DAY 02

Do some sightseeing and purchase food—there are many places to buy supplies in Kyoto. Bike bags and boxes will be sent to our final destination in Odawa, so please drop them off at this time.

DAY 03 – STAGE 01

Kyoto to Anegawa. Camp ground – 120 km | 1100 m

Departure from Kyoto:

Our adventure begins in the ancient capital of Japan. We will quickly head to Lake Biwa (BIWAKO), the largest freshwater Lake in Japan. Traffic may be a bit heavy in this section; please follow the normal cycling traffic laws. One difference in Japan is that it is lawful to ride on the pedestrian path but at a reduced speed of 12 kmph. There will be a 400m climb during this section.

Once we have arrived at Biwako, we will take the cycling path around the north side of the lake. This will take us into Shiga Prefecture. The ride should be relaxed with short climbs and mellow descents. To our left will be a mix of mountains, forests and cityscapes; on the right will be shimmering Biwako. After 100 km, we will head into truly rural Japan, climbing and descending through forests and villages until we reach the Anegawa camping area. There are showers and toilets available, and there may be some other campers in the area. October nights are chilly, (14C-7C) so be sure to prepare for cold weather.

DAY 04 – STAGE 02

Anegawa camping to Usuzumi Onsen ryokan/camp – 75 km | 2150 m

This stage is one of many physically demanding stages of our bikepacking journey. The trail is paved, but for the first 50 km, we may not see more than a few cars as we climb through dense forests to the top of the Mikuni Pass. As we make our ascent, we’ll be accompanied by forests on our left and the Majestic Ibuki Mountain on our right—truly one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan. After the Mikuni Pass, as we enter Gifu Prefecture, we will have a slightly technical descent through some mountain villages until we reach the Ibi River. After crossing the river, we will pass through Ibi Township. This is a good place to stop for a well-deserved lunch break. There are many stores in Ibi where we can buy food.

After Ibi, we will make our way to the Neo River where we will climb through an autumn canopy, passing a few rural communities until we reach Usumi Onsen for a hot bath and a Ryokan-style rest.

DAY 05 – STAGE 03

Usuzumi Onsen to Eco Village Fukui Prefecture – 97 km | 2080 m

The first segment is a brutal 27km climb with 800m of vertical gain. There are troops of Japanese macaques (commonly known as snow monkeys) in this region. At the apex of Honshu, we will leave Gifu and start a cool 36km descent into Fukui Prefecture. Small rolling hills will keep you for getting too cold as we cycle through some of the most remote areas in Japan. There will be several waterfalls and a large range of forest types. In Ikeda Village, we can have some lunch and relax at the Michinoeki, a rest area for motorists and cyclists alike. We will end the day with a gentle climb to the Eco Village Campground, where we will stay for two nights.

DAY 06 – STAGE 04

Eco Village – Tojinbo cliff loop – Eco Village – 130 km | 1500 m

This loop will take us through the rural landscape of Echizen to the Tojinbo Cliffs that overlook the Sea of Japan. At the cliffs, we will experience a traditional marketplace, where you can get some local yummy desserts and savory treats. Departing the cliffs, we will make our way southwest along the Sea of Japan before taking a short climb through a deep forest and back to camp.

DAY 07 – STAGE 05

Eco Village – Yunohira Onsen – 95 km | 2020 m

The next stage of our bike tour will take us through some of the most backcountry riding Japan has to offer, passing by the gorgeous Ryusoga Falls and with many ups and downs. We bid adieu to Fuki Prefecture and return to the heart of Japan.

General Oda Nobunaga once said “Control Gifu and you control Japan!” It is therefore fitting that, throughout our journey, we will crisscross Gifu and enjoy the energizing power gained from its amazing onsen.

DAY 08 – STAGE 06

Yunohira Onsen – Shirakawa go – 50 km | 850 m

This is a rest day with a short recovery ride. The day begins with a 500m climb, after which, it is mostly a slight downhill through the mountainous river valleys until we arrive at our first rest destination. Once we arrive at Shirakawa-go, you can wander through this traditional Japanese village—this is certainly a place where you will want to have your camera batteries charged. There are many food options, too, as well as spots for local beer and Sake.

DAY 09 – STAGE 07

Shirakawago – Takayama – 60 km | 1400 m

Compared to the first six days, we will have a relatively easy day with a lot of time to enjoy the journey through Hira City and along to Takayama, where we will attempt to recover and prepare ourselves for the challenging day to come. In Takayama, you will find great western food and beautiful old-style Japanese city dwellings; you can rest your legs and get a good night’s rest, or you can enjoy barhopping on Halloween.

DAY 10 – STAGE 08

Takayama – Matsumoto Onsen Ryokan – 99 km | 2620 m

Depending on the weather, this may be the most challenging day of the tour as we climb 2,200 meters up mighty Mt. Norikura, passing through the Japanese Alps into Nagano Prefecture. The descent will be breathtaking. This will likely prove to be a very cold day, so be sure to dress in layers for a mix of both warm and cold weather. We end our day at the foot of beautiful Matsumoto Castle, after which, we will make our way to our campsite at Hoshi Yama campsite.

DAY 11 – STAGE 09

Matsumot – Lake Motosu of Fuji Cam – 124 km | 1760 m

This is a long day of riding. As we pass the mountain villages of Nagano Prefecture and coast out of the Japanese Alps, we enter Yamanashi Prefecture. On this stage, we will finally see Mt. Fuji, and this great mountain will keep watch over us for the remainder of our bikepacking journey. During this stage, we will spend most of our day cycling through in smaller cityscapes. Be mindful of traffic laws. As a bonus, there will be plenty of places to stop for lunch and to pick up supplies. We will end our day at Motosu Lake, where we will camp for night.

DAY 12 – STAGE 10

Lake Motosu – Odawara – 96 km | 1800 m

Our last day of riding will be a journey through forest and river valleys under Mt. Fuji’s watchful gaze. With Fuji on our left, we will make our way out of Yamanashi prefecture and enter Shizuoka Prefecture en route to Shiraito Falls. Like a scene from a mythical story, these magical falls are buried in lush forests and are sure carve a memory into your soul. After a rest at Shiraito Falls, we will make our final push out of Shizuoka Prefecture and into Kanagawa Prefecture to Odawara City and the Pacific Ocean, where we will enjoy a much-needed and well-earned rest in a modern hotel with Saki and Yakinuku and craft beer for dinner.

We’ll end the day by packing up our bikes.