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Unseen Central Japan: From the Coast to the Japanese Alps
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!
- CategorySolo
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration9 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level3 - Intermediate
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance252.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance34.2 miles

You'll first meet for dinner in Kanazawa, an atmospheric medieval town that once rivalled Kyoto as the jewel of mainland Japan. On Day 2, you'll cycle along the Sea of Japan, a wonderful introductory ride that immerses you in local life on the coast. The next morning, you'll pass numerous rock formations and waterfalls and visit a maritime museum before turning inland to Echizen. Learn about the making of traditional knives on Day 4, then cycle on a converted historic rail line, gliding back to the coast through serene countryside.
On Day 5, explore the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay in a natural park with glorious views. Day 6 offers a change of pace: you'll trade the bicycles for seats on the sleek high-speed rail to Takakoa. On arrival, you'll do a little city cycling to impressive sacred sites and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Day 7’s ride brings you into the Japanese Alps, an idyllic region that also features nice riverside riding, with onsens available to unwind at the end of the day. The final day of cycling provides the biggest challenge, with a long gradual climb for the first part of the ride, taking in the views of lakes and forests. You'll then be rewarded with great descents to cap off the journey, arriving in Hida Takayama with its quaint, atmospheric architecture for a final night celebration! On Day 9, you'll say goodbye and depart for onward travels.