Cycle Japan

13 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
From ancient Kyoto we ride along quiet roads on the Noto Peninsula into the highlands around Shirakawa-go historic village, taking us firmly off the beaten track. Along the way we will see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, stay in ryokan and enjoy varied mountain scenery and coastal paths. Bullet train to Tokyo where we end our journey. Not...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Highlights

    • Cycle Japan's coastal landscapes in contrast with ancient Kyoto and modern Tokyo
    • Uninterrupted 8-day scenic ride around the Noto Peninsula through rural Japan
    • Included traditional Japanese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients

What's this trip about?

    From ancient Kyoto we ride along quiet roads on the Noto Peninsula into the highlands around Shirakawa-go historic village, taking us firmly off the beaten track. Along the way we will see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, stay in ryokan and enjoy varied mountain scenery and coastal paths. Bullet train to Tokyo where we end our journey. Noto Peninsula - Uninterrupted scenic ride for 8 days Delicious local food - Included traditional Japanese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients Kyoto and Tokyo - Experience the ancient and modern capitals

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKyoto
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Kanazawa
  • Kyoto
  • Shirakawa
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Cycling

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in historic Kyoto

This incredible journey begins in the old Imperial capital of Kyoto, regarded by many as the country's loveliest city. Lying at the heart of Japanese culture and influence for over 1,000 years, Kyoto sat at the centre of events that helped to shape the destiny and his...

Day 2 Kyoto sightseeing by bike. Including Ginkaku-ji and along The Philosopher's Path to the Nanzen-ji temple complex

This incredible city can boast no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites including 13 temples, three Shinto shrines and a 17th century castle. We will pick up our bikes and set out cycling to the Heian Jingu Shrine, before taking in the scenic Philosopher's Path, E...

Day 3 Morning train to Kanazawa. Bike tour of Kenroku-en Garden and the old teahouse district

This morning we travel by train (2hrs+) to Kanazawa, a city that once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural importance. Once home to the powerful Maeda Clan, today it serves as the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and boasts the stunning setting of the Kenrokue...

Day 4 Cycling around the beautiful Noto Peninsula including the Chirihama Beach Road

Our main bags will be sent on to Wakura Onsen today as, over the next four days we make do with smaller bags as we cycle north, following the coast on to the Noto Peninsula. The smaller bags are still transported in the support van, leaving you free to enjoy the rides...

Day 5 Cycle the coastal road to Wajima, stopping off at the Sojijiso-in temple

Keeping the Sea of Japan on our left we continue following the coast north today, heading for the city of Wajima in the northern half of the Noto Peninsula. One of the most scenic coastal landscapes in Japan, the Noto Peninsula extends into the Sea of Japan for some 1...

Day 6 Explore Wajima Market. Continue along the stunning coastal road to Suzu

This morning we pay a visit to Wajima's famous Morning Market, one of the city's most famous attractions. Believed to date back over 1,000 years, it brings together vendors selling all manner of goods, from fresh fish and produce, to handicrafts and lacquerware, Wajim...

Day 7 Cycle to Noto Ushitsu as we head down the eastern side of the peninsula

We complete our ride around the Noto Peninsula today as we follow its eastern edge towards the town of Noto Ushitsu. The very remoteness of this landscape has been one of its most enduring features for centuries and much of this stunning peninsula has been granted a Q...

Day 8 Cycle to Wakura Onsen where ancient, healing hot baths await our arrival

The waters of Nanao Bay and the famous hot springs of Wakura Onsen beckon today. One of the oldest resort towns in Japan, legend has it that these hot springs were discovered over 1,200 years ago, when a local fisherman found a white heron curing its wounds in the ste...

Day 9 We begin our journey inland as we head up to Shokawa Onsen

This morning our journey turns inland as we leave Ishikawa Prefecture for neighbouring Toyama. As before, our large bags go on ahead and we will be using small bags for the next two nights, carried with us in our support vehicle. Our ride today includes the biggest hi...

Day 10 Our cycle journey concludes at beautiful Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses

Today we head into the remote countryside of the Shogawa River Valley on our final ride, where we will find a number of beautifully preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses. With their steep thatched roofs, constructed to resemble the praying hands of Buddhist monks, some o...

Day 11 Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo

We plan to visit one of the traditional farmhouses of Shirakawa-go this morning, before we travel by bus (1 hour and 30 minutes) back to Kanazawa. It is from here that we take the iconic Shinkansen bullet train (2 hours and 30 minutes) to Japan's capital city, Tokyo, ...

Day 12 Enjoy Tokyo from our base in the historic Asakusa district a stone's throw from Sensoji temple

Today is left free for you to explore, wander and shop at leisure or take an optional guided tour of Tokyo. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to assist and give guidance today. A typical itinerary would be to visit the Asakusa Sensoji-temple followed by a river cruise ...

Day 13 Tour ends Tokyo

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tokyo. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport trans...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,720
Price per day$517
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
06 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
$6,720
$180
12 spots left
11 May 2025
23 May 2025
$6,720
$180
14 spots left
12 Oct 2025
24 Oct 2025
$6,720
$180
16 spots left
02 Nov 2025
14 Nov 2025
$6,720
$180
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
J

John

Nov 2023

Written on

Cycle Japan

Many: cycling round Kyoto town, visiting Kyoto tower, the many delicious and diverse meals, sights, sounds and smells of Japan, the friendliness of the people, Tokyo...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

Cycle Japan

It was great to have a real insight into Japanese culture through t...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

Cycle Japan

I enjoyed my first experience of Japan but would not recommend it as a cycling holiday. The bikes were excellent and well-maintained. The leader(Jared) and the bus d...

D

Deborah

Oct 2023

Written on

Cycle Japan

I’m not going to spend my valuable time giving cons...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Bicycle, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Bicycle, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
British passport holder do not require visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes. All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form and Custom Declaration Form in advance. By filling out these forms online, two QR codes will be produced that can be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This may help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well. More information can be found here: https://www.digital.go.jp/enervices/visit_japan_web-en/
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 12
  • Dinner : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-CJA

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