The enigma of Japan will just begin to reveal itself to you in this dynamic combination of active and cultural experiences. You will travel from Tokyo or Nagoya to Kanazawa city to begin your ride into the rustic region of the Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan. You will play on beaches, walk in Yanagida Botanical Gardens, and listen to the Dragonfly Stream within forested park land. In another garden you will listen to the resonance of a Buddhist bell. You can stop by the Rokugo farmhouse to have a revitalizing cup of tea, or if you desire, a more lengthy but beautiful tea ceremony. In early spring, you can ride through the sweet, soft fragrances of pink cherry or delicate plum blossoms. You can stop to watch a single drop of water make circle upon circles as goldfish swim beneath the surface of a pond.
In the middle of May a hundred thousand irises bloom to create a surreal atmosphere. In the fall, orange, red, and other autumnal colors rustle with intensity that will startle and amaze you. Whenever you choose to visit this most beautiful area, the flourish of traditional Japanese culture in this amazing, stilling place will leave you pleased. We will meet you at the airport in Nagoya, from where you will travel to the start point in Kanazawa city. You will then cycle to Wakura Spa, explore and hike Notojima Island, then cycle to Wajima, and follow the coastline around this fabulously scenic peninsula, with a short diversion to the interior to enjoy hot springs and a fantastic ryokan-style lodge.
Finally, you will visit the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go – an area known for three-storey, nail-free “clasped hands” thatched roof houses and exceptional beauty, with options for both hiking and biking. There are some climbs and descents, but on guided trips, your support vehicle will be nearby to help ensure your happiness and safety.
2008 Guided Dates: March 22-29, May 18-25, November 1-8.
Custom groups any time. Tour starts: Nagoya, 10:00am Day 1. Easy transfers from Tokyo or Osaka on Shinkansen train. Best lodging choice is Marriott Hotel at train station. Tour finish: Nagoya, 12:00pm. Day 7.
Route Notes: This is a rich cultural experience that will be most appreciated by relaxed riders interested in a varied experience. There are some hills, and “rewards”. Relaxed riders will be assisted with van support on longer climbs (guided trips only).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet at Nagoya airport or your nearby hotel early afternoon for transfer to Kanazawa - city of castles and three of Japan’s major gardens. Lodging: hakuchoro Hotel, Kanazawa.
Day 2: 65km. Ride coastal roads with highlights including Uchinada Dunes, Keta Taisha Shrine, Myojoji Temple, and Wakura Spa (50km). Stop in town of Ganmon to see a translucent cave mouth and cave (60 meters deep). Fantastic rock formations and optional boat trip to see Togi rocks. Swim in incredible blue green water (considered one of the top 50 beaches in Japan). Lodging: Togi Seaside Villa, Togi.
Day 3: 65km of cycling along coastal roads to Wajima, or optional hiking to explore the parks of Notojima Island (10km). Rest at Japanese style ryokan lodging. Special points: Dragonfly stream and 1000 Irises in spring; Sojiji Temple. Rest in fantastically located Japanese style ryokan facility. Lodging: Wajima Onsen Yashio Ryokan, Wajima City.
Day 4: 80km. Morning exploration of Wajima city, followed by cycling 80km to Noto. Special points: Lacquerware known as Wajima-nuri, a morning market on Asaichi-dori Avenue, "Kiriko" (tall festival lanterns), sea views at Cape Rokko. Lodging: Hyakurakuso Ryokan, Noto.
Day 5: 50k. Noto to Noto, with ride into the peninsula’s interior to see Tokikuni Old House. Ride along Koiji Beach – purportedly the "longest beach in the world". Optional afternoon hike along the Tsukumo coast (99 bay). Lodging: Same as last night.
Day 6: 60km. Noto to Wakura Onsenv via Notojima Island with the snow-covered peaks of the Japanese Alps as our background. Spend the night in Wakura Onsen, one of Japan's more famous "Onsen Towns". Lodging: Tadaya Ryokan, Wakura Onsen.
Day 7: Distance variable. Morning transfer to Shirakawa-go, at the base of Mt. Hakusan in the Hakusan National Park. Hike the mountain, or ride independently in Shirakawa-go and Hakusan. Lodging: Magoemon Gassho Zukuri-style Ryokan, Shirakawa.
Day 8: Morning transfer to Nagoya, with easy train connections to Osaka or Tokyo on the Shinkansen Train.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: $4595 pp. dbl. (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, light picnic lunches on most days, 6 dinners, guide and van support, maps/route notes, luggage handling, taxes)
- Self-Guided Cost: TBD (8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, transfers at start and finish, route notes and maps)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain - C$ 220 (US$ 195)
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Japan
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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