Hidden Japan Cycling 14D13N (Japanese Alps & Echizen-kaigan Coastline), Fully Guided, Fully Guided

Our tour begins in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, with a unique contrast of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. Transfer to your home for the next two nights: the Shingawa Prince Hotel or The B Ochanomizu, both excellent hotels.

The Shingawa Prince Hotel is a complete escape from reality. This 4-star entertainment hotel, conveniently located next to Shinagawa Station, offers a range of exciting amenities, including restaurants, a bar, a movie theater, and an aquarium. The B Ochanomizu, on the other hand, is a stunning, contemporary hotel also in a prime location close to the Awajicho Subway Station, the Akihabara Electric Town, and the Imperial Palace. It uniquely offers dedicated massage facilities, including private treatment rooms.

Say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travelers when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Japanese welcome by arranging a delicious group dinner.

Enjoy a half-day orientation tour covering some of the city’s highlights, starting from the famous Asakusa district, where we visit Senso-ji, a seventh-century Buddhist temple. We head for the temple through the Nakamise, a shopping district home to a variety of traditional snacks and souvenirs. Then we continue towards the Ueno area and navigate the gorgeous public park decorated with temples, shrines, and about half a dozen museums. You have the afternoon to yourself to enjoy some sightseeing — your leader can recommend other local attractions, such as Shibuya, known for the busy crossing and Meiji Shrine. After witnessing some of Tokyo’s highlights, retire to your accommodation.

Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 1-2 hours biking

In the morning, we take the express train (about 2 hours and 30 minutes) to Kanazawa, located in Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan’s western coast. Kanazawa is a city rich in history and culture, once considered a rival to Kyoto as a cultural hub of mainland Japan.

After arriving and having lunch, we hop on our bikes for a short loop around the city. This ride not only helps us get familiar with the bikes but also allows us to explore some of Kanazawa's key attractions. We start in the Nagamachi Samurai District, a well-preserved historic area with traditional samurai residences, narrow streets, and small canals running through it. It offers a glimpse into the life of samurai during Japan’s feudal era.

Next, we visit Kenrokuen, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. This expansive landscape garden is famous for its carefully designed layout, featuring ponds, streams, bridges, and seasonal flowers. It’s especially stunning during cherry blossom season in the spring and the vibrant autumn foliage. It’s a must-see spot that highlights the artistry and attention to detail in Japanese garden design. This introductory ride offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, setting the stage for the rest of our trip.

Approx. 75 km (47 miles), 5-7+ hours biking

After breakfast, we leave Kanazawa and cycle to the sea on a dedicated cycling path along the jagged coastline and past fishing villages. Following an easy-going and flat ride by the Sea of Japan, we arrive at Kaga, a town renowned for hot springs and traditional crafts. Here, we take a break from cycling to savour a local lunch.

Recharged and rejuvenated, we visit the magnificent house of a ship owner from the Edo period before continuing the journey towards the resort town of Kyukamura, our final destination, and soaking in the sunset at nearby Oshima Bridge. Get comfortable in your hilltop hotel, Kyukamura Echizen Mikuni, and savour panoramic views of the Sea of Japan before convening for a tasty dinner.

Approx. 72 km (45 miles), 5-7+ hours biking

Our journey continues as we cycle south, following the breathtaking Echizen-kaigan coastline. Here, the path winds alongside dramatic sea-carved cliffs and past serene waterfalls that cascade towards the ocean. We will pause our ride for a thoughtfully prepared lunch at a scenic oceanside spot, allowing you to savour the local flavours while taking in the magnificent coastal views. Afterward, our route turns inland, guiding us toward the historic town of Echizen, a city renowned for its deep-rooted artisan culture, particularly in washi paper, ceramics, and cutlery.

Retreat to Route Inn Takefu Inter Hotel, a peaceful retreat situated near the Takefu interchange in Fukui Prefecture. The on-site restaurant serves delectable meals in Japanese and European cuisines./p>

Approx. 56 km (35 miles), 4-6 hours biking

We begin with a deep dive into the world of traditional Japanese knife-making at the Takefu knife village. During our visit, we learn about this centuries-old craft and made our own letter opener. Afterwards, we drop by an inn from the late Edo period, where you can order soba noodles, before riding towards Tsuruga through the former Hokuriku railway line.

In the evening, we eat dinner at a local restaurant in the village of Tsuruga, before wrapping it up with a journey back to our home for the next two nights: Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga. This charming hotel is famous for its great location and spacious rooms.

Approx. 64 km (40 miles), 4-6 hours biking

Following breakfast, we commence our final ride in the Fukui prefecture with a scenic loop around the five lakes of Mikata. This collection of freshwater and saltwater lakes, often referred to as Mikata Goko, offers a landscape of shifting colours and reflections. Our route then continues to Wakasa Bay, part of the Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park, where we will be greeted by magnificent coastal views. We will pause for lunch at a seafood restaurant in a tranquil setting before completing our journey.

We hit pause on cycling today and experience a dramatic change in landscape as we journey inland by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa and then by bus (approximately 3 hours) to Shirakawa-go, an undisturbed mountainous region cut off from the rest of Japan for a long time. Villages in this area are famed for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Their unique architectural style is characterised by steep thatched roofs, constructed 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 an unhurried 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. Expect your rooms to be decorated with tatami mat floors, low tables, and futons at night.

Approx. 81 km (50 miles), 5-7+ hours biking

Today, we go on 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 about 500 m (1,640 ft), we gradually climb up 1,100 m (3,610 ft) for the first 45 km (28 mi) of the route. There are awe-inspiring sights along the way, from the scenic shores of Miboro Lake and quaint rural villages to hillsides and forested valleys that become colorful in autumn. In the last section of the ride, we enjoy two great descents before arriving at our destination: Hida Takayama, often called Little Tokyo for its architecture and quaint atmosphere. Your home for tonight is the award-winning Takayama Ouan, a “city-style” ryokan seated in the heart of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture.

Approx 71 km (44 miles), 5-7 hours biking

Hop on your two wheels and cycle the Hida, a stunning route that follows swift mountain streams (and one of the most popular places to experience Japan's striking autumn colors). Riding past tiny hamlets, shrines, and paddy fields, we arrive at the riverside town of Gujo-Hachiman, known for its unspoiled waterways and 16th-century castle. Your destination is the Onoso Ryokan, a casual hot spring ryokan just a short distance from the beach, offering an authentic traditional Japanese experience.

We can still go on a short adventure this night before dinner —navigate 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.

Approx 69 km (43 miles), 4-6 hours biking

After breakfast, we can choose to hike to the hilltop Gujo castle, built in 1559 by the local feudal lord, where we can savor wonderful vistas.

Today’s pleasant, more easygoing ride follows the Nagara River, famous across Japan for its clear waters and quiet beauty. Some sections of the riverside are particularly breathtaking during cherry blossom season when more than 400 cherry trees are in full and glorious bloom. We cycle along the river for most of the day and stop in the lovely town of Mino, a century-old centre of high-quality traditional Japanese paper. Our final destination for the day is Gifu — we should arrive in time for an optional visit to the castle atop Mount Kinka.

We stay overnight in Gifu City at the 3-star Resol Gifu Hotel, loved for its convenient access to major transit hubs and its “shoes-off” concept, which creates a home-like atmosphere.

We pause on cycling today. Instead, we take the train (about 2 hours) to the stunning city of Kyoto. With over 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 the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan.

Your accommodation, Hotel Monterey Kyoto, is a 4-star upscale hotel right in the heart of downtown Kyoto, offering European-style accommodations and the perfect facilities to help you relax.

The day is free for you to enjoy sightseeing on your own 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). Another adventure we recommend is a walk through the historic district of Gion, which is at its most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit, and apprentice geishas flutter through the backstreets on their way to appointments.

Approx 35 km (22 miles), 2-3 hours biking

Our cycling loop today takes us through 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 famous destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. After cycling through the enchanting centre, via the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove, we continue back into Kyoto, taking a different route. En route, we stop to visit Ryoanji Temple, home to the most famous rock garden in Japan, and the splendid Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion), an icon of the nation. Finally, we pedal along the Philosopher's Path, a pedestrian and cycling path that follows a cherry-tree-lined canal in northern Kyoto, until we reach Kyoto Station, where our last ride ends.

In the evening, the leader arranges an optional celebratory farewell dinner at one of the city's most authentic restaurants.

Savour one final breakfast, a moment of quiet reflection on your incredible journey, before bidding farewell to this enchanting landscape. Depart at your leisure making your own way for your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.