Unseen Central Japan: From the Coast to the Japanese Alps

9 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.9/5 Excellent
35 reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
While Honshu holds Japan’s most famous landmarks and cities, the island also offers rugged beauty along its western coastline and the nearby mountains. Tucked into these peaceful landscapes are historic towns, hot springs, hushed temples, and artisans’ workshops that allow us to explore Japanese culture and history while escaping from modernity. This tour is ...
From$6,200
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous

What's this trip about?

    While Honshu holds Japan’s most famous landmarks and cities, the island also offers rugged beauty along its western coastline and the nearby mountains. Tucked into these peaceful landscapes are historic towns, hot springs, hushed temples, and artisans’ workshops that allow us to explore Japanese culture and history while escaping from modernity. This tour is a rich, refined cycling experience within a delicate balance of nature and artistry, revealing Honshu’s treasures in a striking blend of coastline and mountains!We first meet for dinner in Kanazawa, an atmospheric medieval town that once rivalled Kyoto as the jewel of mainland Japan. On Day 2, we cycle along the Sea of Japan, a wonderful introductory ride that immerses us in local life on the coast. The next morning, we pass numerous rock formations and waterfalls and visit a maritime museum before turning inland to Echizen. Learn about the making of traditional knives on Day 4, then cycle on a converted historic rail line, gliding back to the coast through serene countryside. On Day 5, explore the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay in a natural park with glorious views. Day 6 offers a change of pace: we trade our bicycles for seats on the sleek high speed rail to Takakoa. On arrival, we do a little city cycling to impressive sacred sites and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Day 7’s ride brings us into the Japanese Alps, an idyllic region that also features nice riverside riding, with onsens available to unwind at the end of the day. Our final day of cycling provides the biggest challenge, with a long gradual climb for the first part of the ride, taking in the views of lakes and forests. We are rewarded with great descents to cap off our journey, arriving in Hida Takayama with its quaint, atmospheric architecture for a final night celebration! On Day 9, we say goodbye and depart for onward travels.Join us on this 9-day journey and discover a beautiful, hidden side of Honshu!

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityKanazawa
End CityTakayama

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 14

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Meet your guide for dinner in the beautiful historic town of Kanazawa, overlooked by its medieval castle.

Day 2

We ride out of Kanazawa and make our way to the coast of the Sea of Japan. We stop for lunch in a town famous for its ceramics and silk. We arrive tonight in Awara and enjoy the sunset over the famous red Oshima bridge and its small island.

Day 3

Our coastal ride features stone arches and waterfalls, leading us to a historic village and ship museum that reveals maritime life in this region over the centuries. After lunch, we continue to Echizen, famous for its unique handicrafts and as a strategic location in feudal Japan.

Day 4

After touring a traditional knife factory in the morning, we ride along an historic train line that makes for a blissful outing on the bike. It leads us on a beautiful route back to the coast, where we arrive in the historic and still-thriving port city of Tsuruga.

Day 5

We embark on a spectacular ride around the lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay, with sections in the famous Wakasa National Park, where we may spot various wildlife and come across sleepy fishing villages. After a lunch of local seafood, we head back to Tsuruga for the evening.

Day 6

We travel by “shinkansen” (bullet train) to Takaoka, known for its bronze casting and lacquerware. On arrival, we explore the many sights of the city by bike, including a stop at the elegant Zuiryū-ji Temple, with its famous Great Buddha statue. Later, we gather for a dinner of local cuisine.

Day 7

Cycle along the Oyabe River to the huge wooden Inami Betsuin Zuisen-ji Temple with its ornate carvings. Ride into the Japanese Alps and arrive in the heritage village of Shirakawago, where we stay the night in one of its distinctive thatched roof houses. A dip at the local onsen is recommended.

Day 8

Cycle deeper into the Japanese Alps with a long sustained climb along forested valleys. Later, enjoy two long descents into Takayama, an isolated city where a unique culture developed. It is known for its woodworking tradition and many festivals. This evening, we will end the trip with a celebratory dinner.

Day 9

Today, we depart for our onward travels, or spend more time in Takayama. From here, you can travel to other cities and airports in Japan by train.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $6,200
Price per day$689
Last Updated: 3/10/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
18 May 2025
26 May 2025
$6,200
01 Jun 2025
09 Jun 2025
$6,200
26 Oct 2025
03 Nov 2025
$6,200
09 Nov 2025
17 Nov 2025
$6,200
17 May 2026
25 May 2026
$6,200
31 May 2026
08 Jun 2026
$6,200
25 Oct 2026
02 Nov 2026
$6,200
08 Nov 2026
16 Nov 2026
$6,200

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with SpiceRoads Cycling.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

SpiceRoads Cycling Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
31
Great
2
Average
0
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
Write a Review

Other SpiceRoads Cycling Reviews

C

Chutima

Apr 2020

Very good company

Very good company

R

Rildi

Apr 2020

in a reasonable price

You can rent a roadbike bicycle in this place, in a reasonable price

J

Jarurin

Apr 2020

Today is a good day for half-day tour in Ayutthaya.

Today is a good day for half-day tour in Ayutthaya.

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
spiceroads-JPN-UCJ

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!