The Length of Japan

Japan is one of the best places in the world to do a road tour by bicycle. The riding surfaces are close to perfect, the drivers are consistently courteous, the food is amazing, and it couldn’t be safer. If you’re interested in experiencing the culture of Japan, there is no better way to do so than touring the country by bicycle. During our journey, as we cross 15 latitudes, we’ll cycle up Mount Fuji, soak our aching muscles in natural hot springs, see an active volcano, end some days in a traditional Ryokan, visit an ancient Samurai village, and eat an endless variety of wonderful foods.

HIGHLIGHTS

Join us on an epic journey as we cycle from the northern most point in Japan, Cape Soya, to the southern tip of the main archipelago, Cape Sata. Our adventure starts on the lush island of Hokkaido, as we cycle along the jagged coastline with its towering piles of scallop shells, to its densely forested hillsides with their endless cacophony of chirping crickets.

We’ll cycle to the famous ski resort of Furano where they receive over 8 meters of snow a year, visit Sapporo, and spend the night along Lake Toyako where we can soak in their renowned hot springs.

A short ferry takes us to the main island of Honshu where we’ll spend the next 10 days. Honshu is Japan’s largest island, 75% of which is covered by mountains. We’ll cycle up Mount Fuji, sleep in traditional Japanese inns, and visit Kakunodate, an ancient castle town with its historic Samurai village.

There will be opportunities to see elegant Japanese gardens, Shinto Shrines, and Buddhist Temples. Our 2 train rides here will give you the chance to travel by Shinkansen, as it softly speeds through the river valleys at 300 km/hr.

Next we cycle the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu with their near vertical mountain ranges and tranquil valleys dotted with small family farms. Our journey will conclude at Cape Sata with its endless deep-blue waters. On our last day we’ll immerse ourselves in a steaming hot sand bath overlooking the sea at Ibusuki.

During our trip we’ll eat traditional breakfasts, learn a few Japanese words and phrases, and try our hand at karaoke. We’ll have an opportunity to eat Japanese soba noodles, Kaiten-zushi (conveyer-belt sushi), and we’ll visit a Sake Bar.

Cycling the Length of Japan … join us for an extraordinary journey.