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Cycle the land of the Samurai; temples, geishas and incredible Tokyo and Kyoto
Our tour starts in Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital boasting a unique contrast of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. 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 additional accommodation for you prior departure; please contact our Operations or Sales teams for details and prices.
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.
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.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Altitude Gain: 180
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)
Distance in Km: 80
Distance in Miles: 50
Altitude Gain: 700
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.
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
Altitude Gain: 800
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.
Distance in Km: 47
Distance in Miles: 43
Altitude Gain: 700
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.
Distance in Km: 100
Distance in Miles: 62
Altitude Gain: 800
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.
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.
Distance in Km: 80
Distance in Miles: 50
Altitude Gain: 1300
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.
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
Altitude Gain: 800
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.
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
Altitude Gain: 300
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.
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.
Distance in Km: 40
Distance in Miles: 25
Altitude Gain: 400
* 13 nights hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses), some with
shared facilities
* 9 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
* 90% tarmac roads, 10% country lanes or gravel paths
* Mainly undulating with a few steady climbs
* Special cherry blossoms and autumn colours departures
* Local bike hire included (e-bikes can be requested but are very limited
and subject to availability)
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.
* 13 nights hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses), some with
shared facilities
* 9 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
* 90% tarmac roads, 10% country lanes or gravel paths
* Mainly undulating with a few steady climbs
* Special cherry blossoms and autumn colours departures
* Local bike hire included (e-bikes can be requested but are very limited
and subject to availability)
*This trip is classified as Road, Activity Level: 4: Moderate/Challenging*
9 days cycling, average 60km/day (37 miles), Partial vehicle support
(with limited seats).
On this trip we cycle more than 500km over 9 days with an average of 60km per
day so a good level of fitness is required. We cycle mostly on surfaced roads
with a few sections on country lanes, cycle paths and gravel. The routes are
mainly undulating but they get hillier on the inland section to Takayama and
Shirakawa-go where you will face some steady climbs. A support vehicle (with
limited seats) accompanies the rides throughout the tour, except for the city
bike tours in Kanazawa and Kyoto.
Routes follow mainly quiet back roads with low levels of traffic, but this
does increase when approaching towns. We aim to cycle most of the route
door-to-door, with only a few transfers and train rides organised to shorten
some distances and avoid busier roads. Most rides will include some short
sections through tunnels which are lit.
This trip is great for a first time visit to Japan as it encompasses the
varying different aspects of the destination, from the serenity and history
of Kyoto to the extraordinary and modern Tokyo.
Some nights will be spent in traditional rural accommodation and guesthouses
with shared facilities which do not run along the same lines as western
hotels.
Please be advised, bike hire is included and there is no option to bring your
own bike on this trip.
Hotels and traditional ryokans
On this trip we use a mix of hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese
inns).
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, we also stay in ryokans, comfortable traditional inns where
we 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 we 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 a somewhat 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, 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 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: Noto Club
Shirakawago: Gassho Zukuri Houses
Takayama: Wat Hotel
Gujo Hachiman: Onoso Ryokan
Gifu: Hotel Resol
Kyoto: Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
Sunroute Asakusa, 
There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the
support vehicle. For groups with 9 passengers upwards, a second sweeper
cycling support leader will also accompany groups.
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.
Transport during the trip will be by train, metro, bus and occasionally
private minibus. Most rides on this trip are point-to-point so the number of
transfers on the trip will be limited. When transfers by train or bus are
planned, journeys are generally short (2-4 hours) and comfortable.
*Vehicle Support*
The support vehicle will accompany the riders most of the time, however there
are only two seats available so you may have to take turns if you wish to
skip parts of the rides. Please note the van will not follow the group during
the cycling tour in Kanazawa and Kyoto.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 Days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Emirates (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Tokyo in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights who will be
taking a private transfer from Narita airport to Tokyo on arrival.
If you are travelling on a different flight, arriving before or at the same
time as the group and you would like to join the group transfer, please
request it at least 6 weeks prior departure. The cost of this transport is
included in the trip price if you are able to meet the group and your leader
on time. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own
way to the joining point at your own expense.
The Keisei Skyliner provides the fastest connection into central Tokyo,
connecting Narita airport with Ueno Station. A one way ticket is approx. 2520
JPY and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Departures are every 20-40
minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the Skyliner Ticket Counter at the
terminal. Once in Ueno you can travel to your start hotel by taxi (5 mins.
approx. 1700 JPY) or by metro to Tawaramachi (Ginza line, departs Ueno every
5 minutes, approx. 220 JPY). The hotel is only a short walk from Tawaramachi
metro station.
Private transfers are not available on this trip.
Further information will be provided in the final joining instructions which
will be sent to you 2 to 3 weeks before departure.
Japan has four very distinct seasons, although weather patterns vary across
the island. Our aim has been to avoid the extremely cold winters and humid
summers and settle for the more pleasant climates of spring and autumn which
are more comfortable for cycling. Temperatures in March, April and November
will be around 14-17ºC during daytime and as cold as 7-10º C during the
night. May, June and October are usually milder with temperatures ranging
from 14ºC at night up to 27ºC during the day, although the likelihood of
rain is higher during these months.
It is important to be prepared by packing warm clothing and layers for cold
weather (especially for the March and November departures) in the interior in
the region of Shirakawa and Takayama.
* Cycling clothing
* Warm clothes & layers (it can be cold in the mountains- especially for the
March & November departures)
* Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
* Water bottle
* Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho and umbrella
* Cycling gloves
* Sun cream
* Light cotton trousers and lightweight long sleeved shirts
* Casual clothing (for sightseeing and restaurants)
* Sun hat
* Cash in Yen
* Travel insurance
A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring you own first
aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters
and a blister treatment kit.
On Day 8, your bags will go ahead to Takayama which means that for the night
in Shirakawa-go you will be without your main luggage. This is also the case
on Day 11 as your bags will go ahead to Kyoto meaning you will be without
your main luggage again in Gifu. This is necessary to ensure you don’t have
to carry heavy luggage on public transport transfers. We therefore suggest
that you pack a small rucksack/day bag that can be used for these two nights
to store your overnight necessities.
For March and November departures, please bring extra layers including
full-length gloves and a scarf/cycling buff as coastal winds can be cold.
There are some train journeys involved on the trip and the stations are
large and busy – we would advise you therefore try and pack as lightly as
possible as you will need to carry your own luggage at the beginning of the
trip on the journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa. In most locations, there is a
‘coin-laundry’ service in the hotels, which means you can wash and dry
clothes on the move easily. These are not expensive to operate and there is
usually time each evening to use them.
*Local Bike Details:* Giant Escape RX3 hybrid bikes (2017 and 2018 models).
A certain amount should be allowed for optional entrance fees and transport
fares not included in the itinerary (during free time in cities). The cost of
these will of course vary according to individual preferences but a figure of
around GBP 80-100 is reasonable.
For meals not included in the cost of the trip, a budget of around 1500-2000
JPY (GBP 10-15) for lunch and 2000-4000 JPY (GBP 15-30) for dinner is
reasonable.
Tipping locals for services is not expected or required in Japan. However, if
you feel that your Exodus leader has performed well over the course of your
trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you
choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide we recommend to budget
approx. GBP 30 per person per leader, and GBP 10-15 per person for the
driver.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request for 7 nights only in Tokyo,
Kanazawa, Wajima, Gifu and Kyoto)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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