Cycling in Japan

The group flight to Tokyo Narita airport departs in the afternoon from
London.

Day 2

Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital boasting a unique contrast of
ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples.
Those on the group flights from London will be met on arrival at Narita
Airport this afternoon and transferred to our hotel located in the city
centre. With so much to see and do in Tokyo, we recommend arriving a day or
two early to explore the array of attractions at your own pace. Exodus can
book alternative flights and additional accommodation for you prior
departure; please contact our Operations or Sales teams for a quote. 

Day 3

Today we enjoy a half day orientation tour of some Tokyo's highlights,
starting from the popular district of Asakusa, where we visit Semso-ji, a
Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th Century. We approach the temple via
the Nakamise, a shopping street where we can find a variety of traditional,
local snacks and souvenirs. We then continue towards the area of Ueno and
walk through the beautiful public park filled with temples, shrines and
about half a dozen museums. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing
and your leader will be giving recommendations on other must-see attractions
in the city such as Shibuya, known for the busy crossing, and Meiji Shrine.

Day 4

In the morning we take the express train (approx. 2.5 hours) to Kanazawa, in
the western Ishikawa Prefecture, an atmospheric town that once rivalled
Kyoto as the historical jewel of mainland Japan. After lunch we enjoy a short
cycling loop around the city, a good opportunity to fine-tune the bikes
whilst enjoying some of the main attractions in town. We will ride through
the popular Nagamachi Samurai District, an area which preserves a historic
atmosphere featuring samurai residences, narrow lanes and water canals.
We also visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens,
which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season. 

Day 5

This morning we leave Kanazawa and cycle along the Sea of Japan until
reaching the popular Chirihama Beach driveway, where we pedal comfortably on
the hard packed sand beach for about 8km. This route is a unique attraction
in Japan as it is open not only to bikes but also to cars, allowing drivers
to get really close to the water's edge. Small stalls selling hamayaki
(grilled shellfish and fish) are set up along the coast from spring to summer
and offer a good opportunity for a refreshment stop. En route we also
visit Myojoji Temple dating back to the 17th Century and boasting a
wonderful early five storied Edo Period pagoda. We continue on the coastal
cycling path and then along the dramatic Noto Kongo Coast, often considered
the most dramatic section of the Noto Peninsula, until reaching Togi. Here we
check in at a traditional Japanese Inn, offering rooms with traditional futon
bedding as well as a public bath (onsen)

Day 6

Today we follow the beautiful coastline north of the Noto Peninsula, as we
cycle on quiet back roads lined by traditional wooden houses and rice fields.
The coastal journey to Wajima is undulating with some occasional steep climbs
but the effort will be rewarded by spectacular views of rugged coastline and
interesting rock formations along the way. In the afternoon we settle in our
accommodation in Wajima, a city centered around a protected harbor on the
Sea of Japan coast and famous for its lively morning market.

Day 7

This morning we have the option of joining the leader for an early visit to
the Wajima Morning Market, believed to date back over a thousand years.
Every day vendors and elderly women gather here to sell various goods,
including fresh seafood and lacquerware, the most well known local
handicraft. We then set off on our bikes and pedal along the remote
and rural coastal northern stretch of the Noto Peninsula throughout the
day, passing famous picturesque rice fields and salt farms en route. The
most famous sight we visit today is Senmaida, a hillside of over 1000
terraced rice fields whose colours and shapes contrast to the background of
the blue sea. We reach Suzu late afternoon and check in at our hotel by the
sea.

Day 8

Leaving Suzu, today we cycle the last stretch of the Noto Peninsula as we
follow the undulating coastal route around Toyama Bay. Along the way we enjoy
coastal views and a scenic landscape dotted by fishing villages until
reaching the Wakura Onsen, a popular hot spring resort which history goes
back thousands of years. According to a legend, a local fisherman found a
wounded white heron curing its body in the ocean’s hot water. Today
the local waters rich in natural salts and minerals are still flowing and
their healing properties attract large numbers of visitors each year. We
will have the opportunity to soak in the hot springs at our traditional
accommodation or in one of the public baths in town - a regenerating treat
after days of cycling.

Day 9

Today we take a break from cycling and experience a dramatic change of
landscape as we travel inland by train and then bus (approx. 3 hours)
to Shirakawa-go, a spectacular secluded mountainous region which was cut off
from the rest of the 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
characterised by steep thatched roofs developed over many generations with
the aim of withstanding heavy snowfalls during winter whilst providing 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 houses, run by a
local farmers, allowing us to get a real feel of a Japanese family home.

Day 10

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 approx. 500m above sea level, we gradually climb up 1100m
for the first 45km of the route. There are some wonderful views to be
enjoyed along the way, from the picturesque shores of Miboro Lake and quaint
rural villages to hillsides and forested valleys which burst in colour
during the autumn season. On the last section of the ride we will enjoy two
great descents before reaching our destination Hida Takayama, often named
Little Kyoto because of the similarity of its architecture and quaint
atmosphere. 

Day 11

Today we cycle the Hida Seseragi Highway, a beautiful route which follows the
swift mountain streams and one of the most popular places to experience the
striking autumn colours in Japan in season. Riding past little villages,
shrines and paddy fields, we reach the pleasant riverside town of
Gujo-hachiman, known for its pristine waterways and its 16th century castle.
Before dinner there is time for a pleasant stroll through the vibrant town's
centre and along the atmospheric canals and waterways which are still used
daily by locals for washing rice, vegetables and laundry. Time and energy
permitting there is also the option to walk to the hilltop castle built in
1559 by the local feudal lord from where one can enjoy wonderful vistas.

Day 12

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
over 400 cherry trees in full and glorious bloom. We pedal along the river
for most of the day and make a stop in the pleasant town of Mino, a
century-old production centre of high quality traditional Japanese paper. Our
final destination today is Gifu where we should arrive in time for an
optional visit to the castle located atop Mount Kinka. Overnight in Gifu
City.

Day 13

Today we have another day off the bikes. After breakfast we travel by train
(approx. 2 hours) to the wonderful city of Kyoto. With over 2000 temples,
shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan's cultural heritage
and remains undoubtedly 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 awaiting to be explored 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. 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 will flit about the back streets on their way to their
appointments.

Day 14

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 its charming centre, via the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge
and bamboo grove, we continue back into Kyoto following a different route.
En route we stop for a visit to Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan's most
famous rock garden, and the splendid Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden
Pavilion), one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Finally, we cycle via the
famous 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 will be arranging an optional celebratory farewell
dinner in one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.

Day 15

The group flight usually departs Kyoto late in the evening, meaning there is
an additional free day at disposal to enjoy further sightseeing in this
marvellous city. Please note that although late check out is not included in
the cost of the trip, the hotel provides free lugagge storage
facilities. Those travelling on the group flight will transfer to Kyoto
airport in the evening by taxi and train.

Day 16

Arrive London