DAY 01

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

DAY 02

Do some sightseeing and buy 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 fresh water 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 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 in to Shiga Prefecture the ride should be relaxed with short climbs and shallow descents on our left will be a mix of Mountain forests and cityscape on the right will be shimmering Biwako. After 100 km we will head into rural Japan climbing and descending through forests and
villages until we reach Anegawa camping area. There are shower and toilets available and there may be some 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 in our journey. the trail will be asphalt but there in the first 50 km we may not see more than a few cars as we climb through dens forests to the top of Mikuni Pass, as we make our ascent on our left we will see the forests to our right we will see Majestic Ibuki Mountain! One of the most beautiful mountains in Japan. After Mikuni pass and entering Gifu Prefecture we will have a slightly technical descent through some mountain villages until we reach the Ibi River. After crossing the Ibi river we will pass thorough Ibi township. This is a good place to stop for a well-deserved lunch break. There are many stores in Ibi where you 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 36 km descent in to Fukui Prefecture, small hills will keep you for getting too cold as we enter 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 a like. We will end the day with a gentil climb to the Eco Village Camp Ground 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 market place where you can get some local yummy deserts and savory treats. Departing the cliffs we will make our way south west along the Sea of Japan before taking a short climb through a deep-rooted forest and back to the camp.

DAY 07 – STAGE 05

Eco Village – Yunohira Onsen – 95 km | 2020 m

The next stage of the tour will take us through some of the most backcountry riding Japan has to offer passing by 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 through our journey we will crisscross Gifu and enjoy the power gained form 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 mountain river valleys until we arriveat our first rest destination. once we arrive at Shirakawa go you can wonder through this traditional Japanese village in the there is a place you will want to have your camera batteries charged. There are many food options as well as local beer and Sake.

DAY 09 – STAGE 07

Shirakawago – Takayama – 60 km | 1400 m

Compared to the first 6 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 foods and beautiful old style Japanese city dwellings you can rest your legs and get a good night’s rest or you can enjoy bar hoping on Halloween.

DAY 10 – STAGE 08

Takayama – Matsumoto Onsen Ryokan – 99 km | 2620 m

Depending on the weather conditions this may be the most challenging day of the tour. As we climb 2200m up mighty Mt Norikura passing through the Japanese Alps into Nagano Prefecture. The descent should be breath taking. This should prove to be a very cold day be sure to dress for a day of cold and warm weather. We end our day at the foot of beautiful Matsumoto Castel after which we will make our way to our campsite at Hoshi Yama camp site.

DAY 11 – STAGE 09

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

This is a long day of riding pasting the mountain villages in of Nagano Prefecture and coasting out of the Japanese alps we enter Yamanashi Prefecture in this staged we will lock eyes with Mt Fuji. The great Mountain will keep watch over us for the remainder of the journey this will be the stage where we spend the most time in rural city scape. Be mindful of traffic laws. The good point it 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 the 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 to the Shiraito Falls these seem like a scene form a mythical story buried in the lush forests the magical falls are sure carve a memory into your soul. After a rest at Shriaito falls we will make our final push out of Shizuoka Prefecture and in to 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.

Pack up our bikes.

DAY 13

Day off at Odawara

DAY 14

Transfer to airport