Cycling and Sightseeing: Explore the Ise-Shima Region on Two Wheels

Written by Lisa Wallin

Bicycle Journey gives you two options: either rent a bicycle or join one of their guided bicycle tours.

They offer a range of tours, from oceanside cycling experiences to trips that include a sushi making experience or visits to ama-goya (female diver huts).  You can even customize your own tour with requests for eating certain foods, or adding activities like sea kayaking to the agenda.

Bicycle Journey caters to most ages and experience levels, and a support vehicle joins most tours to ensure you’re in safe hands at all times. (It’s also good to hop on if you need a break!) Visitors can choose between the prestigious Italian Bianchi bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) to get around. For customized bicycle experiences, make sure to book at least 2-3 weeks before your visit.

Please see the official website for business hours, prices and terms and conditions.
Website: https://www.bicycle-journey.com/

Get a taste of what a tour with Bicycle Journey is like here:
https://youtu.be/UsuxjNYHmLs

For some sweet city cycling, Ise City Tourism Association offers four rental locations across the city. Each spot has a slightly different selection of stylish bicycles, so choose what works best for you and your planned destinations. Drop by Geku-mae Tourist Information Center to pick up a Bridgestone Step Cruz, Iseshi Station Baggage Storage for a Panasonic e-bike, Ujiyamada Station Tourist Information Center for a basic city bike, or ORANGER CAFE wood for a Votani by BESV H3 e-bike.

ORANGER CAFE wood also offers food to-go, which means it’s a great place to stop by and grab a lunch to cycle off with and enjoy elsewhere.

As for where to go? Spin over to Ise Jingu  (note that bicycles are not allowed inside the shrine’s inner precinct but there are parking spaces outside the main entrances), cycle around central Ise City and check out its cute cafés, or visit the Futamiura area. Or, make it a full tour by starting at Futamiura and the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Couple Rocks), then cycle up to outside Ise Jingu’s Geku (Outer Shrine) and Naiku (Inner Shrine) areas. Finish up with a quick trip to nearby Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho for snacks, souvenirs and a taste of Japan from times gone by.

Please see the official website for business hours, prices and terms and conditions.
Website: https://en.ise-kanko.jp/StDocs/rentacycle/

With Toba Seaside Cycling (also known as Kamome Rental Bicycle), you have the freedom to explore Toba City’s most popular spots without having to navigate the public transport system. 

You can rent a bicycle at one of two convenient locations, both within a 5-minute walk from Toba Station. Stop by either the Toba Rekishi Bunka Guide Center or Toba Ichiban Tabi Concierge (located inside Toba Ichibangai shopping center) on the day of your trip, or book a bicycle in advance by phone, at least one day in advance.

Major attractions Toba Aquarium, Mikimoto Pearl Island, and Toba Marché are all within easy reach by bicycle and all offer plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining, as well as sightseeing. Head to the Toba Castle ruins for a slice of 16th century Japan and a fantastic view of Toba Bay. 

Please see the official website for bicycle rental business hours, prices and terms and conditions.
Website: http://toba-rentalcycle.com/ 

©Toba City

Note: When renting a bicycle, you will need to provide some form of identification (driver’s license, passport, health insurance card, etc.) You may also be asked to pay a deposit, which will be returned to you either after your experience, or discounted from your rental fee.