JAPAN

9 – 24 May 2025

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:

– In case of cancellation, an administration fee of 300 euros will be charged.
– 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)
— ALL OVERNIGHTS in Hotels, Ryokan and small guest houses
— Dinner and breakfast during all stages included
— Group travel insurance
— Shipment of bike cases from Kyoto to Tokyo
— Support van and luggage transport (50 l max) for each participant
— Welcome and Bye Bye dinner
— Transfer from Kansai airport to our Hotel in Kyoto by train (If arrival on the scheduled day)
— Airport transfer on departure day from Tokyo (if departure on the scheduled day)
– If departure is from Haneda airport the transfer will be by Bus hotel shuttle (5 min to airport)
– If departure is from Narita airport the transfer will be by bus hotel shuttle to Haneda, and from Haneda, with a bus (highway bus – 1:15hr). This bus has a cost of ¥2100 – ¥290

The price does not include

— Airfare and baggage fees, bike equipment
— Lunches during all stages and dinner where not expressly specified
— Food / Snacks 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 May

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

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11 May

To test out the bikes, familiarize ourselves with the surroundings and (above all) to enjoy this incredible city, we’re going for a ride of about 50 kilometres, visiting some of its most famous icons and other lesser-known but equally interesting spots.

Then, you can 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 May – STAGE 01

Kyoto to Nagahama – 91 km | 430 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 May – STAGE 02

Hikone to Neo – 103 km | 1640 m

Stage two is an amazing journey following the legendary Nakasendo to historical Sekigahara Battle Ground.

Today we will be accumulating kilometres and metres of elevation gain while we will pedal over stunning mountain passes and visit hidden shrines.

The last 15 kilometres of the day will be downhill to our typical Japanese travellers’ accommodation, where a nice dinner awaits us.

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14 May – STAGE 03

Neo to Gujoshirotori – 78 km | 1200 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, we will move on to Gujoshirotori, this will be the most physically demanding day of the tour thus far.

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15 May – STAGE 04

Gujoshirotori to Ryokan – 50 km | 790 m

On today’s stage we will cycle for about 50 kilometres. Although we will gain almost 800 metres of elevation gain (almost all of which is concentrated in the first part of the route), we will soon reach our (beautiful) destination and we will be able to recover a little of our strength from the accumulated kilometres.

One of the most unforgettable accommodations of the trip awaits us. An authentic ryokan where its charming owners will make us feel really special.

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16 May – STAGE 05

Ryokan to Shirakawago – 25 km | 440 m

Today’s stage is short in kilometres but huge in experiences. We will cover the 20 kilometres that separate us from the city of Shirakawago, a UNESCO world heritage site with showcases the traditional grass rooftop buildings know as Gassho. There we will have free time to stroll through its streets that seem frozen in time and to do some shopping.

We will then climb the last few metres to reach our destination for today: the spectacular Toyota Institute Hotel. Here we will be able to enjoy a truly spectacular setting and a high level of comfort.

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17 May – STAGE 06

Shirakawago to Takayama – 64 km | 1270 m

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful (and hardest) stages of the trip.

We will start by climbing a tough and incredibly beautiful mountain pass, reaching almost 1300 metres above sea level.

After an interminable descent and after bordering the marsh, we will face another pass, this time shorter and less hard but equally beautiful, between trees.

The last 20 kilometres will be a gentle climb up the valley that leads us to the beautiful old town of Takayama, where a comfortable hotel and plenty of art shops and monuments to visit await us.

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18 May – STAGE 07

Takayama to Agematsu – 92 km | 1610 m

Today’s stage is a tough one, probably one of the most demanding of the trip.

There will be a rather steep climb coming out of Takayama followed by a beautiful ride through the countryside with small villages spread out along the way.

It is likely that we will be able to stop after the big climb to enjoy one of the region’s best soba noodle restaurants.

The last 26 kilometres are (almost all) downhill and lead us to our destination, Agematsu, where we will rest and recover our strength in this mountainous enclave.

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19 May – STAGE 08

Kiso to Chino – 109 km | 1480 m

Today’s stage is tough due to its length and the climbs along the route. The most iconic will be the ascent to the top of Gonbei Pass, a steep climb on a small wooded road or “rindo” that is legendary for cyclists in the area. The steep descent, usually in the shade, is great fun.

The last part of the ride is not very steep and ends in the town of Chino, where we will sleep in a comfortable hotel.

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20 May – STAGE 09

Chino to Fujimi – 79 km | 990 m

Stage nine is long but more relaxed than the previous one, and saves the surprise for the end: the breathtaking view (if the weather is calm) of the majestic Mount Fuji by the lake.

The first 45 kilometres are downhill. In the second part we climb the Onnasaka Pass and enter the five lakes region. We will see Lake Shoij, Lake Saiko and finally Fujimi, where we will rest in an idyllic spot.

If you still have some energy left, a bike ride around the lake is highly recommended.

21 May – STAGE 10

Fujimi to Kawasaki – 121 km | 860 m

Our last day of cycling is a transition stage. We will move from the countryside to the city. From the mountains to the coast.

It is a long route but with little gradient, which accumulates all in the first half. The second part of the route is mostly on cycle paths along the river.

The endless city of Tokyo awaits us. The comfortable and beautiful hotel is waiting for us to celebrate the end of the adventure,

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22 May

Day off at Tokio

There are many things to do in Tokyo on this “day off” besides resting and packing everything for the day of departure. One of the most common plans is to visit the city centre and the famous street of GINZA.

23 May

Transfer to airport

YOUR GUIDE

Ignacio Pellejero

Travel Logistic Coordinator & Guide

With a divided heart, of Argentine parents, born in Venezuela and raised in Spain, since childhood Nacho has had a nomadic and adventurous soul. In 2017, together with his best friend, they decided to cycle the Americas with their @260litros project until the pandemic put the dream of getting from Patagonia to Alaska on standby. Nowadays, after living five years in South America, he returns home (Spain) to join the PA-Cyling family and thus continue his dream of pedaling around the world, but this time, offering the possibility to others to accompany him to live even if it is for a few days how wonderful it is to travel and get to know different places and cultures on board of a bicycle.

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