While Honshu holds Japan’s most famous landmarks and cities, the island also offers rugged beauty along its western coastline and the nearby mountains. Tucked into these peaceful landscapes are historic towns, hot springs, hushed temples, and artisans’ workshops that allow us to explore Japanese culture and history while escaping from modernity. This tour is a rich, refined cycling experience within a delicate balance of nature and artistry, revealing Honshu’s treasures in a striking blend of coastline and mountains!
SpiceRoads CyclingHonshu is Japan's largest island and home to world-famous cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Yet beyond these bustling centres lies a quieter side of Japan, where rugged coastlines, forested mountains, historic towns, and centuries-old traditions create an unforgettable cycling experience. This journey takes you through landscapes shaped by both nature and craftsmanship, revealing hidden gems where hot springs, tranquil temples, and artisan workshops have flourished for generations.
Your adventure begins in Kanazawa, an atmospheric city on Honshu's west coast. From here, you'll spend three days cycling along the spectacular Sea of Japan, following scenic coastal roads past rocky headlands, sweeping bays, and traditional fishing villages. Along the way, you'll discover artisan towns, ride a converted railway trail, and experience the rich maritime heritage of the region before reaching the historic port city of Tsuruga.
From Tsuruga, you'll board Japan's iconic shinkansen for a swift journey inland, where the scenery transforms dramatically as the Japanese Alps rise before you. The route climbs into these pristine mountains, leading to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs. Your final day in the saddle is a rewarding ride deeper into the Alps, passing tranquil lakes, forested valleys, and picturesque mountain villages before arriving in Takayama. Often called "Little Kyoto," this beautifully preserved town is celebrated for its traditional merchant streets, historic architecture, and timeless mountain charm.
Join us to discover a lesser-known side of Honshu, where every day brings a new contrast—from the rugged shores of the Sea of Japan to the peaceful heart of the Japanese Alps.