If you would like more information about Japan, please drop us an email.
SUPERLATIVE.
This route has been chosen by Robb Report as one of “The Best Cycling Routes Around the World”!
Sometimes, it feels like there's a trend to travel for the sake of traveling, to visit a place merely because it's far away and exotic. Japan, though? Japan is travel for the sake of the pursuit of the best. It’s a place that rewards the earnest explorer, challenging beyond simply just cycling. RAID’s journey through the Japanese Alps is our distillation of a decade spent experiencing, designing, and executing trips in one of the world’s greatest places to ride a bike - and visit.
Starting in Tokyo, we’ll head south on challenging roads dotted with climbs through dense forests on perfect pavement, barely wide enough for a car. Deserted roads every bit an equal of Europe’s, and a mountainous buffet of perfection through dense forests, peppered with broad views. During the day, the rider will be treated to the best that Japan has to offer. That theme will continue in the evenings, with the chance to explore all things uniquely and wonderfully Japanese: Hot springs, food, lodging and people.
We finish after an unforgettable parcours in the stylish city of Kyoto, Japan's former capital, and by all accounts Japan's city of cities, renowned for its temples, shrines, and vibrant geisha culture.
“Japan is the most intoxicating place for me. The Japanese culture fascinates me: The food, the dress, the manners and the traditions. It’s the travel experience that has moved me the most.”
― Roman Coppola
D1 ARRIVAL TOKYO - Aug 25
Upon on your arrival into Tokyo, you will make your way to the fashionable Ebisu district in Tokyo. Our conveniently located lodging for the night of the August 25th is The Westin Tokyo, a luxury hotel about a 10-minute walk from Ebisu Station. Your hotel and dinner is included tonight. Ebisu is one short train stop away from Shibuya, the heart of the city. Upon your arrival the hotel on the 25th, our team will assist with building your bikes and readying you for your early morning departure the following day.
Tonight we will dine at a small eatery called Massif, owned by a friend of RAID. Massif’s culinary ethos is inspired by Japan’s food culture and cuisines from around the globe. The menu is supervised by Coleman Griffan, a renowned chef from California who has had extensive experience at a number of Michelin-starred eateries, while the wine selection is curated by a former sommelier from London's award-winning restaurant Noble Rot.
Learn more about the Ebisu District
O/N The Westin Tokyo
D2 HIGASHI OME TO KOFU- Aug 26
65 mi / 6,100 Ft
Our first day on the bike takes us into the heart of Higashi-Ōme, a mountainous region laced with deep gorges, raging rivers and mountain lakes. It’s the perfect intro into the style of riding we will encounter the rest of the week. Enjoy a hot bowl of soba for lunch at a mountain top cafe before descending into the lush Kofu Valley.
This afternoon, take a dip into your first Onsen hot spring at Hottarakashi Onsen, an open air bath sitting high above the valley floor below. Soak while taking in the stunning view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
O/N Fruits Park Fujiya Hotel
D3 KISOFUKUCHIMA TO TAKAYAMA - aug 27
62 mi / 7,888 Ft
This morning we begin our journey with another short transfer via bus to the small village of Kiso-Fukushima, located on the historic Edo Period Nakasendo or better known as the 'Road through the Central Mountains' which was part of feudal Japan's network of highways. Traveller’s moving between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the Nakasendo. Due to a road closure on Mt Norikura, we have to deviate from our standard route. Our route takes us into the high mountain passes in the very remote Kiso Mountains in the Hida region of the Gifu Prefecture.
Today's route will inspire and test your fitness! Enjoy the ride! We end in the remarkable village of Takayama- world famous for it's sake production for over 400 years and it's perfectly preserved old town. Tonight's hotel is quite special, The Hotel Wood is a wooden structure hotel that incorporates the concept of ZEN to enable you to experience mindfulness and relaxation. Subtle rooms and quiet space enhances the experience and highlighted with the onsen hot springs on site.
D4 TAKAYAMA TO SHIRAKAWA - aug 28
80 mi / 8,600 Ft
Rise early and take in another morning Onsen soak before we make our final push up and deeper into the Gifu mountains. After lunch we have one more substantial climb before we arrive at our final destination, the historic World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) along the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains, famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. We descend into the village from a remote mountain road. Enjoy a black sesame ice cream before we finish off our last 10-miles to our traditional ryokan.
Tonight we check into what one guest of ours described as staying in a ‘Samurai’s home’. A traditional Japanese inn offering a nostalgic atmosphere. The inn is full of history and is distinguished by its commitment to the spirit of hospitality. We can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Local cuisine made with seasonal locally-sourced ingredients is served. All guest rooms are Japanese-style with tatami mat floors and futon bedding.
D5 SHIRAKAWA TO KAGA - aug 29
94 mi / 9,206 Ft
Our route today is a special one. This ride has it all: Punchy climbs, fast twisty descents, waterfalls, rice fields, temples and finishing off with a tiny mountain path too small for vehicles. Keep an eye open for bear this afternoon before we arrive in the hot spring town of Kaga. In addition to the ride today, we have afternoon activities planned. Enjoy a soak in the famous onsen before joining us for a whisky or manhattan at a piano bar next door. After dinner, we’ll end the night at a traditional Karaoke bar, owned by a retired Bon Odori dancer.
O/N Hatori
D6 KAGA TO SUIGEKKA - aug 30
98 mi / 4,500 Ft
As we depart this morning, the staff from the Hatori lodge come out to send us off, wishing us a safe journey. As we roll south, our first stop on arrival at the Sea of Japan is the Yushima Bridge. We’ll cycle over to the island and visit the Shinto shrine. From here, we spend the next 60 miles along the coast of the Sea of Japan, where we might jump in for a quick swim. Tonight we check into Hotel Suigekka, an isolated spa inn overlooking Lake Suigetsuko. The hotel is especially known for its sumptuous kaiseki dishes with lavish amounts of crab and other seasonal seafood. Inside the hotel is a number of hot baths and saunas overlooking the lake and the mountains.
O/N Hotel Suigekka
karaoke - a night out
D7 SUIGEKKA tO kYOTO - Aug 31
77.6 mi / 8,828 Ft
Our last day’s journey has us cycling deep into the mountains north of Kyoto on more tiny roads in dense forests. The final lunch of the trip comes on the heels of a long descent at a traditional soba house at a remote mountainous location known for its sweetfish fishing. Centuries-old farmhouses lend a nostalgic atmosphere to the area, and gives us a chance to experience the traditional, authentic feel of rural Japan. A few more stunning climbs with views across the Yamashiro Basin brings us to Kyoto. In the afternoon, spend a moment exploring Kyoto's centuries-old geisha district, with its temples, shrines, stunning gardens, and bamboo groves. Our celebratory dinner tonight is at beloved Manzara, where you will dine on "Obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).
D8 kYOTO TRANSFER DAY - Sept 1
You have the option to leave from Osaka-Kyoto if that suits you.
We will support you in transferring to a different hotel in Kyoto. If you are departing, we can also help you arrange the limousine bus service to Osaka International Airport (KIX). It's a quick, convenient, and optimal choice for reaching the airport and ensuring a safe journey home.
