Cycling in Japan

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. Around 6pm, say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travellers, 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 group dinner. Want more time in Tokyo? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

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.

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.

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 visit the splendid house of a ship owner from the Edo period before continuing the journey towards the resort town of Kyukamura, our final destination, and enjoy sunset at nearby Oshima Bridge.

Cycle south along the Echizen-kaigan coastline, winding past dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, we pause for a scenic oceanside lunch before turning inland towards the town of Echizen, the city of artisans.

Begin with a visit to Takefu Knife Village, a unique hub where nine workshops share one creative space. Enjoy an exclusive factory tour and witness artisans forging blades with exceptional skill, surrounded by the heat and rhythm of traditional craftsmanship. Afterwards, we stop at an inn from the late Edo period where you can order soba noodles before riding towards Tsuruga through the former Hokuriku railway line. This evening, we enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in the village of Tsuruga, where we spend the next two nights.

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.