Guide

All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed) There may be times when a client is asked to be the back marker, ensuring no one else rides behind them, if the vehicle cannot travel directly behind the group. Your leader will discuss this at the initial group meeting.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Others

9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling 9 Days Included Bicycle Hire Kyoto - Gion District walk Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Nara - Todaiji Temple Omi Hachiman historic village visit Gassho Village open air museum Takayama morning market visit Gifu Castle visit Tokyo - Sensoji Temple Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market

Accommodation

All accommodation at traditional Japanese Ryoken has shared bathroom facilities. RYOKANS : & MINSHUKUS: Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. Accommodation in Japan can be difficult to secure at short notice. If you are travelling in Japan before or after your trip, we recommend booking accommodation at least 1 month in advance of travel, especially in high season (March to May, September to November). Hotel (8 nights), Ryokan (2 nights)

Transport

While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others. Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: Please note that due to operational restrictions clients are unable to bring their own bikes on this trip. Bike bag/box restrictions on Trains From May 2020 there will be size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage over 160-250cm may require an additional 1000 JPY : oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please note a Japan Rail Pass is not incuded as part of this trip. All train sections indicated as included on the itinerary are prebooked and prepaid as a group and cannot be used individually. INCLUDED BIKES: We use Giant Escape RX3 bikes on our Cycle Japan trip - it is an aluminium frame hybrid style bikes with 27 gears, rigid fork, rim brakes and flat bars and 28mm tyres. For full specs and geometry please see http://www.giant.co.jp/giant16/bike_datail.php?p_id=00000051#specifications An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an ’on request’ basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. SUPPORT VEHICLE: While we always aim to ride to our next accommodation, outside of the main cities a support vehicle will also be with you at all times. Please note that the maximum number of cyclists we can fit in the support vehicle is 4. The support vehicle is not with us in Kyoto and Tokyo. Bicycle (e-bike option available , subject to availability) , Support vehicle , Train

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Flights

International flights not included.

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Day 1 Day 1: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Kyoto

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto. Serving as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is the spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism and one of the most historically important cities in Japan. Unlike many of its neighbours Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II and thousands of temples, shrines and other historically invaluable structures survive in the city today. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Afterwards, head out on an evening walk before enjoying a welcome dinner. If you arrive early, Kyoto offers a myriad of options to explore. For a taste of Shogun life, head to the World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle, perhaps the best surviving example of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era. See how the Emperor lived at the Sento Imperial Palace within Kyoto Imperial Park, an attractive park in the centre of the city. Or for a quieter moment, you may wish to contemplate silently in one of the serene karesansui (Zen gardens) that dot the city.
Day 2 Day 2: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kyoto

After breakfast and a safety talk by your leader, familiarise yourself with your bike and take a short test ride before cycling with the group west from our ryokan to the Katsura River, then north along a dedicated cycling path past traditional houses and community gardens to the ancient imperial resort of Arashiyama. Time allowing stop off for a coffee break in Arashiyama, well-known for its gorgeous bamboo forests. After a caffeine hit and a chance to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, ride on to Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple, with its famous white Zen rock garden. Pause here to contemplate the sound of one hand clapping and then move on to contemplate some lunch. Afterwards, cycle east across the north end of Kyoto and then onto the Path of Philosophy and the Higashiyama area before returning to our accommodation. The ride today will be gentle, with only slight elevation on the roads as we head into Arashiyama. We start with a 5 kilometre ride on a main road, then follow dedicated bicycle paths and secondary roads for the rest of the day. On arrival back into Kyoto, take an evening orientation tour of Kyoto’s Gion district. Observe Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) from key spots in the city’s old back streets and be tempted by some of the area’s great local restaurants, perhaps doubling back to visit for dinner after the tour has ended. Kyoto’s streets are laid out in a convenient grid pattern, which is unusual for Japanese cities. In the 8th century, imperial city planners copied the grid layout of Chang’an (now Xian), the capital of the Tang Dynasty China. That’s not the only benefit we reap from the Tang Dynasty today – two well-known Tang engineers, Ma Jun and Zhang Heng, invented the mechanical gear system used by the bikes we ride around this easy-to- navigate city. Arigato Tang Dynasty!
Day 3 Day 3: Nara & Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Nara & Kyoto

The cycling route takes you through beautiful Japanese scenery on a dedicated riverside cycling path from the old capital of Kyoto to the even older capital of Nara. Here, you’ll see the Giant Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure on the planet. This city is well known for its Todaiji Temple and its cute, free-roaming wild deer. Head south along the river for most of the day, stopping briefly at Nagarebashi Bridge, a 356-metre wooden bridge that is a popular film location for samurai dramas. Return by train to Kyoto.
Day 4 Day 4: Lake Biwa & Hikone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Lake Biwa & Hikone

Leave Kyoto behind and transport to nearby Otsu, located on the shores of the sprawling Lake Biwa. Today is a long but relaxed ride as you cycle around the mostly flat shoreline of Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Enjoy a lunch stop Omi Hachiman, a tiny historic trading town on the ancient Nakasendo trading route, with its well preserved old buildings and central canal before ending your ride in lakeside Hikone. While small, Hikone is home to the feudal Hikone Castle, one of only five castles in Japan designated as a national treasure. If you have time it is well worth the visit. Otherwise enjoy a free evening wandering the streets are dining at one of the local cafes and restaurants.
Day 5 Day 5: Gero Onsen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gero Onsen

Start the day early and take the train approximately 4 hours north into the heart of the Gifu Prefecture to the hot spring town of Gero Onsen. After checking in to your hotel its time to step back in time and check out the the Gassho Village, an open air museum of farmhouses. These centuries-old traditional steep roofed houses and traditional folk art give you an insight into a Japan far removed form its bustling cities. Take some time to explore then enjoy gather with your fellow cyclists for an included dinner in the evening.
Day 6 Day 6: Takayama
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Takayama

Today its back on your bike, following the Hida River as it winds it’s way between the rolling green hills north to Takayama. Today’s journey takes you through some beautiful scenery as you ride the quiet roads up the valley, flanked by wooded green hills and mountains on both sides. Arriving into Takayama (also known as Hida-Takayama) in the early afternoon you will have ample time to explore this fascinating small city. Be sure to visit the beautifully preserved old town, dating from the Edo era. The area is home to traditional sake breweries, handicraft shops, and local food stores, offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and lifestyle, and is a great place to unwind after a good day cycling.
Day 7 Day 7: Gujo Hachiman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Gujo Hachiman

Rise early and head out to the famous Takayama morning market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. Cruise the many shop and stalls selling everything from fruits and spices to craft wares then it’s time to saddle up for the ride to Gujo Hachiman. At 70 kms/44 miles this is the longest ride of the trip, but all of the climbing is done first, giving you 40kms of mostly downhill cruising on the quiet roads that meander through the mountainous landscape of the island’s winter skiing region. On arrival you will have ample time to wander the quiet streets and canals of this small traditional town and perhaps take in it’s historical centrepiece, the 16th century Hachiman Castle.
Day 8 Day 8: Gifu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Gifu

Today is your last rural ride as you cycle the undulating but mostly downhill from Gujohachiman to the riverside city of Gifu. While now a modern city Gifu has had a significant impact on Japanese history since the 15th century. Discover a bit of history yourself and stretch your walking legs on a visit to Gifu Castle on nearby Mount Kinkazan - the views are spectacular! The rest of the day is free for you to perhaps visit the museum dedicated to the epic Battle of Sekigahara, further explore or simply relax after a long but rewarding ride.
Day 9 Day 9: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tokyo

No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the country’s legendary train system. Swap your bike for a train and watch the scenic landscape fly by on a journey (approx. 5 hours) to Tokyo. Hit the streets on arrival for a night-time orientation walk. Explore the contemporary centre of town as well as the old streets, and feel the hum of modern life in this famous city. Riding distance: NULL
Day 10 Day 10: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tokyo

Hold on to your helmets because there’s a real treat today – two rides in one day! Get a better feel for the different areas of the city this morning as you cycle along the same local paths Tokyoites use to cut through the city. There are surprises, both old and modern, waiting at every turn along the way and architecture aficionados will be in heaven. Along the way we visit many of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks; the first ride passing along the cherry tree lined paths of Ueno Park, home of Tokyo’s most popular museums and temples, Akihabara gadget town, the ‘Japan Bridge’ district of Nihonbashi, and upmarket the district of Ginza with its dazzling array of high-end shops, galleries and cafes. We break between rides to enjoy lunch at the famous Tsukiji Outer Fish Market before commencing our second ride to see such luminaries as the Edo-era Imperial Palace, the 333m-high Eiffel Tower lookalike Tokyo Tower, the elegant Hachimangu Shrine, Tsukishima (Moon Island), the manmade island in Tokyo Bay, and of course the Skytree Asakusa, at 634m the tallest building in all of Japan Later enjoy an included farewell dinner then take the rest of the evening to spend as you see fit - enjoy a quiet night, let loose at karaoke, or walk and drink your way across the city with your local leader.
Day 11 Day 11: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Tokyo

Sadly it’s time to say farewell to this great Japanese adventure. There are no activities planned for the day and you’re able to depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time is 11 am but if you’re departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you have time why not check out the amazing Urban Adventures on offer in this eclectic city. Read more at: www.urbanadventures.com/en/tokyo

11 days tour

Cycle Japan

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Cycle Japan

Day 1: Kyoto

Day 2: Kyoto

Day 3: Nara & Kyoto

Day 4: Lake Biwa & Hikone

Day 5: Gero Onsen

Day 6: Takayama

Day 7: Gujo Hachiman

Day 8: Gifu

Day 9: Tokyo

Day 10: Tokyo

Day 11: Tokyo

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