JAPAN

09 – 24 September 2023

Trip Overview

Yokoso! Japan welcomes you for an amazing tour! From the ancient capital of Kyoto through the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun, riding beside the cliffs of Tojinbo, wandering ancient forests, bathing in natural volcanic onsen, climbing the Japanese Alps to the Castles in Nagano and cycling around the mighty Mt Fuji to the modern capital of Tokyo—it’s all waiting for you in Japan.

There are 10 stages in our journey from Kyoto to the base of Mount Fuji. Each stage is its own adventure and will showcase not only the natural beauty, but also the rich architecture, culture and local cuisine of each region. it has been said that each prefecture is like a different country. We will travel through the prefectures of Shiga, Gifu, Nagano,Yamanashi, Shirakawago and Kanagawa.

Enjoy a unique bikepacking adventure unlike any other on earth. Japan is mystical and rich with culture and natural beauty, and with 70% of its landmass completely uninhabited, the best kept secret is Japan’s amazing combination of accessibility and wild, off-grid living. You are never too far from society or solitude and serenity.

Of course, for this expedition to be truly successful, it is absolutely necessary to create a strong team spirit amongst all our travelers. No rider will ever be left alone or find themselves individually facing difficulty for any reason. It will be the responsibility not only of the guides, but also of the individual participants to help problem solve throughout the duration of the trip, working together to make the most of our adventure as a team. It will be an unforgettable cycling experience and journey, but also a unique opportunity to educate ourselves on group consciousness and the ability to share—be it joy, fatigue, planning, organization, coordination, defeat or success.

“In the autumn night Breaking into A pleasant chat” —Matsuo Basho

And in this case, success will not be defined as arriving at the final destination but setting off and doing our best to arrive all together.

Cancellation policy

Refund and cancellation

Where, for whatever reason, one person is obliged to withdraw, the person must give written notice to Project Adventure Cycling.

Refund will be calculated with this penalty:

– Within 45 days from date of departure the penalty fare is 30% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 30 days from departure the penalty fare is 40% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 21 days from departure the penalty fare is 50% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 14 days from departure the penalty fare is 75 % of the total cost of the trip.
– After this date no refund will be given.

There will be no refunds for those who do not show up at the start of the trip or withdraw during the course of the tour.
There will be no refunds for those who are unable to start or complete the tour due to a lack or inaccuracy of personal travel documents (i.e Visa or Passport).

The traveller understands that some destinations pose more of a risk than other destinations due to weather conditions, socio-political situations and the geography of the region. The traveller acknowledges that factors such as, but not limited to, weather conditions, landslides, floods, flight cancellations or delays, strikes, labour issues, power failures, restrictive governmental laws or regulations, riots, insurrection, war or other (hereinafter called “Force Majeure Event”) are not the fault of Project Adventure Cycling and may hinder, delay or even prevent the Traveller’s ability to make or complete the trip. The traveller acknowledges that the Project Adventure Cycling shall not be liable to the traveller for any delay or cancellation of the trip due to a Force Majeure Event. The traveler is neither entitled to a refund nor any other payment for damages from the Project Adventure Cycling in the event that the trip is cancelled or delayed due to a Force Majeure Event. Please note that we are never responsible for any airfare ticket expenses.

Included + Not Included

The price includes

Bike guides from PA Cycling (specific number of guides depends on the number of participants)
Transfer from Kyoto airport to our Hotel (If arrival on the scheduled day)
2 night’s stay in Hotel in Kyoto (breakfast and welcome dinner included)
All Overnights in Riokan and small guest houses
Dinner during stages included
Two nights in the Fujiyama District
Transfer to the Tokyo Airport (on the scheduled day)
Travel insurance coverage

The price does not include

Airfare and baggage fees, bike equipment
Lunches and dinner where not expressly specified
Food during bike days except where specified
Excursions, extra activities
Additional costs in case of logistic changes (extra transfers etc.)
Anything not listed in “The price includes” section

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THE TRACK

THE STAGES

10 september

Arrival in Kyoto. Transfer to hotel. Bike preparation, briefing.

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11 september

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.

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12 september – STAGE 01

Kyoto to Hikone – 80 km | 520 m

Departure from Kyoto:

Stage one takes us from the ancient capital of past the Southern and East side of Lake Biwa the largest lake in Japan and a “Mecah” for cyclists riding a “Biwa Ich” which is riding around the entire lake in one day. We are sure to encounter many cyclists as we make our way to Hikone where we will see one of Japan’s most beautiful castes. There are several local restaurants and coffee shops along the way.

13 september – STAGE 02

Hikone to Neo – 90 km | 1500 m

Stage two is an amazing journey following the legendary Nakasendo to historical Sekigahara Battle Ground. Then Climbing through backcountry rindo at its finest we will pedal over stunning mountain passes and visit hidden shrines. We will have lunch near Kengonji temple before crisscrossing the Neo river until we arrive at Oyo Ryokan where we can take a hot bath and reflect on the day.

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14 september – STAGE 03

Neo to Gujoshirotori – 80 km | 1770 m

Stage three is a mountain expedition through the heart of Japan. Gifu prefecture is mostly uninhabited however along the road we will see farms and occasional villages once we have arrived in Gujo Hachiman we will stop for a late breakfast or perhaps an early lunch. And a short tour of the castle. With all the hard climbs behind us will move on to Gujoshirotori this will be the most physically demanding day of the tour thus far.

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15 september – STAGE 04

Gujoshirotori to Shirakawago – 67 km | 1500 m

Stage four is an extremely challenging final push to the gem of our journey. You well need front and rear lights for this section the tunnels are pitch back and extremely treacherous along this section of the tour; however, out of the darkness we will find the beautiful village of Shirakawago. As a UNESCO world heritage site which showcases the traditional grass rooftoped buildings known as GASSHO.

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16 september – STAGE 05

Village Loop – 50 km | 1000 m

Stage five is completely optional so as to will allow us some much needed rest you will be free to relax in the town: however, remember that this is a very remote and surprisingly underdeveloped area. There may not be access to ATMs or even a proper supermarket many shops in the area only take cash and most services close by 17:00. For those who would like to ride it is a breathtaking sojourn to the remote village of Gokayama and back.

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17 september – STAGE 06

Shirakawago to Takayama – 60 km | 1200 m

Stage six begins with an 800 m climb over Amou Pass it is a beautiful climb through dense forest with many waterfalls on the way to the top. From the top it is mostly down hill with a few small climbs until we reach our destination in Takayama. In this beautiful old town we will find many restaurants and shops for us to explore.

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18 september – STAGE 07

Takayama to Kiso – 85 km | 2000 m

Stage seven is a monster possibly the most challenging stage of the tour. There will be a rather steep climb coming out of Takayama followed but a beautiful ride through the countryside with small villages spread out along the way. About mid way we will stop at one of the most famous noodle restaurants in all of Japan here we will prepare for our most challenging climb of the day. After which we will cost down to Kiso and stay at a beautiful mountain lodge.

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19 september – STAGE 08

Kiso to Chino – 80 km | 1500 m

Stage eight is challenging but has the best “rindo” in the whole tour we begin our day with a hard climb to the top of Gonbei Pass on the decent we will find the most technical riding of the tour be prepared for rocks and sticks but also
be prepared for the most beautiful nature on the tour. After the technical section it is mostly down hill and easy until we reach Chino township where we will stay in a comfortable hotel.

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20 september – STAGE 09

Chino to Fujimi – 120 km | 1500 m

Stage nine is as beautiful as it is challenging. There is a lot relaxed down hill in the first half at kilometre 55 the climb up the high plateau beginning an continues to the top of Onnasaka Pass where we will finally descend in the five lakes region where we can see the mighty Mt. Fuji as we pass by the beautiful lakes Shoji, Saiko and Kawaguchi. Before finally coming to rest at Fujimi.

21 september – STAGE 10

Fujimi to Kawasaki – 110 km | 900 m

Stage ten is our final push to Tokyo and the end of our adventure through Japan. The first 50 kilometers are a rugged up and down journey to the Tama river. Once we have reached the Tama river it is a beautiful ride along the river to our
beautiful accumulations at the sky front hotel. For a well earned rest.

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22 september 13

Day off at Tokio

23 september

Transfer to airport

YOUR GUIDE

Willy Mulonia

Founder & President

Willy Mulonia, expert lonely traveler and cyclist for more than 30 years. He made several solo expeditions, but the most important is without a doubt the 28,640 bike trip from Ushuaia (Patagonia) to Prudhoe Bay (Alaska). He raced in the Crocodile Trophy (Australia) in ’98 and the famous Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) in Alaska in 1999, 2000, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2022 as well as many other mountain bike stage races all over the world. In 2003 he founded the bike travel agency Progetto Avventura, now renamed Project Adventure Cycling. In 2010, with the help of all the team of PA-Cycling he created the Mongolia Bike Challenge, one of the most important MTB stage race in the world. Today you can find him guiding most the tour offered by Project Adventure Cycling.

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