
The Bikes
You can’t enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip, we’ll use well-tuned, high-quality, local bikes that provide the perfect fit for your size and weight.
The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
Combines the hallmarks of any B&R itinerary (excellent hotels and beautiful routes) with the freedom of pacing each day exactly the way you like.
Throughout the day, a knowledgeable local guide provides insider access and expert tips. At night, you can explore and dine on your own.
Our B&R guides are with you throughout, anticipating needs, translating languages, providing advice and—above all—facilitating fun.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain with a few small hills—all very manageable for people trying their first biking trip.
Walking – 6-10 km (4-6 mi.) a day on country lanes, footpaths and coastal or forest trails, all on relatively flat terrain, perhaps with an occasional hill.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over terrain that’s relatively flat but will include inclines and the occasional climb or two.
Walking – 8-12 km (5-7 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain, with occasional steeper climbs.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day in gently rolling countryside, with occasional longer climbs to points that are well worth the effort.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over rolling terrain on a variety of surfaces. Most days, one or two steeper climbs to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.
Biking – Roughly 50 km (30 mi.) a day in consistently rolling countryside, with repeated climbs and longer options available.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) over terrain that varies between rolling and hilly, with a few steeper climbs.
Biking – 50-60 km (30-45 mi.) a day over both level and tougher, hillier terrain with multiple 100 km (62 mi.) options. The routes are designed for avid cyclists and include plenty of chances to push yourself.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over fairly hilly terrain offering lots of challenges. Routes are along high meadow paths and/or well-maintained cliffside or alpine trails, with a few steep ascents to make you feel invigorated.
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’ve 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.
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Ready-to-Book private tours are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. If the gap is too great, then we’d be happy to tailor-make you a Bespoke trip from scratch. Simply tell us a few details about your group and select your preferred date. One of our Trip Designers will spring into action, confirming the details or exploring alternatives, over the next 48 hours.
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Get in touch with a Trip Designer to begin planning your perfect vacation.
REQUEST A QUOTEStart your trip by discovering one of the last traditional regions in Japan. Ride from the middle of the peninsula to the northern coast where the landscape is typically Japanese: rugged coastline and rice paddies, along with towns and farmland occupying most flat stretches.
Visit the asaichi, or morning market, to witness the line of fish mongers-usually elderly women-dressed in rubber boots who hawk their catch. Ride along the scenic coast and to Sojiji Temple for an introduction to Zen Buddhism and the animist religion known as Shinto.
Begin your day with a ride on the quiet coastal road heading south ending at a delightful inn renowned for its superb Japanese-Italian cuisine. Spend your afternoon overlooking Tsukumo Bay.
Embark on a quiet ride weaving through sleepy fishing villages, forests, and pastoral landscapes. Stop for a catered lunch before driving along the coast to the hot spring town of Wakura Onsen. Dinner will be a traditional Kaiseki, the fabulous Japanese multi-course meal.
Spend your day looking for dolphins, riding scenic trails and winding down in the hot springs before going out on the town for dinner.
Explore Kanazawa, and the sublime Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three greatest gardens. Afterwards, at a nearby private tea house Mrs. Nishida will share her love of chanoyu, or the tea ceremony. Embark on a fantastic loop ride this afternoon before dining with chef Takahashi-san serving up his regional specialties.
Explore the local shops in Yamanaka, walk up the marvelous three-km gorge below the town, relax in the onsen and get a shiatsu massage or simply read a book in the peaceful surroundings of the hotel. Spend the afternoon biking through the mountains to the amazing temple of a sect of esoteric Buddhists.
After breakfast we’ll drive to Kyoto and say our goodbyes, arriving around noon. Kyoto easily demands a stay of several nights with its temples, shrines and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Get tunnel vision.
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.
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 and the hospitality is warm, charming, and unobtrusive. Its elegant hot spring overlooks the forest and provides the perfect place for meditation.
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.
Notonosho's atmosphere offers 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.
The biking was great but the Japanese cultural experience was even better. The Ryokans, the meals, and the special events such as paper making, saki tasting, etc were really an excellent introduction to the culture of Japan.
— Gary CoughlanThere's nothing in the world like a Japanese mountain descent, the way the roads arc and roll with the landscape, like some ancient artist's immortal brushstroke.
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 traffic 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. If you are comfortable riding a road bike then we recommend that you do so for this trip.
In a word: everything. In ninety words? Signature B&R guides; local experts; unique, unforgettable biking and walking routes; private tours; authentic local cuisine; lessons and demonstrations; local artisanal wines; wine tastings; all victuals and libations; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; interesting, fun and like-minded travel companions; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery.
You can’t enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip, we’ll use well-tuned, high-quality, local bikes that provide the perfect fit for your size and weight.
Sometimes your B&R trip simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in region either before or after your official B&R trip, and need assistance making those plans, your B&R Travel Advisor can help.
Call us to create an independent travel experience that fits your needs—we can also arrange for a local guide.
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet
your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it. Learn more about Bespoke
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