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Cycling in Japan
Duration
14 days
Site savings
$170
From
$8,317 USD
Discover the best of rural and modern Japan on two wheels over an unforgettable fortnight as you cycle tour from Tokyo to Kyoto. There is no better way of experiencing the ever-changing landscapes of Japan than on two wheels, as you pedal along the Fukui coast to the picturesque farmlands and remote mountainous regions of Takayama and Unesco-listed Shirakawa-go, where you are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside.
- CategoryCultural & Historical
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration14 days
- Culture LevelOut There
- Skill Level3 - Intermediate
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance333.7 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance37.3 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration14 days
- Main DestinationJapan
- Distance333.7 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance37.3 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Adventure starts in Tokyo
Your tour starts in Tokyo, the busy capital of Japan, which has a unique contrast of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples.
Around 6pm, say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travelers as you gather for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures you receive a big Japanese welcome by arranging a group dinner.- Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
- Dinner
- Day 2Morning orientation walk and free afternoon to explore Tokyo
Today you will enjoy a half day orientation tour of some Tokyo's highlights, starting from the popular district of Asakusa, where you will visit Semso-ji, a Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th Century. You can approach the temple via the Nakamise, a shopping street where you can find a variety of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs. You will then continue towards the area of Ueno and walk through the beautiful public park filled with temples, shrines and about half a dozen museums. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing and your leader will be giving recommendations on other must-see attractions in the city such as Shibuya, known for the busy crossing, and Meiji Shrine.
- Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
- Breakfast
- Day 3Train to Kanazawa, the gateway to the Noto Peninsula; afternoon cycle loop and sightseeing
In the morning you will take the express train (approx. 2.5 hours) to Kanazawa, in the western Ishikawa Prefecture, an atmospheric town that once rivalled Kyoto as the historical jewel of mainland Japan. After lunch, you will enjoy a short cycling loop around the city, a good opportunity to fine-tune the bikes whilst enjoying some of the main attractions in town. You will ride through the popular Nagamachi Samurai District, an area which preserves a historic atmosphere featuring samurai residences, narrow lanes and water canals. You will also visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens, which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season.
- 8.7 miles
- 531.5 ft
531.5 ft - Dormy Inn Kanazawa or similar
- Breakfast
- Day 4Cycle from Kanazawa along the seaside coast; enjoy sunset at Oshima Bridge
You'll depart Kanazawa after breakfast and cycle to the sea on a dedicated cycling path along the rugged coastline and past fishing villages. After a leisurely and flat ride by the Sea of Japan, you'll arrive at Kaga, a town known for hot springs and traditional crafts. Here, you will take a break from cycling to enjoy a local lunch.
Recharged and rejuvenated, you'll visit the splendid house of a ship owner from the Edo period before continuing the journey towards the resort of Kyukamura, the final destination, and enjoy sunset at nearby Oshima Bridge.- 46.6 miles
- 1,305.8 ft
1,305.8 ft - Kyukamura Echizen Mikuni (or similar)
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 5Ride the dramatic Echizen-kaigan Coast; journey inland towards Echizen
Today, you'll ride south along the Echizen-kaigan coastline, winding past dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you'll pause for a scenic oceanside lunch before turning inland towards the town of Echizen, the city of artisans.
- 44.7 miles
- 2,486.9 ft
2,486.9 ft - Route Inn Takefu Inter Hotel or Hotel Route-Inn Sabae (or similar)
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 6Experience traditional Japanese knife-making; ride along the old Hokuriku railway line to Tsuruga village
Today you'll start with a deep dive into the world of traditional Japanese knife-making at the Takefu knife village. During your visit, you'll not only learn about this centuries-old craft, but also make your own letter opener.
Afterwards, you'll stop at an inn from the late Edo period where you can order soba noodles before riding towards Tsuruga through the former Hokuriku railway line.
This evening, you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the village of Tsuruga, where you'll spend the next two nights.- 34.8 miles
- 1,433.7 ft
1,433.7 ft - Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga (or similar)
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 7Final ride in the Fukui prefecture, taking in the lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay
After breakfast, for your final ride in the Fukui prefecture, you'll embark on a loop around the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay, including a break for lunch at a seafood restaurant in a tranquil setting.
Today’s cycling route also passes through Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park and offers magnificent views throughout.- 39.8 miles
- 1,384.5 ft
1,384.5 ft - Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga (or similar)
- Breakfast
- Day 8Travel to UNESCO Shirakawa-go village by train and bus; overnight in a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse
Today you'll take a break from cycling and experience a dramatic change of landscape as you travel inland by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa and then bus (approximately three hours) to Shirakawa-go, a secluded mountainous region cut off from the rest of Japan for a long period of time. Villages in this area are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which were declared a Unesco site in 1995. Their unique architectural style is characterised by steep thatched roofs, built to withstand heavy winter snowfall, and provide a large attic space for the cultivation of silkworms. You'll arrive in Shirakawa-go in the afternoon in time to enjoy a leisurely walk through the picture-perfect mountain village, with the opportunity to visit some of the oldest buildings. Although not always guaranteed due to limited availability, you'll usually spend the night at one or more gassho-zukuri, run by local farmers, allowing you to get a real feel of a Japanese family home.
- Gassho Zukuri Houses or Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 9Challenging ride to Hida Takayama, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps
Today is the most challenging ride of the trip as you will cycle inland to Hida Takayama, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Riding out of Shirakawa-go, from an altitude of approx. 500m (1640ft) above sea level, you will gradually climb up 1100m (3608ft) for the first 45km (28mi) of the route. There are some wonderful views to be enjoyed along the way, from the picturesque shores of Miboro Lake and quaint rural villages to hillsides and forested valleys which burst in color during the autumn season. On the last section of the ride, you will enjoy two great descents before reaching your destination Hida Takayama, often named Little Kyoto because of the similarity of its architecture and quaint atmosphere.
- 31.1 miles
- 4,478.3 ft
4,478.3 ft - Takayama Ouan (or similar)
- Breakfast
- Day 10Cycle to the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, past little villages, local shrines and paddy fields
- Day 11Cycle along the Nagara River to the town of Gifu
After breakfast, you'll have the option to walk to the hilltop Gujo Castle built in 1559 by the local feudal lord, where you can enjoy wonderful vistas.
Today's pleasant and more leisurely ride follows the Nagara River, famed across Japan for its clear water and quiet beauty. Some sections of the riverside are particularly picturesque during cherry blossom season when over 400 cherry trees in full and glorious bloom. You will pedal along the river for most of the day and make a stop in the pleasant town of Mino, a century-old production center of high quality traditional Japanese paper. Your final destination today is Gifu where you should arrive in time for an optional visit to the castle located atop Mount Kinka. Overnight in Gifu City.
- 42.9 miles
- 1,049.9 ft
1,049.9 ft - Resol Gifu Hotel/Comfort Gifu Hotel (or similar)
- Breakfast
- Day 12Travel to Kyoto by train; free time for sightseeing
Today you will have another day off the bikes. After breakfast, you will travel by train (approx. 2 hours) to the wonderful city of Kyoto. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan's cultural heritage and remains undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. The day is free for individual sightseeing with many highlights waiting to be explored including Nijo castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, Kiyomiduzera temple and the scenic Fushimi Inari Shrine, featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). The tour operator also recommends a walk in the historic district of Gion, which is at its most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geishas will flit about the back streets on their way to their appointments.
- Hotel Monterey Kyoto (or similar)
- Breakfast
- Day 13Final circular ride exploring quintessential Kyoto experiences
Set off on a scenic bike ride along the Kamo River this morning, enjoying glimpses of Kyoto life as you follow the clear waters north into the tranquil Tadasu-no-Mori forest. Here, pause to explore the ancient Shimogamo Shrine before continuing east to the refined Silver Pavilion and its famous gardens. Then ride along the peaceful Philosopher’s Path and arrive at Nanzen-ji, where Zen architecture, rock gardens, and a striking brick aqueduct create a perfect blend of history and harmony with nature.
Turning west, roll into Gion, Kyoto’s iconic geisha district. Visit Tatsumi Bridge, made famous by Memoirs of a Geisha, and learn about the traditions of maiko and geisha that still thrive in this atmospheric area. After returning to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring the city on foot.
In the evening, your tour leader arranges an optional celebratory farewell dinner at one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.- 9.3 miles
- Hotel Monterey Kyoto (or similar)
- Breakfast
- Day 14Adventure ends in Kyoto
The tour ends this morning after breakfast.
- Breakfast