call +81 75-634-5756.

Fitness & Riding

Our rides suit anyone who cycles occasionally and is comfortable in the saddle for two to four hours. The pace is set by the group, not the clock, and a support van is always within reach for anyone who wants to rest. Most guests cover 30–45km across the day at a relaxed pace.

Yes. Electric-assist bikes are available at no extra charge for every journey — just note it when you request your booking. Around a third of our guests choose e-bikes, and the group rides together regardless of bike type.

Riders aged 12 and over are welcome. Guests under 16 must ride alongside a parent or guardian, and we are glad to advise on route and distance for younger riders before you book.

Every journey is private — never combined with another party. Groups run from 2 to 8 guests, with one support vehicle and one guide for every group, regardless of size.

Weather & Safety

We watch the forecast closely and make the call by 5:00pm the day before departure. If conditions are unsafe, you'll be offered a full refund or a transfer to another date — the decision is never left until the morning of the ride.

Every tour carries domestic travel accident insurance for the day, arranged by the operator. Its benefit limits are fixed, and it does not cover trip cancellation, medical evacuation, repatriation, baggage or personal liability.

We strongly recommend that every guest holds comprehensive travel insurance before leaving home — medical treatment in Japan, emergency evacuation, personal accident, personal liability, baggage, and cancellation cover. Check that your policy covers cycling as a leisure activity; many exclude it. Our cancellation fees apply whatever your reason for cancelling, so cancellation cover is what protects the money you have paid. Insurance terms.

Breathable layers and closed-toe shoes work best; padded cycling shorts are welcome but not required. Helmets are provided and must be worn at all times while riding — we'll fit yours at the start of the day.

Booking & Payment

Submitting the booking form is a request, not a confirmation. Our concierge team checks availability and replies within 24 hours with a quote; your place is confirmed once payment is received through the link we send.

We send a secure card payment link (processed by Stripe) once your dates are confirmed. Payment is in full, in US dollars — we take no deposit — and a quote holds your date for 72 hours. We do not accept card details by email or phone.

Choose your date, party size and optional experiences in the booking form. Your group total is shown before you send a request, with all applicable charges included. Our concierge confirms availability before payment.

Cancel 11 days or more before departure and there is no charge. Inside that window the fee is 20% from 10 days, 30% from 7 days, 40% the day before, 50% on the day, and 100% for a no-show — the limits set by the standard travel agency terms for a domestic day tour in Japan.

Fees apply whatever your reason for cancelling, which is why we recommend a policy with cancellation cover. A change of date is free of charge if you ask 11 days or more ahead, at the seasonal fare of the new date. If we cancel for weather or safety, you choose a full refund or a free transfer. Full schedule.

Choose First Light or The Full Circle and use Check dates to find your departure and group total. Booking requests are accepted at least 14 days ahead, based on Japan time.

On the Day

The train between Kyoto and Osaka takes about thirty minutes, and it is the right choice when you need to be somewhere. The Kyoto to Osaka Crossing treats the same distance as the day itself — forty-five kilometres of riverside towpath along the Yodogawa, a picnic on the bank, a private onsen, and dinner in Osaka. Your luggage goes ahead to your hotel either way. See how the Kyoto to Osaka day is built.

Yes. Your bags travel by van directly to your next hotel, so you ride with only a small day bag. This applies to every journey that ends away from your starting hotel.

All of our guides speak English. Japanese is standard, and we can often arrange Mandarin or French with advance notice — let us know when you request your booking.

Tell us about allergies, intolerances, or preferences when you book, and we brief every restaurant and chef along the route in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, and most allergy needs are accommodated with notice.

A selection of images is ready by the evening of your ride. The full edited film and gallery follow within two to three weeks.

Still have a question?

We reply within 24 hours.

Write to us with your dates in mind, or without — we'll help you shape the day.

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