Between remote mountain trails, ancient temples and rugged coastlines, this unique trip explores the contrasting traditional rural and modern sides to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. You will travel a variety of quiet roads and easy off road routes giving you a true insight into Japanese country, culture, food and its people.
Our journey begins in and around Kyoto then takes in the rarely visited areas on the Japan seaside of Honshu and onto the island of Kyushu. Pedalling through ever-changing landscapes of rice paddies, narrow wooded valleys, rugged seashore, to an active volcano with bubbling sulphur pools, along lakesides and remote agricultural villages with the seasonal colours adding to the overall beauty.
Greeted by the warm smiles of the local people on our way, we stop at Zen temples and beautiful gardens, take part in local festivals and explore some of Japan’s vibrant nightlife. Staying in comfortable traditional Ryokan , Minshuku Inns and local hostels, you will really experience the Japanese aesthetic art of hospitality. Amongst the many highlights are biking down into the biggest caldera in the world, Mt. Aso, soaking in the thermal onsen (outdoor baths), cooking and sampling delicious food and exploring the serene beauty of the old Imperial capital of Kyoto with its vibrant Gion district…look out for those Geisha!
This trip was developed by Naomi, well known to those of you who have been with us to Sardinia, Cuba, Jura and the Alps. Having lived in Japan for a number of years, her enthusiasm for cycling and all aspects of Japanese culture have resulted in this unique programme. Your lead guide will be Vincent a long time resident of Japan and well travelled cyclist. He shares Naomi’s passion for Japan and and strongly believes that cycling in Japan is one of the world's best kept secrets.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - flights to Japan
Depart from Europe on our scheduled flights to arrive into Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) the following day.
Day 2 - Arrive in Osaka Kansai Airport & transfer to Kyoto
After arrival at Osaka airport we transfer by shuttle bus the short distance to Kyoto, with luggage and bikes transferred via our support vehicle. Our first night is in Minshuku accommodation in central Kyoto, in a quiet street close to Heian Shrine towards Higashi-yama area. In the afternoon it is time to put together your bike if you have brought your own, or have you fitted to your hire bike. Then time for dinner trying the local specialities and an occasion to meet all your companions for the next exciting 16 days. (B)
Day 3 - Kyoto - Cycling Distance 15km approx.
Allowing for a leisurely start, after breakfast we set off to explore the magnificent ancient capital of Kyoto. In true Japanese style, it is a contrast of modern high tech and ancient traditional culture. Riding the narrow streets, in the Gion district meandering between ancient temples and narrow modern prefab buildings, you will soon get the sense of east and west merging into a thriving chaos. Heading east, we will explore more of the traditional Japanese quarters around Kiyomizu Dera. From the temple itself you will have a expansive view of the town. Flower blossoms in spring and autumn colours add to the attraction, which brings even the most seasoned Japanese tourist! (B,L)
Day 4 - Western Kyoto - Cycling Distance 30kms approx.
As we continue to explore Kyoto, you will come to realise that although 21st century modernization is steadily engulfing the city, an aura of classical Japan still lingers in this ancient Capital. Autumn in Kyoto is a show of colours, as the mountain sides and gardens light up like fire in a carpet of reds, coppers and yellows. Various colourful blossoms in spring fill Kyoto with the soft pink and white aura. The passage of seasons is an important moment for Japanese people, who flock to over 2000 temples and shrines to admire this natural artistic display. No better way to see the sights than by bike as we head westwards towards the Arashiyama hills. On the way we cycle through Kyoto Imperial Palace gardens then to Daitokuji another fine example of a Zen garden temple in Kyoto. A brief stop to sample a local sweet at a 300 year old establishment then onto an amazing gold covered temple. Then to Arashiyama an old district filled with Japanese maple and cherry trees, a perfect location for our lunch. In the evening, we wander the streets of Gion, the heart of Kyoto’s most famous geisha quarter. Wooden slated, tile roofed tea houses line these streets and it is where, come dusk, shadows of elaborated gowned woman rustle past, disappearing behind sliding doors. (B,L)
Day 5 - Kyoto-ken hill ride - Cycling Distance 75kms approx.
Today we set off, heading north, and immersing ourselves into the densely wooded hills which separate Kyoto from the north coast. Riding away from the bustle and noise of Kyoto, we take well surfaced forest roads, riding over a remote mountain passes and whizzing down into small valleys of rice paddies, dotted with typical old Japanese farm houses. The sides of these hills are densely wooded with spectacular cedar trees are home for wild boar, bear and monkeys. After passing through these mountains our destination for the day is Miyama, a quiet village nestled in a long narrow valley filled with paddy fields. Sections of the village maintain there original character, with well preserved thatched roof farm houses (one of which is our youth hostel) giving us an idea of what Japan must have been like in the past. En route we have a picnic lunch & the evening meal at the accommodating Miyama Youth Hostel will be a pleasant surprise. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Miyama to Obama - Cycling Distance 65kms approx.
After a good traditional Japanese style breakfast of rice, egg and pickles, we set off for another day of quiet country roads. Some of the roads we take where once used as ancient trade routes between the Bay of Obama and Kyoto. Time is set aside to visit the National Historic monument of Higashiyama village a small village with all traditional houses and a chance to visit some museums exampling old Japanese farming lifestyle.
Then continuing up a winding climb to Gonami pass, lunch is typically a reward at the top. We will be rewarded with a long descent into Natasho valley, then onto the coastal fishing town of Obama. Your accommodation for two nights is a hotel overlooking the bay. Here in Obama you will be able to sample some more Japanese delicacies during our meals here. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Obama Coastal Route and Myotsuji Temple - Cycling Distance 40kms approx.
The contrast between the small villages and the life of the bigger cities will become more obvious as we continue exploring the countryside on our bikes. Today’s highlight is a magnificent off-road (but not rocky) climb towards and along the upper coastal road, overlooking Wakasa Bay, with its rugged coastline and little fishing hamlets. Other than its importance within the Japanese fishing tradition, the Obama area is home to several important Soto Zen temples nestled up the quiet valleys. In particular, Myotsuji the three storey pagoda among centuries old cedar trees, is a monument of historical interest and part of the National treasures. If lucky we meet the delightful head priest, giving us an English introduction to the Buddhist traditions. After another full day out on our bikes, it is your chance in the evening to explore Obama night life and maybe try out your singing talents in one of the many karaoke bars. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Wakasa coast – Mikata Five lakes - Cycling Distance 40kms approx.
No rush to start the day today and you'll have time to enjoy your western style breakfast and maybe go for a stroll along Obama seafront. Today it is your chance to try your hand at some Japanese cooking. Time to leave the helmets on the bikes and pop on an apron, as we spend the morning chopping away at vegetables, fish and other local specialities in an attempt to impress our hosts! It is a fun occasion and we even get the chance to eat what we have prepared!
Changing into our cycling clothes, we head off along the coastal road, breathing in the sea air, riding past more fishing villages, stopping to watch men and woman tend to the fishing nets and putting out to dry in the sun, seaweed, squid and fish of various and unusual kinds. After an easy 'roller coaster' ride, we reach Mikata promontory.
For the last part of the ride we will focus our eyes on a quiet path round the Five Lakes of Mikata, part of the Wakasa Bay Quasi National Park. Each lake offers scenery that differs delicately from the others. Approximately sixty species of fish are said to live in the five lakes, where unique and simple traditional fishing methods are still practiced. This area is famous for plum production, which is then made into a sweet plum liqueur and the salty “umeboshi” pickles. Right on the lakeside is our next accommodation, a delightful Ryokan Onsen with superb outdoor bathing pools. The Ryokan is in a lush setting and you'll really not want to leave, with your evening meal some of the finest Japanese food you will taste during your stay in Japan! (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Two Lakes Ride - Cycling Distance 75kms approx.
We say sayonara to the Sea of Japan and venture over the Mihama mountains, heading south towards the largest freshwater lake in Japan, Biwa-ko. Taking both well surfaced paved and un paved roads we weave up remote densely forested valleys, continue over a pass and then take some fun 'bumpy' roads down to a well earned picnic lunch.
Suitably refreshed we are back once more on paved road towards Biwa-ko. The landscape around Biwa-Ko is yet again different, villages alternate with marsh lands, grassy beaches and tree lined shores. Following minor roads and lanes on the lakes edge, our clockwise route is simply lovely. The accommodation for the evening will be at a Ryokan overlooking the northern end of the lake. The evening sunset is usually spectacular and the early morning skyline always offers breathtaking photo opportunities. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Rest day and ferry to Kyushu
A leisurely start for the transfer to Osaka by train. In Osaka you have the time to explore at you own pleasure: a city renowned for being the little one compared to Tokyo but having friendlier people and far better food. A great chance to wander off shopping in one of the many shopping districts, catch up with your e-mail or maybe visit the world famous aquarium. Late afternoon we meet up to go to the ferry terminal.
At 7pm we take the ferry to Kyushu island. The ferry is an overnight journey, arriving in Beppu early the next morning. Widely used by locals, Japanese ferries offer another cultural experience, not to be missed! Big common tatami rooms are used as sleeping, resting, drinking and eating areas. Sitting cross legged, lying down, people eat, drink, chat with strangers, television overhead show the inevitably bizarre quiz show, photographs are taken and its just the start! On board 'onsens'(hot baths) allow people to relax in swish swashing pools, exchanging stories in between back rubs and boiling water dips: a voyage highlight is night sailing beneath the longest suspension bridge in the world, connecting Honshu with Awaji island and Shikoku. You can have dinner and your weary bones can rest on a bunk bed for a good nights sleep. (B)
Day 11 - Beppu and transfer to Aso-san - Cycling Distance 65km approx.
On arriving in Beppu you will be surprised to notice the steam rising from the thousands of hot springs vents back dropped by a large mountain. Beppu is among the most famous hot springs area in Japan. Together the springs release 68,000 litres of water per minute. After stopping off for breakfast, we take a bus transfer heading south along Yamanami highway, a scenic road that gradually climbs into Aso-Kuju National Park. From the top of Mt. Kuju pass, we get back on the bikes and enjoy our ride through landscapes of high rugged extinct volcanoes, open meadows and densely forested woods.
Enroute we can try another hot spring then enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch. Plenty of downhill follows and the size of Aso caldera becomes apparent as we approach its edge and start out on our steep & breathtaking descent into the fertile Aso plain, at the bottom of the caldera. Our accommodation for the next few nights will be at the friendly Akamizu Lodge set below the caldera slopes. (L,D)
Day 12 & 13 - Aso Caldera & Kikuchi Gorge - Mountain Biking Distance 50kms & 55kms approx.
From our comfortable base of the Akamizu Lodge, we spend the next two days exploring numerous off road trails and roads that network the Aso Caldera. Riding close to active sections of the volcano, as well as the gentle contours and plateau of one of the largest calderas in the world, it will be a unique experience. Within the caldera lie five central cones, one of which is still active.
We will ride along trails just below the highest extinct cones, Aso san, dense with woodland on the lower slops, covered with alpine flora on the summit. Forest trails, open meadows and singletrack will be our playground for the next few days mountain biking. On one of the days we ride up to the start of the trail for Nakadake, and trek to the edge of the active volcano a unique and exhilarating experience.
Finding and trying out the many different onsens, soaking in the steaming open air pools will be our just reward after our days out on the bike, in true Japanese style!!!! Another day we will venture to the spectacular Kikuchi Gorge, play on boulders next to a fast flowing river in a forested gorge. We will pedal along traffic free roads into and out of this quiet paradise. Our accommodation and evening meals will be at Akamizu Lodge with picnic lunches provided each day. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Chojobara Plateau –Yutsubo Onsen - Cycling Distance 30kms approx.
After breakfast, we make the short transfer back to the same Kuju pass where you began your Kyushu ride on which is an easy cycling day. On our bikes again, we ride down onto the Chojabara plateau for lunch. After, we explore the remote slopes below the smoking crater of another active volcano on a very easy meander through the grasslands and a descent down into another valley. We will arrive early at Sensui Minshuku, which is a real gem in the rural heartland of Kyushu.
Time to try one of their many different baths to be followed by a 20 course dinner of local delicacies. From the fresh river trout taken from the nearby river, rice grown across the way, fruits picked from the hillside tree and sake brewed down the road. You’ll go back to room happy to hit the big fluffy futon feeling more than satisfied and ready for a good nights sleep. (B,L,D)
Day 15 – Mt. Kuju Mountain Biking – Yufuin - Cycling Distance 45kms approx.
Taking a combination of narrow tarmac roads and mountain dirt tracks, we make our way to the onsen town of Yufuin. On the way we will have a chance to walk over Japan’s highest and longest suspension bridge. So high Godzilla wouldn’t be able to grab you from the river below. A beautiful spot this bridge gives the fantastic view of two waterfalls tumbling into the deep valley floor. Onto some easy dirt roads and trails we have lunch before we drop down into the wide valley where Yufuin is situated. This is one of the many places in Kyushu trying to preserve the medieval-period homes and streets. Over the decades, it has attracted many eccentric artists who have settled because of the charm of the surrounding landscape. The quiet arty atmosphere, many hot springs and small crafts and art museums makes Yufuin and interesting stop for our last evening in Kyushu. Our accommodation is a new Japanese B&B a short walk from central Yufuin. We will be eating out this evening and it can be another chance to stretch your croaky chords. (B,L)
Day 16 - Cycle Yufin to Beppu and take ferry to Osaka - Cycling Distance 35kms approx.
In the morning there is more time to explore the narrow streets, do some gift shopping from one of the various interesting craft shops, of this fascinating hot spring town. Then about mid morning we get on our bikes for our final day riding in Japan. As we say good bye to the volcanic topography of Kyushu we have our final climb, then a short flat ride to our final picnic lunch in a picturesque spot. Great place for the group photo. After lunch the rest of the riding is all the way down to the ferry terminal, where we pack the bikes and leave you time to visit your last hot spring bath. You could also a wander downtown and check out an unusual local museum or try a sand bath or take a trip to a nearby Hell hot springs (Jigokus). The word "jigokus" originates from the "burning hell" of the Buddhist sutras, and the Beppu jigokus truly remind one of "burning hells." The Bozu jigoku, contains boiling grey viscous mud which bubbles incessantly with a menacing sound. More attractive jigokus to be seen in around Beppu are the Umi jigoku, or Sea Hell, contains white particles that reflect the color of the sky. Another, the Chinoike, or Bloody Pond, has a vermillion colour. Tatsumaki jigoku (water-spout hell) is a geyser, which forcefully shoots up water to a height of 20 meters (82 ft) every 25 minutes. With the ferry leaving in the early evening, we will have dinner on board. (B,L)
Day 17 - Kyoto and Osaka - Free day
With the ferry arriving early morning, we transfer to Kyoto via Osaka by local transport. This final day is dedicated to your free exploration of Osaka, Nara or Kyoto, which still has many undiscovered areas for you to explore. In the evening we will have our final evening meal at a typical Japanese pub, a sad time saying goodbye to your companions over the last 16 days. Your final nights accommodation in Kyoto is a nice hotel in the midst of downtown giving you a chance to easily to make any last minute purchases or stay out late with your new found friends. All meals on this day are at your expense.
Day 18 - Kansai Airport Transfer
Typically an early morning departure to get you to the airport on time for check-in. We arrange a similar shuttle bus transfer from your accommodation back to the airport. Once here it’s time to say sayanora to your guides and Japan.
Alternatively, there is plenty more to see in this amazing country, with Bullet Trains able to whisk you away in a matter of hours. Anyone fancy a trip to see Mount Fuji or a few days in Tokyo? (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Dates:
10 Apr 08
15 May 08
13 June 08
25 Sep 08
19 Oct 08
09 Apr 09
14 May 09
24 Sep 09
20 Oct 09
Price does not include flights although we can provide assistance with organising these.
Bike hire: £175
Price includes:
Place to Place trip
15 nights ryokans/minshuku/hostals
2 nights ferry
80% meals provided
12 days biking
3 days sightseeing
Guided and Vehicle support
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Japan
Bicycle Touring
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