There is no better way of experiencing the ever-changing landscapes of Japan than on two wheels, as we pedal from the rugged seascapes and wild beaches of the Noto Peninsula to picturesque farmlands and remote mountainous regions of Takayama and UNESCO Shirakawa-go, where we are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. From temples, shrines and market visits, to hot springs and overnights in ryokans – traditional Japanese guesthouses – this trip offers excellent rural cycling without compromising on the cultural elements. No trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to Kyoto, Japan's age-old capital, with its peaceful Zen gardens and geisha districts and futuristic Tokyo: sprawling, inimitably busy and extraordinary.

We use a mix of hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).



The hotels are usually centrally located, have modern facilities, and English-speaking staff.



We also stay in ryokans (traditional inns). While comfortable and full of local character, rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is normally thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Almost all the accommodations have a private onsen, which means you can soak as soon as you arrive in from cycling, a superb way to recuperate after a day on the bike.



In the Unesco-listed town of Shirakawa-go, we usually spend one 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 six people (split according to sex) sharing a room. Staying here is a unique and memorable experience.



A single supplement can be booked only for the seven 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.



Please note, the below accommodations are the standard. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar establishments of a similar quality.



Tokyo: Hotel Sunroute Stellar Ueno or Hotel Sunroute Asakusa Hotel

Kanazawa: Garden Hotel or Daiwa Roynet Miyabi

Togi: Kogetsukan Ryokan

Wajima: Route Inn Hotel

Suzu: Noto Jiso Ryokan

Wakura Onsen: Noto Club

Shirakawago: Gassho Zukuri Houses or Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute (when gassho-zukuri not available)

Takayama: Wat Hotel/SPA Alpina or Hida Tomoe Hotel

Gujo Hachiman: Onoso Ryokan

Gifu: Hotel Resol Gifu

Kyoto: Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo or Vista Premio



Onsen (Japanese public bath)



For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is 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, that nudity is compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that an onsen dip is a trip highlight. Please note, you may be refused entry if you have large, visible tattoos. The leader will explain etiquette but it is expected that you shower before stepping into the hot spring/bath.