Cycle Japan
Price- $6,159
11 Days | Take a mind-blowing cycling tour of historic, cultural, rural and modern Japan
From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle. Our cycling adventure gives you a slowed down, up close look of this fascinating country and allows ample opportunity to meet locals and glimpse the unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. From the temples, shrines and geisha of Kyoto to the frenetic but exhilarating chaos of Tokyo, and the beautiful serenity of the Noto Peninsula countryside in between, this cycling adventure has it all.
Trip overview
StartKyoto, Japan
EndTokyo, Japan
DestinationsJapan
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 14
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 16
ThemeCycling
Trip CodeCJXC
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto. Serving as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is the spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism and one of the most historically important cities in Japan. Unlike many of its neighbours Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II and thousands of temples, shrines and other historically invaluable structures survive in the city today. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Afterwards, head out on an evening walk before choosing whether you want to join the group for an optional dinner or hit the streets solo.
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After breakfast and a safety talk by your leader, familiarise yourself with your bike and take a short test ride before cycling with the group west from our ryokan to the Katsura River, then north along a dedicated cycling path past traditional houses and community gardens to the ancient imperial resort of Arashiyama. Stop off for a coffee break in Arashiyama, well-known for its gorgeous bamboo forests. After a caffeine hit and a chance to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, ride on to Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple, with its famous white Zen rock garden. Pause here to contemplate the sound of one hand clapping and then move on to contemplate some lunch.
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The cycling route takes you through beautiful Japanese scenery on a dedicated riverside cycling path from the old capital of Kyoto to the even older capital of Nara. Here, you'll see the Giant Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure on the planet. This city is well known for its Todaiji Temple and its cute, free-roaming wild deer. Head south along the river for most of the day, stopping briefly at Nagarebashi Bridge, a 356-metre wooden bridge that is a popular film location for samurai dramas.
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It's a fairly relaxing day today as we rest up before hitting the hills of the Noto Peninsula.
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Over the next four days, discover the heart of the rustic Noto Peninsula. This laid back part of Japan truly captures the Japanese concept of '’satoyama', society in harmony with nature, and 'satoumi', coastal areas in which the sea has a strong connection with peoples’ livelihoods.
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A slightly shorter ride today as we cycle northwards along more scenic coastal lanes, small villages and beautiful rice paddy terraces. Leaving the coast, the road passes through the hilly Noto mountains to the charming port-town of Wajima, known producing some of the finest lacquerware in Japan.
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Today is our toughest riding day, but one rich in rewards as you hug the dramatic and hilly coastline of the Sea of Japan. Marvel at the famed Shiroyone Senmaida (A Thousand Rice Paddies in Shiroyone) where the 1004 small rice paddies cling impossibly to the steep slopes that plunge towards water, creating a beautiful and bright contrast to the background of the deep blue Sea of Japan. Passing by the small villages and dramatic waterfalls we make our way up the peninsula to coastal Suzu, at the very tip of the Noto Peninsula. You'll also visit a unique local salt farm that uses a traditional salt-making method called “Agehama-style salt-making” has been passed down through the generations.
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Your final ride on the Noto Peninsula sees you heading south, passing small rural villages, towering mountains and some of the most beautiful coastline and beaches in the area, finishing in Anamizu before boarding a local train for the rest of the journey. Your final destination today is Wakura Onsen, a hot spring town with a history stretching back 1200 years. Today is again an undulating ride but a fairly relaxed one – and the chance to soak your weary legs in the therapeutic waters of the hot spring baths is usually motivation enough to keep going!
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No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the country's legendary train system. Swap your bike for a train and watch the scenic landscape fly by on a journey (approx. 5 hours) to Tokyo. Hit the streets on arrival for a night-time orientation walk. Explore the contemporary centre of town as well as the old streets, and feel the hum of modern life in this famous city.
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Hold on to your helmets because there's a real treat today – two rides in one day! Get a better feel for the different areas of the city this morning as you cycle along the same local paths Tokyoites use to cut through the city. There are surprises, both old and modern, waiting at every turn along the way and architecture aficionados will be in heaven.
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Sadly it's time to say farewell to this great Japanese adventure. There are no activities planned for the day and you’re able to depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time is 11 am but if you're departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you have time why not check out the amazing Urban Adventures on offer in this eclectic city such as ‘Japan’s Cultural Curiosities’. Read more at: http://www.urbanadventures.com/tokyo-tour-Japan-s-Cultural-Curiosities
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Inclusions
Meals
Meals 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinnersTransport
Transport Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, TrainAccommodation
Accommodation Hotel (6 nights), ryokan (4 nights)
Activities
- 9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling
- 9 Days Included Bicycle Hire
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
- Kanazawa - Nomura Samurai House
- Myojoji Temple
- Cycling on Chirihama Beach
- Kadomi Traditional House Visit
- Agehama-style traditional salt-making farm
- Shiroyone Thousand Rice Paddies Visit
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market
Add On Activities
- Kyoto - Cooking Class from - JPY8800
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY400
- Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
- Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - Free
- Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden - JPY500
- Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free
- National Museum - JPY500
- Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre - JPY5500
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden - JPY600
- Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple - JPY600
- Kanazawa - Omicho market tour - Free
- Kanazawa - Castle - JPY310
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
- Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum - JPY600
- Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY1900
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Karaoke - JPY2000
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Nippon Professional Baseball League game - JPY2000
- Soba noodle class - JPY4000
- Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson - JPY2000
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