Cycling in Japan
Cycling in Japan
Cycling in Japan
14 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto
Visiting: Japan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MOJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
There is no better way of experiencing the ever-changing landscapes of Japan than on two wheels, as we pedal from the rugged seascapes and wild beaches of the Noto Peninsula to picturesque farmlands and remote mountainous regions of Takayama and UNESCO Shirakawa-go, where we are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. From temples, shrines and market visits, to hot springs and overnights in ryokans – traditional Japanese guesthouses – this trip offers excellent rural cycling without compromising on the cultural elements. No trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to Kyoto, Japan's age-old capital, with its peaceful Zen gardens and geisha districts and futuristic Tokyo: sprawling, inimitably busy and extraordinary.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Tokyo
Our 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. With so much to see and do here, we recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the array of attractions at your own pace (speak to your sales representative to arrange a pre-tour stay).
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : Morning Orientation Walk And Free Afternoon To Explore Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we enjoy a half-day orientation tour encompassing some of the city highlights, starting from the popular Asakusa district, where we visit Senso-ji, a seventh-century Buddhist temple. We approach the temple via the Nakamise, a shopping street home to a variety of traditional snacks and souvenirs. We then continue towards the Ueno area and walk through the beautiful public park filled with temples, shrines and about half a dozen museums. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing; your leader can recommend other local attractions, such as Shibuya, known for the busy crossing, and Meiji Shrine.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 : Train To Kanazawa; Afternoon Cycle Loop And Sightseeing
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we take the express train (approximately 2hr 30min) to Kanazawa, in the western Ishikawa Prefecture, an atmospheric town that once rivalled Kyoto as the historic jewel of mainland Japan. After lunch, we enjoy a short cycling loop around the city, a good opportunity to fine-tune the bikes while enjoying some of the main attractions in town. We ride through the popular Nagamachi Samurai District, an area that preserves a historic atmosphere with samurai residences, narrow lanes and canals. We also visit Kenrokuen, one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season.
Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kanazawa (or similar)
Day 4 : Cycle From Kanazawa Along The Seaside Coast; Enjoy Sunset At Oshima Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We 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, we arrive at Kaga, a town known for hot springs and traditional crafts. Here, we take a break from cycling to enjoy a local lunch.
Recharged and rejuvenated, we continue the journey towards the resort of Kyukamura, our final destination, and enjoy sunset at nearby Oshima Bridge.
Accommodation: Kyukamura Echizen Mikuni (or similar)
Day 5 : Ride The Dramatic Echizen-Kaigan Coast; Journey Inland Towards Echizen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we ride south along the Echizen-kaigan coastline before turning inland towards the town of Echizen, the city of artisans. En route, we stop by a traditional pottery village to learn about the rich history of Echizen ware and enjoy a soba noodle lunch. After, we continue our cycle to to Echizen.
Accommodation: Route Inn Takefu Inter Hotel or Hotel Route-Inn Sabae (or similar)
Day 6 : Experience Traditional Japanese Knife-Making; Ride Along One Of The First Train Lines In Japan To The Village Of Tsuruga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start with a deep dive into the world of traditional Japanese knife-making at the Takefu knife village. During our visit, we not only learn about this centuries-old craft, but also make our own letter opener.
Afterwards, we ride back out to the coast along one of the first train lines in Japan, now a cycling route. Along the way, we visit the splendid house of a ship owner from the Edo period and stop for a lunch with scenic views.
This evening, we enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in the village of Tsuruga, where we spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruga Ekimae (or similar)
Day 7 : Final Ride In The Fukui Prefecture, Taking In The Lakes Of Mikata And Wakasa Bay; Visit The Takarasu Rice Field Terraces
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, for our final ride in the Fukui prefecture, we 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, before finishing the day with a visit to the Takarasu rice field terraces.
Accommodation: Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruga Ekimae (or similar)
Day 8 : Travel To Unesco-Listed Shirakawa-Go Village By Train And Bus; Overnight In A Traditional ‘Gassho-Zukuri’ Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We take a break from cycling today and experience a dramatic change of landscape as we 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. We 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, we usually spend the night at one or more gassho-zukuri, run by local farmers, allowing us to get a real feel of a Japanese family home.
Accommodation: Gassho Zukuri Houses or Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute (when gassho-zukuri not available)
Day 9 : Challenging Ride To Hida Takayama, At The Foothills Of The Japanese Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the most challenging ride of the trip as we cycle inland to Hida Takayama, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Riding out of Shirakawa-go, from an altitude of approximately 1,640ft (500m), we gradually climb up 3,610ft (1,100m) for the first 28mi (45km) of the route. There are some wonderful views to enjoy along the way, from the picturesque shores of Miboro Lake and quaint rural villages to hillsides and forested valleys that burst into colour during autumn. On the last section of the ride, we enjoy two great descents before reaching our destination: Hida Takayama, often named Little Kyoto because of the similarity of its architecture and quaint atmosphere.
Accommodation: Takayama Ouan (or similar)
Day 10 : Cycle To The Castle Town Of Gujo Hachiman, Past Little Villages, Local Shrines And Paddy Fields
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we cycle the Hida Seseragi Highway, a beautiful route following swift mountain streams (and one of the most popular places to experience the striking autumn colours in Japan). Riding past little villages, shrines and paddy fields, we reach the pleasant riverside town of Gujo-hachiman, known for its pristine waterways and 16th-century castle. Before dinner, we have time for a pleasant stroll through the vibrant town centre and along the atmospheric canals and waterways, which are still used daily by the local people for washing rice, vegetables and laundry. Time and energy permitting, we have the option to walk to the hilltop castle built in 1559 by the local feudal lord, where we can enjoy wonderful vistas.
Accommodation: Onoso Ryokan (or similar)
Day 11 : Cycle Along The Nagara River To The Town Of Gifu
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 more than 400 cherry trees are in full and glorious bloom. We pedal along the river for most of the day and stop in the pleasant town of Mino, a century-old production centre of high-quality traditional Japanese paper. Our final destination today is Gifu; we should arrive in time for an optional visit to the castle atop Mount Kinka. We overnight in Gifu City.
Accommodation: Gifu Washington Hotel Plaza (or similar)
Day 12 : Travel To Kyoto By Train; Free Time For Sightseeing
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take a break from cycling today; instead, we travel by train (approximately two hours) to the wonderful city of Kyoto. With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage and remains 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 to explore, 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). We also recommend 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 flit about the backstreets as they head to their appointments.
Accommodation: Via Inn Prime Kyoto-eki Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Day 13 : Final Circular Ride In Kyoto Exploring The Pleasant District Of Arashiyama And Two Seasonal Temples
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s cycling loop explores some of the best areas and attractions of Kyoto, heading first towards Arashiyama, a pleasant district in the western outskirts of the city. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185) when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. After pedalling through the charming centre, via the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove, we continue back into Kyoto following a different route. On the way, we stop for a visit to Ryoanji Temple, the site of the most famous rock garden in Japan, and the splendid Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion), an icon of the nation.
Finally, we cycle via the Philosopher’s Path, a pedestrian and cycling path that follows a cherry tree-lined canal in northern Kyoto, until reaching Kyoto station where our last ride finishes.
In the evening, the leader arranges an optional celebratory farewell dinner in one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.
Accommodation: Via Inn Prime Kyoto-eki Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Day 14 : End Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 5 dinners.
* All breakfasts and 5 dinners
* All accommodation
* All transport and listed activities
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
* Group transfers (for group flights)
* Local bike hire
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request for 7 nights only in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Wajima, Gifu and Kyoto)
Accommodation
We use a mix of hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).
The hotels are usually centrally located, have modern facilities, and English-speaking staff.
We also stay in ryokans (traditional inns). While comfortable and full of local character, rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is normally thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Almost all the accommodations have a private onsen, which means you can soak as soon as you arrive in from cycling, a superb way to recuperate after a day on the bike.
In the Unesco-listed town of Shirakawa-go, we usually spend one night in a gassho-zukuri farmhouse. In the traditional style, guest rooms 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 and the accommodation may be dormitory style with up to six people (split according to sex) sharing a room. Staying here is a unique and memorable experience.
A single supplement can be booked only for the seven nights’ hotel accommodation in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Wajima, Gifu and Kyoto for a supplement payable at the time of booking and subject to availability. Elsewhere a single room may be available locally on payment of a supplement but, as some of the hotels and ryokans used are quite small, this cannot be guaranteed.
Please note, the below accommodations are the standard. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar establishments of a similar quality.
Tokyo: Hotel Sunroute Stellar Ueno or Hotel Sunroute Asakusa Hotel
Kanazawa: Garden Hotel or Daiwa Roynet Miyabi
Togi: Kogetsukan Ryokan
Wajima: Route Inn Hotel
Suzu: Noto Jiso Ryokan
Wakura Onsen: Noto Club
Shirakawago: Gassho Zukuri Houses or Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute (when gassho-zukuri not available)
Takayama: Wat Hotel/SPA Alpina or Hida Tomoe Hotel
Gujo Hachiman: Onoso Ryokan
Gifu: Hotel Resol Gifu
Kyoto: Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo or Vista Premio
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 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.
Food
All breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.
Japanese cuisine is usually one of the main highlights of any trip to Japan.
It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes which are usually
prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is very common, and it usually
comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple dishes
include Soba or Udon noodles, Sukiyaki (meat, fish and vegetables cooked in
broth) and Yakiniku (grilled meat).
The included dinners are usually taken at ryokans (traditional guesthouses)
which will serve a /kaiseki/ style dinner, a multi-course meal including a
dozen of tiny dishes prepared with locally-sourced seasonal
ingredients. When food is not included, your leader will be able to
recommend the best local eateries and arrange some group meals for a full
immersion in Japan's varied and excellent cuisine.
Please note that in Japan the availability of certain specialised products
for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free, strict vegetarian (no fish/seafood)
or vegan is minimal or non-existent. The group meals arranged by the tour
leader will be in traditional eateries where the choices of vegan dishes may
be limited to simple salads or boiled rice, however in In Kyoto and Tokyo a
number of vegan restaurants are available.
You may also find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from
home if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a
ride. For those who wish to contribute a kitty is normally arranged and will
be used to provide snacks and drinks during the rides.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.