Unseen Central Japan: From the Coast to the Japanese Alps

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.