A Land of Contrast
The wonderful riddle of contemporary Japan is how whole-heartedly it has embraced all things modern—all the while retaining the customs of times past. This is truly a land of contrasts: from the bright lights and chaos of Tokyo to the elegance and history of UNESCO-protected Kyoto. As cyclists, we have sought out the most serene and picturesque pockets. On the Noto Peninsula, epic rides feature country roads and fishing villages. Elsewhere, we’ll soak in mountain hot springs, visit centuries-old temples, experience the time-honoured tea ceremony, and marvel at meticulously tended gardens.
This is a signature B&R Biking trip—expertly guided, small groups, premium hotels.
Trip Details
Moderate to Challenging
Tokyo to Kyoto
8 Days / 7 Nights
Price per person from: $8,995
Single supplement: $1,600
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
Discover the heart of the rustic Noto Peninsula and its rugged coastlines, rice paddies, and endless farmland. Dinner will be on a menu made from fresh, local ingredients with a “strict” dress code requiring your traditional yukata (kimono).
Visit the asaichi, or morning market, in the centre of Wajima to find anything from lacquerware and sake to fresh fish and vegetables. Ride along the scenic coast to Sojiji Temple for an introduction to Japanese Zen Buddhism.
Explore the quiet coastal road and spectacular ocean views of the east before visiting the small town of Suzu for lunch. Take an afternoon ride south past Lida Bay to the water-side Ryokan of Hyakurakuso.
Ride back in time through sleepy fishing villages and past lush forests. Stop for a local lunch and head to the hot spring town of Wakura Onsen to indulge in a taste of Japan’s signature suki yaki with famous Noto Gyu (beef) as the highlight.
Drive through the awakening streets of Nanao to the island of Noto. Circumnavigating the island, pass through parkland and fishing communities, stopping along the way to watch for dolphins before a simple yet delicious lunch.
Drive south to explore Kanazawa, and the sublime Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s greatest gardens. Call in at a nearby private tea house to hear the charming Mrs. Nishida share her love of the tea ceremony.
Bike through the winding mountains before exploring an amazing Buddhist temple. Walk up the marvelous 3 km gorge below Yamanaka or relax in the onsen with a shiatsu massage. Enjoy a sake tasting with a 13th generation sake brewer.
After breakfast, transfer to Kyoto and say farewells. Kyoto easily demands a stay of several nights with its temples, shrines and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Hotels
Notonosho Ryokan, Wajima
Notonosho, our lodging 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. View hotel website »
Hyakurakuso Ryokan, Noto
Overlooking Tsukumo Bay on the Noto Peninsula, this modern ryokan takes full advantage of its location with tranquil and relaxing salt water baths and a stunning restaurant that perfectly complements this tucked away gem. View hotel website »
Kagaya Ryokan, Wakura Onsen
Set in the hot spring town of Wakura Onsen, Kagaya perches over the Sea of Japan and attracts Japanese from all over the country to bathe in its famous hot springs. Voted as the most outstanding Japanese Ryokan for 30+ years, Kagaaya provides attentive and caring service to all guests.
Kayotei Ryokan, Yamanaka
A traditional family-owned inn of 10 rooms, the exquisite Kayotei sets the standard for Japanese Ryokans. The inn is set amidst a natural forest preserved in its original state and the hospitality is warm, charming, and unobtrusive. A study in Japanese minimalism, the elegant hot spring overlooks the forest and provides the perfect place for meditation. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Moderate to Challenging
This trip is rated Moderate to Challenging. The daily distances range from 25-50+ km (16-31 mi.) with longer options on several days. Most rides have several climbs of 2-4 km, some gradual and some steep, but the B&R van will be there should you need a little boost. The routes have very little traffi c as we often travel on roads not frequented by the local population. Road quality is excellent. Of our trips outside Europe, this one offers some of the purest and most beautiful biking.
Gear
The Bikes
You can't enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip, you'll be riding customized Rocky Mountain Hybrid Bikes. Click here for a detailed description. We also equip you with handlebar bag, helmet and water bottle.
What's Included
- All hotel accommodation
- All breakfasts, seven lunches and six dinners, including wine, beer and sake
- Services of B&R guide(s) and support vehicle
- All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees
- Use of a road or hybrid bicycle, with helmet
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, including van support, bus transfers and internal flights
- All baggage transportation
- Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service including internal flight(s)
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“This was truly all around one of the best trips I have done with B&R. It was a cultural and culinary masterpiece!”
— Pam Beyer
Japan Biking, 2010
Notes from the Road
- Bicycling Magazine: NakedPublished in Bicycling magazine | By Bill Gifford “You did what?” Elizabeth asks, looking up from her newly purchased and costly looking sake bowl. “Naked?” “It seemed like the thing to do,” I say as I shrug, standing in the …
- In Sake, a Taste for AdventureSake rice wine elicits a feeling from the Japanese akin to the enthusiasm Scotch elicits from the Scots and wine elicits from, well, all of us. A drink that inspires endless investigation and discussion, devoted admirers will gladly deconstruct all …
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