Cycling in East Asia
East Asia has embraced cycling with enthusiasm, building world-class routes that thread across scenic islands, coastal expressways, and dedicated island-hopping bridges. From Japan’s celebrated sea-crossing to Taiwan’s round-island pilgrimage, the region offers rides that combine excellent infrastructure with unforgettable scenery.
Rental networks, well-marked paths, and cycle-friendly transport make independent riding easy, particularly in Japan and Taiwan. Spring and autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures for long days in the saddle.
From bridge-hopping seaways to round-island epics, the routes below cover the region’s best cycling.
Best cycling routes#
Shimanami Kaido, Japan The world-famous cycling route linking Honshu and Shikoku across a chain of islands via a series of soaring bridges, each with dedicated bike lanes. Roughly seventy kilometres of sea views, citrus groves, and gentle gradients make it a cyclist’s dream.
Taiwan round-island, Taiwan Circling the entire island by bike has become a rite of passage, following a well-supported route past coastline, mountains, and cities over one to two weeks. Excellent infrastructure and a strong cycling culture make Taiwan Asia’s premier long-distance ride.
Jeju, South Korea A dedicated bike path rings the volcanic island for over two hundred kilometres, linking beaches, cliffs, and villages with the central peak as a constant backdrop. Rental stations and gentle terrain make it an accessible multi-day tour.
Hokkaido, Japan Japan’s northern island offers quiet roads, cool summers, and vast open scenery ideal for touring, from lavender fields and lakes to coastal capes. Long distances between towns reward well-prepared riders seeking wilderness and space.
Biwaichi, Japan A popular loop around the shores of Lake Biwa near Kyoto, roughly two hundred kilometres of flat lakeside riding past shrines, beaches, and old post towns. Its accessibility and scenery have made it a favourite for cyclists of all levels.
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan Rated among the world’s most beautiful cycling paths, this route hugs the shores of a serene mountain lake in central Taiwan, weaving past temples, pagodas, and forested slopes. Short and scenic, it suits a relaxed half-day ride.
Biei and Furano, Japan The rolling patchwork hills of central Hokkaido, famed for lavender fields and colourful flower farms, offer gorgeous summer cycling on quiet country roads. Gentle gradients and postcard scenery make it one of Japan’s most photogenic rides.
Noto Peninsula, Japan A scenic coastal loop on the Sea of Japan shore, cycling past terraced rice fields, fishing villages, and dramatic cliffs far from the tourist crowds. Its rural roads and unhurried pace reveal a traditional side of Japan by bike.
Four Rivers Trail, South Korea A vast network of dedicated bike paths crossing the country, most famously the route linking Seoul to Busan along riverbanks and old railway lines. Certification stamps and riverside rest stops make it a beloved long-distance tour.
Hainan, China China’s tropical island offers warm-weather cycling on coastal roads past palm-lined beaches, fishing towns, and volcanic hills. A well-established touring route circles the island, making it a popular winter escape for mainland cyclists.
Yunnan, China The mountainous roads of southwest China link ancient towns, rice terraces, and ethnic-minority villages amid dramatic highland scenery. Challenging climbs and rich culture make cycling through Yunnan a rewarding adventure for fit riders.
East Coast, Taiwan The Pacific-facing stretch of the round-island route is prized on its own for soaring cliffs, marble gorges, and quiet ocean-side roads. With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, it is regarded as Taiwan’s most beautiful ride.