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Activity Level: M-C
Start / Finish: Tokyo / Kyoto
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The Hidden Japan
Modern Japan is sensory overload—a full-on hurly-burly of neon and rampant urbanization. Ancient Japan is more our speed—verdant rice paddies, quiet villages, serene Buddhist shrines and Shinto temples, tradition by the ton. You have to search to find it, and search we did; our coastal rides through the rural Japan of old take us to kimono makers, lacquerware artisans, bonsai tenders and fetching ryokan guesthouses. Our meals are authentic, our experiences timeless. And, after a long day of divine riding, our hot-spring onsen baths are well-earned. B&R takes a subtle approach to fitting in—shower before and after you bathe, bring business cards everywhere, address people according to age. We stand out, but only for our great understanding.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect on your custom-designed Bespoke Japan adventure. Intrigued? Contact a Bespoke Trip Planner for further details.
Day 1 Step off the plane and onto your bike to immediately begin exploring the picturesque and tranquil Noto Peninsula
Day 2 Dive head-first into local culture with a visit to a bustling market, a kimono maker’s workshop and the Soji-ji Temple, a Buddhist shrine
Day 3 Experience a festive suki-yaki party, complete with a delicious dinner of nogo-gyu
Day 4 Enjoy a day of stellar riding on beautiful Noto Island and exploration in Kanazawa
Day 5 Be educated by a master of the Japanese tea ceremony in a private tea house
Day 6 Immerse yourself in a relaxing onsen bath after a blissful morning ride
Day 7 Explore the museums and ultra-modern architecture of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital
Day 8 Breakfast and sayonara in Kyoto
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Notonosho Ryokan, Wajima
It's not just lacquerware that attracts people to Wajima; wonderful hot springs and quintessential countryside also attract visitors. Notonosho, our lodgings just outside of town, is a 20-room inn and its atmosphere is a great representation of the Japanese aesthetic. Rooms are spacious and all feature tatami mat floors and futon beds. The inn boasts of having the most alkaline water in Japan, and a long soak in the tub will leave your skin feeling silky-smooth.
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Tadaya Ryokan, Wakura Onsen
Set in the hot-spring town of Wakura Onsen, Tadaya perches over the Sea of Japan and attracts Japanese from all over the country to bathe in its famous hot springs. Tadaya's spacious bathhouse features indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, and even individual ceramic bathing pots which overlook the sea! After a soak, enjoy a beautiful sunset from the window of your spacious room.
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Kanazawa Excel Hotel Tokyu, Kanazawa
A break from the tatami mats and futons, the Excel is a comfortable four-star property that offers modern Western-style rooms (and beds!), and is located within easy walking distance of the city’s shopping, restaurant and historic districts.
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Kayotei Ryokan, Yamanaka
A traditional family-owned inn of 10 rooms, the exquisite Kayotei Ryokan sets the standard for Japanese ryokans. The inn is set amidst natural forest preserved in its original state by Mr. Kamiguchi, the innkeeper, and the hospitality is warm, charming, and unobtrusive. Flower arrangements, fine furniture, and the owner's personal collection of fine antiques contribute to the intimate atmosphere. A study in Japanese minimalism, the elegant hot spring overlooks the forest and provides the perfect place for meditation.
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Hyatt Regency, Kyoto
Ideally located near the centre of Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency is universally recognized as the place to stay in the city. The hotel is modern but strong traditional Japanese influences are evident throughout. It also has four restaurants to choose from and the Touzan Bar, which offers a boutique sake collection. Guest rooms combine traditional Japanese design with modern luxuries. The hotel facilities include a Spa and Fitness
Centre, which offer personal programs, the latest fitness equipment and a range of treatment rooms.
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Cheri Laughridge
Japan Biking 2010
“Loved the trip, particularly Anthony’s passion for Japan. It was infectious, and irresistible. He made the post-trip spectacular. Terrific biking and scenery. This was one of our favorite B&R trips. The post-trip was fabulous and is a final ‘stamp’ on the Japanese experience not to be missed. We loved it and thought it well worth the money. Thanks!”
Pam Beyer
Japan Biking 2010
“This was truly all around one of the best trips I have done with B&R. It was a cultural and culinary masterpiece!”
Linda Moudry
Japan Biking 2010
“To other traveller's I would tell them about the beauty of Japan and its people; their kindness and respect for each other, their country and visitors. I would tell them of the amazing biking and food along with the beauty of the presentation. Food is not just food in Japan, it is an art form. My most memorable moment was making it to the top of what B&R labels the most difficult climb on the biking trip! Finally, Anthony and Cindi were wonderful and this truly was one incredible trip.”
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Moderate to Challenging
This trip is rated Moderate to Challenging. The daily distances range from 25 to 50+ km (16 to 31+ mi.) with longer options on several days. Most rides have several climbs of 2-4 km, some gradual and some more steep, but the B&R van will be there should you need a little boost. The routes have very little traffic, as we often travel on roads not frequented by the local population. Road quality is excellent. This trip offers some of the best pure biking of any of our trips outside Europe.
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Serenity goes to a travel writer’s head in Japan, prompting another classic “you had to be there” B&R moment
 Say ‘Japan’ to most people and they’ll immediately conjure a mental image of Tokyo, the enormous neon-spangled capital that never seems to take a catnap, let alone sleep. True, Godzilla’s favourite stomping grounds are a must-see for any visitor, the savvy traveler knows that Japan’s pleasures extend beyond the sprawling city limits. Japan is a country with one foot planted in the future and the other firmly in the past, and nowhere is the latter more evident than a short plane ride eastward on the Noto Peninsula, a bucolic fantasyland of Zen gardens, secluded ryokans and trails once walked by samurai.
The peacefulness of this isolated and virtually traffic-free paradise is enveloping—so much so that it can often seem as though you’re the only person around for miles, a sensation you certainly won’t get in Tokyo’s bustling streets. The heady combination of lush, welcoming forests and pure, unadulterated peace can be a little intoxicating, however, and it’s been known to go straight to some people’s heads. Case in point, Bicycling Magazine travel writer Bill Gifford, who recently visited the Noto with B&R and was so moved by the solitude that he stripped to the buff and rode au naturel for a stretch. (Don’t worry… he kept his helmet on!) “It says a lot about biking in Japan,” said B&R Regional Director Anthony Weersing of Gifford’s stunt. “The surroundings really inspire people to, uh, ‘get close to nature.’
Bikers—exhibitionists and non alike—take note: This underexplored part of the world offers some of the best riding anywhere on the planet, courtesy of the region’s top-notch roads and meticulously maintained bike trails. “The roads are so smooth,” Weersing adds, “that you won’t miss the extra padding in your bike shorts should you opt to ride naked!”
Hey, there’s something to be said for travelling light, no?
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