Spend the last few days of the tour in magical Kyoto
Spend the first few days exploring vibrant Tokyo
Cycle along the glorious coastline and see the artistic rice paddies of the area
Visit the historic district of Gion on day 12 and see apprentice geishas moving around town
Visit and perhaps stay in one of these uniquely steep thatched abodes on day 8
Visit this beautiful region on day 8 with its unusual architecture and stunning mountainside setting

Cycling in Japan

Duration
14 days
Site savings
$150
From
$7,314 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 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 you are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside.

  • Category
    Cultural & Historical
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    14 days
  • Culture Level
    Out There
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    310.7 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    37.3 miles
operated by
Exodus Travels
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On this trip a mix of hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are used.

The hotels are usually centrally located and have modern facilities, Wi-Fi, en suite rooms and English speaking staff. All provide hairdryers either in the room or in the shared bathrooms.

During the trip, you will also stay in ryokans, comfortable traditional inns where you are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as western hotels. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is generally in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Bathrooms and showers (see section on Onsen below) are generally communal. Almost all the accommodation has its own private Onsen which means you can have a soak as soon as you arrive in from cycling, a superb way to recuperate after a day on the bike.

In the UNESCO town of Shirakawa-go, you will usually spend 1 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 6 people (split according to gender) sharing a room. Staying here is a unique and memorable experience.

A single supplement can be booked only for 7 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.

Onsen (Japanese public bath)

For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is somewhat 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, the fact that nudity is involved and compulsory and that the water temperature is often hotter than most jacuzzis can cause some reluctance for first-timers. Once the courage is mustered however, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is likely to become one of the highlights of your visit to Japan. Please note that it is very possible that you will be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. The leader will explain etiquette but it is expected that you shower before stepping into the hot spring/bath. All hotels provide kimonos and it is the norm to go to the onsen in these and take your towel with you.

Please be advised that the below accommodation listed in each location are the standard accommodations used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar establishments of a similar standard and quality.

Tokyo: Sunroute Asakusa Hotel
Kanazawa: Garden Hotel
Togi: Kogetsukan Ryokan
Wajima: Route Inn Hotel
Suzu: Noto Jiso Ryokan
Wakura Onsen: Kinpaso
Shirakawago: Gassho Zukuri Houses
Takayama: Wat Hotel
Gujo Hachiman: Onoso Ryokan
Gifu: Hotel Resol
Kyoto: Hotel Palace Side

Hotel Sunroute Asakusa, Tokyo

Hotel Sunroute Asakusa, Tokyo

Spend the first few nights at this comfortable hotel in Tokyo

Hotel Sunroute Asakusa, Tokyo

Hotel Sunroute Asakusa, Tokyo

Spend the first few nights at this comfortable hotel in Tokyo

Garden Hotel, Kanazawa

Garden Hotel, Kanazawa

Centrally located with modest but comfy rooms with all the usual facilities

Kogetsukan Ryokan

Kogetsukan Ryokan

A traditional Japanese experience during the tour

Kogetsukan Ryokan

Kogetsukan Ryokan

A traditional Japanese experience during the tour

Hotel Route Inn, Wajima

Hotel Route Inn, Wajima

Located close to the lively market and the sea, this hotel also boasts a gender-separated geothermal bathhouse

Hotel Route Inn, Wajima

Hotel Route Inn, Wajima

Located close to the lively market and the sea, this hotel also boasts a gender-separated geothermal bathhouse

Wat Hotel & Spa, Hida Takayama

Wat Hotel & Spa, Hida Takayama

Make use of the hot spring bath and enjoy the diverse cuisine offered in the hotel restaurant

Wat Hotel & Spa, Hida Takayama

Wat Hotel & Spa, Hida Takayama

Make use of the hot spring bath and enjoy the diverse cuisine offered in the hotel restaurant

Wat Hotel & Spa, Hida Takayama

Wat Hotel & Spa, Hida Takayama

Make use of the hot spring bath and enjoy the diverse cuisine offered in the hotel restaurant

Hotel Resol, Gifu

Hotel Resol, Gifu

Enjoy lots of amenities and a comfortable room on day 11

Hotel Resol, Gifu

Hotel Resol, Gifu

Enjoy lots of amenities and a comfortable room on day 11

Hotel Palace Side, Kyoto

Hotel Palace Side, Kyoto

Located across the street from the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park so you can start the day with a leafy stroll

Hotel Palace Side, Kyoto

Hotel Palace Side, Kyoto

Located across the street from the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park so you can start the day with a leafy stroll