Day 1: Kyoto
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Kyoto – serving as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is the spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism and one of the most historically important cities in Japan. Unlike many of its neighbours, Kyoto escaped destruction during WWII and thousands of temples, shrines and other historically invaluable structures survive in the city today. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe start exploring Kyoto – for a taste of Shogun life, head to the World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle, perhaps the best surviving example of castle architecture from feudal Japan. Or, you might like to have a moment of quiet reflection in one of the serene karesansui (Zen gardens) that dot the city. After, head out on an evening walk before sitting down to a welcome dinner with your group.
Day 2: Kyoto
After breakfast and a safety talk by your leader, familiarise yourself with your bike and take a short test ride before cycling west from your ryokan to the Katsura River, then north along a dedicated cycling path, past traditional houses and community gardens to the Imperial Villa in Arashiyama. If you have time, stop for a coffee break in Arashiyama, well-known for its gorgeous bamboo forests. Then, ride on to Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple. Pause for a moment of contemplation at Ryoanji’s Zen garden, then cycle east across the north end of Kyoto, onto the Philosopher’s Path and through the Higashiyama district. When you arrive back in Kyoto, take an evening orientation walk around the Gion district. If you’re lucky, you might see geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) in the city's old back streets and around the great local restaurants – maybe return here for dinner after the walk!
Day 3: Nara & Kyoto
Today’s cycling route will take you through beautiful Japanese scenery on a dedicated riverside cycling path, starting in the old capital of Kyoto and leading to the even older capital of Nara. Here, you'll see the 15-m-tall bronze Buddha housed in the Todaiji Temple. While you’re here, keep an eye out for the free-roaming deer that Nara is known for. Cycle south along the river for most of the day, stopping briefly at Nagarebashi – a 356-m-long wooden bridge that’s a popular filming location for jidaigeki (samurai dramas). Return to Kyoto by train later today.
Day 4: Lake Biwa & Hikone
Leave Kyoto behind and travel to Otsu, located on the shores of the sprawling Lake Biwa. Today’s ride will be long but relaxing as you cycle around the mostly flat shoreline of Japan's largest freshwater lake. Enjoy a lunch stop in Omi Hachiman, a tiny historic trading town on the ancient Nakasendo trading route, before ending your ride in lakeside Hikone. This small city is home to the feudal Hikone Castle, which has been officially designated as a national treasure. If you have time today, it’s well worth a visit. Otherwise, enjoy a free evening wandering the streets and dining at the local cafes or restaurants.
Day 5: Gero Onsen
Start the day early and take a train north into the heart of the Gifu Prefecture to the hot spring town of Gero Onsen. After checking into your hotel, step back in time at the Gassho Village – an open-air museum of farmhouses. This recreation of a centuries-old mountain village showcases steep-roofed houses and traditional folk art, giving you insight into a version of Japan far removed from its bustling cities. Take some time to explore, then gather with your fellow cyclists for an included dinner this evening.
Day 6: Takayama
Hop back on your bike today, following the Hida River as it winds its way through the rolling green hills north to Takayama. Today's journey takes you through beautiful scenery as you ride the quiet roads up the valley, flanked by wooded green hills and mountains. Arriving at Takayama in the early afternoon, you’ll have ample time to explore this fascinating, small city. Be sure to visit the beautifully preserved old town, dating back to the Edo period. The area is home to traditional sake breweries, handicraft shops and local food stores, offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and lifestyle. It’s a great spot to unwind after a good day of cycling.
Day 7: Gujo Hachiman
Rise early and head out to the famous Takayama morning market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. Cruise the many stalls selling everything from fruits and spices to handicrafts, then it's time to saddle up for the ride to Gujo Hachiman. This is the longest ride of the trip, but all the climbing is done first, followed by mostly downhill cruising on the quiet roads that meander through the mountainous landscape of this winter ski region. When you arrive, you’ll have ample time to wander the quiet streets and canals of this small town and take in its historical centrepiece – the 16th-century Hachiman Castle.
Day 8: Gifu
Today is your last rural ride as you cycle, mostly downhill, from Gujo Hachiman to the riverside city of Gifu. Gifu has had a significant impact on Japanese history since the 15th century. Discover a bit of its history yourself as you stretch your legs on a visit to Gifu Castle on nearby Mt Kinka – the views from here are spectacular. The rest of the day is free for you to continue your exploration at your own pace – maybe visit the museum dedicated to the epic Battle of Sekigahara or simply relax after a long but rewarding ride.
Day 9: Tokyo
No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the country's legendary train system! Swap your bike for a train this morning and watch the scenic landscape fly by as you travel to Tokyo. When you arrive, hit the streets for an evening orientation walk. Explore the town’s contemporary centre as well as its older streets, feeling the hum of modern life around you.
Day 10: Tokyo
Hold on to your helmets and strap in for two rides in one day! Get a better feel for the different areas of Tokyo this morning as you cycle along the same local paths Tokyoites use to cut through the city. Keep your eyes peeled for architectural surprises – both old and new – at every turn. Along the way, you’ll visit many of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks – ride along the cherry tree-lined paths of Ueno Park (home of Tokyo’s most popular museums), Akihabara gadget town, the ‘Japan Bridge’ district of Nihonbashi and the upmarket district of Ginza with its dazzling array of high-end shops, galleries and cafes. Stop for a break to have lunch at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market before starting your second ride to see the Edo-era Imperial Palace, the 333-m-tall Tokyo Tower, the elegant Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, the man-made island of Tsukishima (Moon Island) and the Tokyo Skytree – the tallest building in Japan. Tonight, enjoy an included farewell dinner, then the rest of the evening is free for you to spend as you see fit. Maybe let loose at karaoke or walk and drink your way across the city with your local leader.
Day 11: Tokyo
With no further activities planned, it’s time to say sayonara to your Japanese adventure. If you’d like to extend your stay in Japan, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
