Cycling in Japan

Accommodations on this trip will be a mix of Western and Japanese style hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).

While ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are full of local character, rooms do not generally have private bathrooms and bedding is normally thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Some of the accommodations may have a private onsen, which means you can soak as soon as you arrive, a superb way to recuperate after a day on the bike.

In Shirakawa-go, you'll usually spend one night in a gassho-zukuri farmhouse. In the traditional style, guestrooms come with tatami mat floors, futons, and a low table. Toilets are typically modern but shared. Due to limited availability, the group may stay in different houses near each other. While single supplements are not available for this accommodation, each room has a maximum of two guests.

Single Supplement
A single supplement can be booked only for the 11 hotel nights in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Echizen, Tsuruga, Takayama, Gujo-Hachiman, Gifu and Kyoto, these are limited and subject to availability. In Japan, often single supplements are accommodated in either a single or a twin-bedded room. Double for sole use rooms are limited in availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Single supplement price starts at GBP570.

Onsen (Japanese public bath)
For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns are frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity is compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that an onsen dip is a trip highlight. Please note, you may be refused entry if you have large, visible tattoos. The leader will explain etiquette, but it is expected that you shower before stepping into the hot spring/bath.

Worth Knowing
Room sizes and beds in Western-style hotels in Japan are generally smaller. Twin rooms will be provided as standard for two passengers sharing a room, as these offer more space and comfort than double rooms.

The properties listed in the itinerary are the normal accommodations used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar establishments of a similar quality.