Cycling in Japan

Day 1

Our tour starts in Tokyo,Japans 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 recommendarriving 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.

Day 2

Today we enjoy a half day orientation tour of some Tokyo's highlights, starting from the popular district ofAsakusa, where we visit Semso-ji,a Buddhist temple dating back to the7th 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 beautifulpublic park filled with temples, shrines and about half a dozen museums.The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing andyour 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 3

In the morning we take the express train (approx. 2.5 hours) to Kanazawa, in the westernIshikawa Prefecture, an atmospheric townthat 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 popularNagamachi Samurai District, an area whichpreserves a historic atmosphere featuring samurai residences, narrow lanes and water canals. Wealso visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens, which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season.

Day 4

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 visitMyojoji Temple datingback to the 17th Century and boasting a wonderfulearly 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 5

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 ofrugged coastline and interesting rock formations along the way. In the afternoon we settle in our accommodation in Wajima, a citycentered around a protected harbor on the Sea of Japan coast and famous for its lively morning market.

Day 6

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 andlacquerware, the most well known local handicraft. We then set off on our bikes and pedal alongthe remote andruralcoastal 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 isSenmaida, a hillside of over 1000 terraced ricefields whose colours and shapescontrast to the background of the blue sea.We reach Suzu late afternoon and check in at our hotel by the sea.

Day 7

Leaving Suzu, today we cycle the last stretch ofthe 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 theWakura Onsen, a popular hot spring resort which historygoes back thousands of years. According to a legend, a local fisherman found a wounded white heron curing its body in the oceans hot water. Today thelocalwaters rich in natural salts and minerals are still flowing and their healingproperties 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 8

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) toShirakawa-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 in1995.Their unique architectural style characterised by steepthatched roofs developed over many generations with the aim of withstanding heavy snowfallsduring 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 nightatone or more gassho-zukuri houses, run by a local farmers,allowing us to get a real feel of a Japanese family home.

Day 9

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 valleyswhich burst incolour 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 10

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 castlebuilt in 1559 by the local feudal lord from where one can enjoy wonderful vistas.

Day 11

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 over400 cherry treesin full and glorious bloom. We pedal along the river for most of the dayand 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 tothe castle located atop Mount Kinka. Overnight in Gifu City.

Day 12

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 dayis 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 13

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 andbamboo 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 theGolden 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 14

The tour ends this morning after breakfast for land only clients.