- Cycle rural roads through peaceful Japanese countryside
- Discover temples, Zen gardens and geisha districts in Kyoto
- Ride the tranquil Fukui coast by the Sea of Japan
- Visit the Unesco-listed historic village of Shirakawa-go
Cycling in Japan
14 Days
Excluding Flights
16 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Tokyo Kyoto
Depart London
Arrive Tokyo
Our tour starts in Tokyo, the busy capital of Japan, which has a unique contrast of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. With so much to see and do here, we recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the array of attractions at your own pace (speak to your sales representative to arrange a pre-tour stay). We gather for the first time at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
Start Tokyo
Our tour starts in Tokyo, the busy capital of Japan, which has a unique contrast of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. With so much to see and do here, we recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the array of attractions at your own pace (speak to your sales representative to arrange a pre-tour stay). We gather for the first time at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
Morning orientation walk and free afternoon to explore Tokyo
Today we enjoy a half-day orientation tour encompassing some of the city highlights, starting from the popular Asakusa district, where we visit Senso-ji, a seventh-century Buddhist temple. We approach the temple via the Nakamise, a shopping street home to a variety of traditional snacks and souvenirs. We then continue towards the Ueno area and walk through the beautiful public park filled with temples, shrines and about half a dozen museums. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing; your leader can recommend other local attractions, such as Shibuya, known for the busy crossing, and Meiji Shrine.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
Train to Kanazawa; afternoon cycle loop and sightseeing
In the morning, we take the express train (approximately 2hr 30min) to Kanazawa, in the western Ishikawa Prefecture, an atmospheric town that once rivalled Kyoto as the historic jewel of mainland Japan. After lunch, we enjoy a short cycling loop around the city, a good opportunity to fine-tune the bikes while enjoying some of the main attractions in town. We ride through the popular Nagamachi Samurai District, an area that preserves a historic atmosphere with samurai residences, narrow lanes and canals. We also visit Kenrokuen, one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, which is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season.
Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kanazawa (or similar)
Cycle from Kanazawa along the seaside coast; enjoy sunset at Oshima Bridge
We depart Kanazawa after breakfast and cycle to the sea on a dedicated cycling path along the rugged coastline and past fishing villages. After a leisurely and flat ride by the Sea of Japan, we arrive at Kaga, a town known for hot springs and traditional crafts. Here, we take a break from cycling to enjoy a local lunch.
Recharged and rejuvenated, we continue the journey towards the resort of Kyukamura, our final destination, and enjoy sunset at nearby Oshima Bridge.
Accommodation: Kyukamura Echizen Mikuni (or similar)
Ride the dramatic Echizen-kaigan Coast; journey inland towards Echizen
Today, we ride south along the Echizen-kaigan coastline before turning inland towards the town of Echizen, the city of artisans. En route, we stop by a traditional pottery village to learn about the rich history of Echizen ware and enjoy a soba noodle lunch. After, we continue our cycle to to Echizen.
Accommodation: Route Inn Takefu Inter Hotel or Hotel Route-Inn Sabae (or similar)
Experience traditional Japanese knife-making; ride along one of the first train lines in Japan to the village of Tsuruga
We start with a deep dive into the world of traditional Japanese knife-making at the Takefu knife village. During our visit, we not only learn about this centuries-old craft, but also make our own letter opener.
Afterwards, we ride back out to the coast along one of the first train lines in Japan, now a cycling route. Along the way, we visit the splendid house of a ship owner from the Edo period and stop for a lunch with scenic views.
This evening, we enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in the village of Tsuruga, where we spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruga Ekimae (or similar)
Final ride in the Fukui prefecture, taking in the lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay; visit the Takarasu rice field terraces
After breakfast, for our final ride in the Fukui prefecture, we embark on a loop around the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay, including a break for lunch at a seafood restaurant in a tranquil setting.
Today’s cycling route also passes through Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park and offers magnificent views throughout, before finishing the day with a visit to the Takarasu rice field terraces.
Accommodation: Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruga Ekimae (or similar)
Travel to Unesco-listed Shirakawa-go village by train and bus; overnight in a traditional ‘gassho-zukuri’ farmhouse
We take a break from cycling today and experience a dramatic change of landscape as we travel inland by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa and then bus (approximately three hours) to Shirakawa-go, a secluded mountainous region cut off from the rest of 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 in 1995. Their unique architectural style is characterised by steep thatched roofs, built to withstand heavy winter snowfall, and provide 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 night at one or more gassho-zukuri, run by local farmers, allowing us to get a real feel of a Japanese family home.
Accommodation: Gassho Zukuri Houses or Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute (when gassho-zukuri not available)
Challenging ride to Hida Takayama, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps
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 approximately 1,640ft (500m), we gradually climb up 3,610ft (1,100m) for the first 28mi (45km) of the route. There are some wonderful views to enjoy along the way, from the picturesque shores of Miboro Lake and quaint rural villages to hillsides and forested valleys that burst into colour during autumn. On the last section of the ride, we enjoy two great descents before reaching our destination: Hida Takayama, often named Little Kyoto because of the similarity of its architecture and quaint atmosphere.
Accommodation: Takayama Ouan (or similar)
Cycle to the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, past little villages, local shrines and paddy fields
Today we cycle the Hida Seseragi Highway, a beautiful route following swift mountain streams (and one of the most popular places to experience the striking autumn colours in Japan). Riding past little villages, shrines and paddy fields, we reach the pleasant riverside town of Gujo-hachiman, known for its pristine waterways and 16th-century castle. Before dinner, we have time for a pleasant stroll through the vibrant town centre and along the atmospheric canals and waterways, which are still used daily by the local people for washing rice, vegetables and laundry. Time and energy permitting, we have the option to walk to the hilltop castle built in 1559 by the local feudal lord, where we can enjoy wonderful vistas.
Accommodation: Onoso Ryokan (or similar)
Cycle along the Nagara River to the town of Gifu
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 more than 400 cherry trees are in full and glorious bloom. We pedal along the river for most of the day and stop in the pleasant town of Mino, a century-old production centre of high-quality traditional Japanese paper. Our final destination today is Gifu; we should arrive in time for an optional visit to the castle atop Mount Kinka. We overnight in Gifu City.
Accommodation: Gifu Washington Hotel Plaza (or similar)
Travel to Kyoto by train; free time for sightseeing
We take a break from cycling today; instead, we travel by train (approximately two hours) to the wonderful city of Kyoto. With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage and remains 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 day is free for individual sightseeing with many highlights to explore, 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 (2005). 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 flit about the backstreets as they head to their appointments.
Accommodation: Via Inn Prime Kyoto-eki Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Final circular ride in Kyoto exploring the pleasant district of Arashiyama and two seasonal temples
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 the charming centre, via the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove, we continue back into Kyoto following a different route. On the way, we stop for a visit to Ryoanji Temple, the site of the most famous rock garden in Japan, and the splendid Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion), an icon of the nation.
Finally, we cycle via the 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 arranges an optional celebratory farewell dinner in one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.
Accommodation: Via Inn Prime Kyoto-eki Hachijoguchi (or similar)
End Kyoto
The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Arrive London
Arrive London
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified as Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Nine days of cycling
- Average 37mi (60km) per day
- Partial vehicle support (with limited seats)
We cycle more than 310mi (500km) over nine days with an average of 37mi (60km) per day, so a good level of fitness is required. We cycle mostly on surfaced roads with a few sections on country lanes, cycle paths and gravel. The routes are mainly undulating but they get hillier on the inland section to Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where we face some steady climbs. A support vehicle (with limited seats) accompanies us throughout, except for the city bike tours in Kanazawa and Kyoto.
Routes follow mainly quiet backroads with low levels of traffic, but this does increase when approaching towns. We aim to cycle most of the route door-to-door, with only a few transfers and train rides organised to shorten some distances and avoid busier roads. Most rides will include some short sections through lit tunnels.
This trip is great for a first-time visit to Japan as it encompasses the varying aspects of the destination, from the serenity and history of Kyoto to modern Tokyo.
Some nights are spent in Japanese style accommodation and guesthouses with shared facilities.
Please be advised, bike hire is included and there is no option to bring your own bike on this trip.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, 4 Chome-10-30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8611, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3440-1111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, check in at the hotel is from 15:00. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Upon arrival at the hotel, please advise the reception staff that you are part of the Exodus group. The leader will leave a note at reception to advise you of the time to meet.
Private transfers are not available on this trip.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tokyo
Location end: Kyoto
Transfer Details
2024 departures
From 2024, group flights and transfers will no longer be available on this trip.
Japan’s public transport system is excellent, efficient and is the expected mode of transport for both locals and visitors to the country. The public transport systems have become increasingly easier to use, and everywhere you will find signage is provided in English.
Hotels, traditional Japanese-style hotels and ryokans
We use a mix of Western- and Japanese-style hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).
While ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are full of local character, rooms do not generally have private bathrooms and bedding is normally thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Some of the accommodations may have a private onsen, which means you can soak as soon as you arrive, a superb way to recuperate after a day on the bike.
In Shirakawa-go, we usually spend one night in a gassho-zukuri farmhouse. In the traditional style, guestrooms 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 10 nights’ hotel accommodation in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Echizen, Tsuruga, Takayama, 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 accommodation used can be quite small, this cannot be guaranteed.
Please note, the properties listed in the itinerary are the normal accommodations used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar establishments of a similar quality.
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.
Reviews
Add your own reviewA fascinating gastronomic cycle trip
A wonderful insight into Japanese culture landscape and gastronomy. Spectacular views, peaceful countryside, bustling cities and tranquil temples. Moderate to challenging cycling is a good description and in November be prepared with suitable base layers for a wide range of climates.
Most Inspirational Moment
Where does one start? Japan is a country of contrasts between cities and countryside, but wherever we went we were taken by the polite respect that people show to one another and which was extended to us. The country is free of litter and the Shinkansen trains are fantastic. The food is amazing, though be prepared to eat a lot of raw fish in a variety of guises.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kuzu is an enthusiast, keen to show us the best of Japan, particularly the gastronomy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go there with an open mind, experience the place, the people and their culture. Embrace the food and drink, but be prepared to eat raw fish and seafood. Enjoy the onsen (public baths), and be prepared to overcome your inhibitions!
Put this on your to-do list. Every day a winner.
This was an amazingly rich first experience of travelling in Japan. The trip offers an excellent balance with cycling in varied and impressive scenery, countless included visits along the way allowing insight into the history and heritage of the country, and full immersion into the culinary and lifestyle culture.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many highlights in a trip which offered lots of contrasts between city and landscape, a rich cultural heritage and gastronomic variety. Highlights of riding along the dramatic rugged western coastline of the Noto peninsular gave way to the delights of riding small lanes through fishing villages on the softer eastern coast. And then came the spectacular scenery of the mountains, clad in wonderful autumn colours. Entering the UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go exceeded all expectations, and the experience of total immersion in the traditional way of life when staying in a local farmhouse when the daytrippers had gone home was a real high spot. There were so many cultural highlights that the names tended to merge, but we particularly remember being bowled over by our visit to the Myojoji temple complex. The garden at Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto were memorable. Walks around Tokyo and Kyoto at night with the guides who knew where to go were an unexpected delight. And finally, there were some inspirational banquet-style meals, taken in the traditional way, kimono-clad, quite wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tea was unfailingly enthusiastic, friendly and encouraging to the group with a healthy respect for cycling safety. He was readily available at all times of day and night to deal with any issues arising and was very an efficient organiser to ensure each day ran smoothly to plan. He was keen to help us understand many aspects of Japanese history and culture, and had put thought into places to visit en route, including ones not on the usual tourist agenda, which made interesting and unexpected diversions, often with opportunities to engage directly with local people. The co-team members, Akiko and Taichi were also fluent and engaging people who added much to the enjoyment of the holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared to go with an open mind about eating in the Japanese way and expect to eat with your eyes as well as your mouth. Fish, raw and cooked is delicious, but non-pescatorians may have limited choices. You will develop a bread and cheese craving after 10 days or so but the odd bakery snack stop will crop up along the way. Several meals are taken wearing kimonos provided by the establishment, so you don't need a large off-bike wardrobe. You will need good rain gear 'in case' and flexibility of layered and warm !clothing to cope with variations of wind and temperature, although you won't need to carry this on the bikes as the support bus is regularly at hand to access day bag supplies.
Wonderful Experience
A wonderful insight to this facinating country. Seeing the country by bike is certainly the best way to do it, giving the opportunity to get an insight into the real Japan and it’s people. We travelled in late November, spot on for autumn colours but obviously run the risk of colder, wet and windy weather. That said a bit of rain and strong headwind are a price worth paying. Accommodation was a mixture local Ryokans and modern hotels. The standard of the hotels was mixed, but generally very good. The food was one of the highlights, lots of real japanese food in all its guises from formal set meals (dressed in traditional kimonos) to simple noodles or curry/rice for lunch. Another highlight was definitely the guide Tatsuya ‘Tea’ along with his driver Tiachi and assistant Akiko. Organisation was calm and slick with clearly a lot of effort going on behind the scenes. The last couple of days are in Kyoto, this is good, but the hords of fellow tourists at the big attractions make you realise how special the time cycling away from the crowds was. If you are thinking of visiting Japan and are modestly cycle fit I would wholeheartedly recommend this trip (and in our case it attracted a very pleasant, like-minded group of people to share our experience).
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling in the hills away from other tourists. The leader, Tatsuya was pretty inspirational too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Top bloke and no mistake.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it. Be prepared to food outside your comfort zone.
Truly a magical tour. It will make you want to return .....soon !
If ever you wanted proof that cycling is a great way to get to know a country then this is it. And what a country. So different in every respect to the UK. The upside of travelling in November is the glorious colours to be seen all around you, enhanced if you’re lucky by blue skies. The downside, and this was outside anyone’s control even our meticulous leader ‘Tea’, is that the weather can be changeable and quite cold at times.We had some challenging days cycling against a very determined headwind. If you’re a hardy northerner this will be no problem, but if you’re a southern softie bring plenty of layers. Having said that most of the rain fell at night and we were only caught out once and that was at the end of a ride, so you could say that luck was on our side.
For the most part the cycling was on quiet back roads with plenty of interesting stop-offs along the way, where our knowledgeable guides shared their knowledge and passion for their country. Hotels were a mix of western and traditional japanese inns which were generally of a higher standard than you might experience on many Exodus holidays. The traditional inns were very special and allowed you to immerse yourself, sometimes literally, into this unique culture. The food was excellent, but you do have to be prepared to experiment with a cuisine that is distinctly different from ours. The phrase ‘holiday of a lifetime’ is probably overused, but if you’re prepared to soak up the culture, be experimental and are relatively fit then this holiday will probably come very close to matching that description.
And of course the toilets – you’re going to be very disappointed when you return to the UK or anywhere else for that matter!!
Most Inspirational Moment
We visited a small family run ryokan which was our first introduction to a japanese inn, and this for me was the best night of the holiday. It was quite basic in its facilities with no ensuite in any room. But it had a bar (quite a rarity) where you could warm up after the ride, in preparation for an exquisite evening meal followed by an impromptu japanese 'harp' recital. You just had to remember which shoes to wear, and of course no footwear on the tatami mats in the bedroom and dining area. There were many other contenders, but if I was asked to pick just one that would be it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mr Tea, as I called him, was a true professional. Very methodical and meticulous so that nothing was left to chance resulting in a very smoothly run holiday. He certainly went the extra mile every day, cycling up and down the group as we progressed, resulting in a vast array of photos of us on the move, and I don't think I've ever been on a holiday with so many group photo requests! He was ably supported by Taichi, our driver and Akiko our sub-leader. They worked hard after we'd finished cycling and were up again in the morning ensuring that the bikes were in tip top condition. Very impressive.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Follow the advice in the trip notes. Take plenty of cash although credit cards were accepted as payment in most places, but not on the metro! Travel out a a couple of days before the tour starts to acclimatise and get to know Tokyo, and maybe also an extra day in Kyoto at the end. Depending on the time of year bring plenty of layers as it can get cold in the mountains, particularly at night. Don't bother with too much evening wear. Traditional japanese kimonos are available in many hotels. Just be open minded and read up about japanese customs before you go out. Politeness is embedded into japanese society so don't let the side down.
An excellent introduction to Japan.
We have always wanted to visit Japan and this trip gave us a wonderful opportunity to visit the cities, rural areas, travel by train, experience Japanese cuisine and, best of all, explore by bike.
The itinerary was varied and interesting. Onsens (hot baths) have to be experienced and helped relieve tired and aching muscles at the end of the day.
We stayed in a mixture of modern hotels and the more traditional ryokans with tatami mats and futons.
The Japanese people we met were always polite, pleasant and helpful.
This was a travel experience like no other. Just do it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the first ryokan and learning how to observe Japanese customs in this environment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very well organised and efficient. Perhaps a little shy at first but this passed as the trip progressed and his confidence in dealing with the group developed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring a fairly large backpack as there are two separate days when you don’t have access to your suitcase. Keep your evening wear to a minimum as many of the hotels and ryokans provide a yukata (a casual summer kimono). Be prepared for rain and low temperatures. Very little fruit available generally and virtually none at breakfast.
Incredible Trip!
This trip was an excellent intro to Japan! It covered a huge variety from highlights of sprawling Tokyo to rural seaside and mountain villages as well as offering insight into Japanese culture through the eyes of our wonderful local guides, “Tea” and “TaiChi”. Despite the weather being colder and wetter than expected ( trust me, bring full waterproofs especially hands and feet as temps were also near zero in places), the sheer adventure of cycling along a beach, up some challenging climbs to our local ryokan and wonderfully exquisite prepared dinners, the photos relect is all smiling through the weather! The rides were punctuated with well thought out cultural stops and a wonderful selection of lunch spots. I would highly recommend this trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, it was the introduction to such an unique culture. Despite Japan being a developed country, the norms, many intricate rituals and the respectful nature of the Japanese, made this such an interesting trip with a great deal of variety. I also would include the nightly soaks in the onsens a highlight! Our group completely got into this routine around the peninsula where they were common!
Thoughts on Group Leader
One cannot say enough about our primary group leader “Tea”. An incredible person, he was the epitome of organized, safety conscious, accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. We were not sure when “Tea” slept as he seemed to always be engaged doing something for the next day, ensuring all special dietary needs were met, organizing tickets, lunch stops etc. He also turned out to be photographer at large capturing many fantastic images of the group cycling..not quite sure when he managed to capture so many images as he always seemed to be leading us with commands of “single file”!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring less evening clothing (you really do end up wearing kimonos more than half the time post cycling) and bring more cycling stuff..full array of warm weather and cold/wet weather gear. Hands and feet especially. A down puffer jacket is recommended as used more than several times and lacks light and small.
Coastal cycling in Japan
Wow what an amazing trip ! Cycling in Japan is a truly fantastic and interesting cycling trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are several - The friendliness and courtesy of the Japanese people, the traditional inns, the cuisine and the well maintained roads, the incredible bullet train.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tatsuya ( Tea ) is a fantastic group leader. He loves his country and imparted so much knowledge of local customs and etiquette in only two weeks it felt as if I had been in Japan for months. Nothing was too much trouble for him either on or off the road
Advice for Potential Travellers
There isn't much need for a wide selection of "off the " bike clothes as you change into local dress ( provided ) almost immediately on arrival at hotels and inns. There are washing and drying facilities in most hotels. Take cash as Japan , perhaps surprisingly , is not a credit card culture
Cycling in Japan
This is a great holiday for those who enjoy cycling in great scenery and want to learn a bit about Japanese culture and the Japanese way of life en route. It offers a bit of everything and includes great cycling, lovely countryside, traditional inns with traditional food, rooms, sleeping arrangements and hot springs. The guides make sure that all venues that offer education and enjoyment are visited during the cycling, so that overall one is left with a feeling that one has achieved some insight into Japan which is a very different society from ours. It was an inspirational trip with wonderful guides who made sure that we experienced all that there was to experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many inspirational moments on the trip and it is difficult to name just a few. There was a lovely ride for about five miles on the Noto peninsula; there were so many coastal views that we often stopped every few miles for a photo. The traditional inns were a unique experience which we felt privileged to share. If we had been doing this trip on our own without a tour guide and Exodus I'm sure we would have missed out on these unique experiences. The cycling in the mountains and experiencing the autumn colours was heavenly. The good weather and blue skies helped of course. Tokyo and Kyoto were fascinating places and we did a lot considering we were there for only a couple of days.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Tatsuya Yamasawa, was exceptional. He was very organised and methodical and made sure that the tour ran smoothly. He was kind, very friendly with an excellent sense of humour and camaraderie. Nothing was too much trouble for him and the whole group was so appreciative of all that he did for us. He was a credit to Japan and we all fell in love with the country partly due to him. We could not praise him highly enough.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In terms of advice I would say that the cycling is moderate to challenging. Our group was very good and no one had any problems, but some hills did require a bit of puffing. I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone to do this trip unless they were used to cycling up to 50 miles at a stretch over undulating terrain. Travellers should also be flexible as traditional inns and traditional food are very different from what we normally experience in the west. You have to be prepared to bite the bullet and eat the raw fish, the seaweed, the octopus legs and the snails if you want to experience a traditional meal. It's worth it though to experience something truly unique.
Cycling through cherry blossoms
Japan- an incredibly fascinating country with a culture like no other. The 2 week bike trip was a wonderful way to start to get to know Japan. Of course cycling is the best way to travel anywhere but having guides that explain their beloved country, teach you some of its culture, try to teach you the social skills that the Japanese excel at, getting you to test all the interesting food, giving history lessons and nature lessons, explaining the Shinto or Buddhist religion all the while giving you a great cycling experience makes the entire experience beyond memorable. The choice of the route gave us a good variety places to see. Staying in the Japanese inns ( ryokans) was amazing and definitely a must on any Japan trip. The food is an experience all on its own and if you are a fish lover than you will be in paradise. I really felt that the trip was complete and didn’t just focus on one element of Japan so I never felt that I had too much of any one thing which was great. The description of the tour corresponded to what the trip really was and that is always appreciated. In the end, I didn’t have too many preconceived notions of what I would be seeing and I can tell you that I was constantly amazed and ended up having enormous respect for the Japanese and their way of life. I thought my own country of Switzerland was well run but Japan wins on that respect. Kudos to the people of Japan and their being so courteous towards us tourists. Weeks later I am still feeling the effects of this trip and it is wonderful. Oh and thanks to Mother Nature for blessing us with the cherry blossoms.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspirational moment for me was anything involving how their society functions. The quietness on the public transport ( no talking on cell phones), how orderly the cities are in what could be chaos, the esthetic of beauty in every detail, the cleanliness, the courteousness everywhere, the most amazing toilets, the taking off of shoes, the lack of crime, the precision of the trains or metros, and I can go on and on. I was just gobsmacked.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Well is there a word better than incredible to describe Tatsuya or Mitch? Tatsuya, besides being a really interesting person with a very subtle sense of humor, was really a wonderful guise. Very attentive to our needs and our safety and an amazing sense of organization. Not easy getting a group through crowded metro stations and onto the bullet trains or biking through a city but they made it easy. He has a great wealth of knowledge of all aspects of Japan and really explained things well. I immediately had confidence in him and therefore didn't really need to think about anything other than riding my bike and experiencing Japan. Mitch and Tatsuya were a great team and this being a first run trip makes it even more unbelievable at how well run it was. They both had a huge amount of patience with us and stayed calm at all times and I know that they are always thinking of the next part of the trip and that their work is never done but I never felt this. They took great care of us and I appreciate how attentive they were with me being a vegetarian. Highly recommend these guides and I thank them for the fabulous experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
One of the advantages of Japan is that on many of the nights in the inns you wear kimono like robes- so you don't need that many clothes other than cycling. As far as the Japanese baths the women and men bathe separately which wasn't very clear in the instructions and do follow the pre- bathing ritual if there are Japanese there at the same time. If you are vegetarian it can be difficult at times but do buy nuts at the convenience stores to compensate for some lack of protein. Being vegan here would be quite difficult.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
23 Mar 2025 22 Mar 2025
Saturday Sunday
05 Apr 2025 06 Apr 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price 8 760 €
Optional Single Supplement
+600 €
Available upon Request
Best for Cherry Blossoms
Best for Cherry Blossoms
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
13 Apr 2025 12 Apr 2025
Saturday Sunday
26 Apr 2025 27 Apr 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 8 400 € Book with 2 100 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +600 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
05 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
18 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 8 400 € Book with 2 100 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +600 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
26 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
08 Nov 2025 09 Nov 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 8 400 € Book with 2 100 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +600 €
Best for Autumn Colours
Best for Autumn Colours
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Cycling in Japan
14 Days
Excluding Flights
16 Days
from