Osaka sights, authentic Osaka neighbourhoods and harbour views while hopping from island to island on Osaka's intricate river systems, anyone? Our Harbor Cycling tour goes beyond the city and at 40km it’s long enough to get a workout and short enough to make it back for afternoon tea.

The ride starts on the lovely Oo River outside of RBRJ at Kema Sakuranomiya Park before following the riverside cycle path up to the Kema lock gate on the Yodo River. The riverside cycle paths of the Oo River and Yodo River allow the rider to get used to riding a Road Bike without any traffic around.

After a nice 5-kilometre stretch along the Yodo River, we cross over to the North side of the Yodo River, taking in the impressive views of both the river and Osaka from the Sugihara Johoku Bridge. (FYI: The Yodo River and its cycle path can lead cyclists all the way up to Kyoto and beyond.)

As we make our way back along the north side of the Yodo River, we take in a nice panoramic view of the forever-changing cityscape of Osaka's commercial and business hub, Umeda. The stand-out landmark here is the Umeda Sky building.

Leaving the Yodo River, we weave our way across to Universal Studios and the first of our mini ferry rides. Before boarding, you'll have a great view of the giant Ferris wheel at Tempozan and the Osaka Aquarium. Not so easy to see is Japan's most miniature mountain, Mount Tenpo.

After a quick coffee and cookie break at 9 Borden, we begin the hardest climb of the day, over the Namihaya Bridge. It's a tough climb but you are rewarded with a wonderful 360-degree view of Osaka and its harbor. This is followed by a walk up the Chitose Bridge and a roll down into the quaint Kitamura Minami Park. Check out the kid's artwork along the way.

After the park, we weave our way over to the second mini-ferry ride to cross the Kizu River. From the other side, we begin making our way over to the Tsutenkaku Tower through the gritty streets and shopping arcades of Nishinari. The Tsutenkaku tower offers a glimpse of the post-war economic boom and is surrounded by Shinsekai which harks back to an older, local and very authentic Osaka.

Leaving Shinsekai, it's time for a temple and the delightful Shitennoji, with its 5-story pagoda and turtle-filled ponds. The road then leads us north to Osaka's main attraction, Osaka Castle. With its impressive walls and surrounding moats, cycling through the castle grounds is a great way to complete the tour before the final ride along the Oo River back to RBRJ HQ.