Japan cycling holiday
| country: | Japan |
| trip type: | Moderate / adventurous cycling holidays |
| departures: | 2009: 24 Sep, 20 Oct 2010: 8 Apr, 13 May, 23 Sep, 17 Oct |
| price: | From £2850 (17-18 days) excluding flights. Bike hire £175. We can help arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 3 travellers reviews
"Cycling is such an unusual way to see Japan and I think that’s what makes this trip so exciting. Cycling through the changing scenery and getting a real taste for the Japanese culture and way of life, not just in the big cities but through the countryside as well makes it a really unique experience."
- Lani, responsibletravel.com
- Lani, responsibletravel.com
the amazing things you'll be doing
Japan cycling holiday: Temples, Tea & Trails
£2850 (18 days) excluding flights.
2009: 09 Apr, 14 May, 24 Sep, 20 Oct.
2010: 08 Apr, 13 May, 23 Sep, 17 Oct
Between remote mountain trails, ancient temples and rugged coastlines, this unique cycling holiday explores the contrasting modern and traditional rural sides to this intriguing country, giving you a true insight into the culture, food and people of Japan, the ‘land of the rising sun’.
On this Japan cycling holiday we use a combination of quiet roads and easy off road routes so as to experience a side of Japan that is less known. Our journey takes in the rarely visited areas of Honshu and Kyushu islands, cycling through ever-changing landscapes of rice paddies, active volcanoes, bubbling sulphur pools, along lakesides and remote agricultural villages with the seasonal colours adding to the overall beauty. Greeted by the warm smiles of the local people on our way, we stop at Zen temples and beautiful gardens, take part in local festivals and explore some of Japan’s vibrant nightlife.
On this Japan cycling holiday we stay in comfortable traditional Minshuku inns and hostels, and you will experience the Japanese art of hospitality and aesthetic taste. Amongst the many highlights are biking down into the biggest caldera in the world, Mt. Aso, soaking in the thermal onsens (outdoor baths), cooking and sampling delicious food and exploring the serene beauty of the Imperial capital of Kyoto and the vibrant Gion district…look out for those Geishas! This Japan cycling holiday has been developed by Naomi, well known to those of you who have been with us to Sardinia, Cuba, Jura and the Alps. Having lived in Japan for a number of years, her enthusiasm for cycling and all aspects of Japanese culture have resulted in this unique holiday.
Japan cycling holiday: Temples, Tea & Tarmac
From £2850 (17 days) excluding flights.
2009: 12 Jun
Japan is filled with a myriad of cultural and historical sights and is a true cycling paradise which pleasantly contradicts ones image, of this busy and industrious nation. Our route leaves the, well-worn tourist paths far behind and follows predominantly quiet, well-paved backroads. We’ll begin in the ancient capital, Kyoto where, we explore some temples and historical back streets by day & in the evening experience the hustle and bustle of the now modern cultural capital. We leave the city and head for the wooded hills into a quiet and charming rural landscape.
Initially we follow the rugged and beautiful Japan Sea coast before taking a ferry to the remote area of Akita in Northern part of the main island of Honshu. During summer, the rice fields and forests with varying shades of green have a soothing effect on the eyes. At days end you will stay in traditional style inns, (Ryokan or Minshuku) and hotels. Here you will experience the Japanese art of hospitality and sample an amazing variety of delicious food. Another treat is the numerous hotspring baths where you can soak away the effects of your day’s effort.
Our experienced team, resident in Japan, have an enthusiasm and broad understanding of the many and varied aspects of Japanese culture, as well as extensive biking experience that will ensure your cycling holiday in Japan will become a cherished lifelong memory.
£2850 (18 days) excluding flights.
2009: 09 Apr, 14 May, 24 Sep, 20 Oct.
2010: 08 Apr, 13 May, 23 Sep, 17 Oct
Between remote mountain trails, ancient temples and rugged coastlines, this unique cycling holiday explores the contrasting modern and traditional rural sides to this intriguing country, giving you a true insight into the culture, food and people of Japan, the ‘land of the rising sun’.
On this Japan cycling holiday we use a combination of quiet roads and easy off road routes so as to experience a side of Japan that is less known. Our journey takes in the rarely visited areas of Honshu and Kyushu islands, cycling through ever-changing landscapes of rice paddies, active volcanoes, bubbling sulphur pools, along lakesides and remote agricultural villages with the seasonal colours adding to the overall beauty. Greeted by the warm smiles of the local people on our way, we stop at Zen temples and beautiful gardens, take part in local festivals and explore some of Japan’s vibrant nightlife.
On this Japan cycling holiday we stay in comfortable traditional Minshuku inns and hostels, and you will experience the Japanese art of hospitality and aesthetic taste. Amongst the many highlights are biking down into the biggest caldera in the world, Mt. Aso, soaking in the thermal onsens (outdoor baths), cooking and sampling delicious food and exploring the serene beauty of the Imperial capital of Kyoto and the vibrant Gion district…look out for those Geishas! This Japan cycling holiday has been developed by Naomi, well known to those of you who have been with us to Sardinia, Cuba, Jura and the Alps. Having lived in Japan for a number of years, her enthusiasm for cycling and all aspects of Japanese culture have resulted in this unique holiday.
Japan cycling holiday: Temples, Tea & Tarmac
From £2850 (17 days) excluding flights.
2009: 12 Jun
Japan is filled with a myriad of cultural and historical sights and is a true cycling paradise which pleasantly contradicts ones image, of this busy and industrious nation. Our route leaves the, well-worn tourist paths far behind and follows predominantly quiet, well-paved backroads. We’ll begin in the ancient capital, Kyoto where, we explore some temples and historical back streets by day & in the evening experience the hustle and bustle of the now modern cultural capital. We leave the city and head for the wooded hills into a quiet and charming rural landscape.
Initially we follow the rugged and beautiful Japan Sea coast before taking a ferry to the remote area of Akita in Northern part of the main island of Honshu. During summer, the rice fields and forests with varying shades of green have a soothing effect on the eyes. At days end you will stay in traditional style inns, (Ryokan or Minshuku) and hotels. Here you will experience the Japanese art of hospitality and sample an amazing variety of delicious food. Another treat is the numerous hotspring baths where you can soak away the effects of your day’s effort.
Our experienced team, resident in Japan, have an enthusiasm and broad understanding of the many and varied aspects of Japanese culture, as well as extensive biking experience that will ensure your cycling holiday in Japan will become a cherished lifelong memory.
travellers' tales
There were many high points, but the best of all was seeing the Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance) in the Gion district of Kyoto. (more)
this tourism business was Highly Commended
In our 2005 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine. The idea behind the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. how this holiday makes a difference
 Global adventures start with a local perspective - that's our philosophy. Whether abroad, or just as importantly at home, the start point is the same; how to get the most enjoyable holiday for our customers while benefiting the local people, economy and respecting the environment. On this holiday, cycling is a great way to explore Japan, travelling at a speed that enables you to take in the beauty of lesser known remote mountains, to stop and visit hidden ancient temples and reach tucked away natural open air hot springs without damaging the environment. This Japan cycling holiday explores the traditional rural and modern sides to the 'land of the rising sun' as we experience for ourselves the contrasting cultures and values that Japan has to face up to in the 21st century. For this Japan cycling holiday we have selected accommodation in small villages, comfortable Minshuku inns, Ryokans and hostels, so will experience the Japanese art of hospitality and aesthetic taste whilst benefiting the local people. For our picnics, we make sure that fresh local produce is selected, to experience the variety of regional food in Japan as well as contributing to the local economy and a chance to meet the producers. Care is taken to buy products which do not create too much waste, the disposal being a huge problem in Japan. Being able to participate in events which connect with the Japanese people (festivals and cooking classes) provides a richer cycling holiday experience. On this Japan cycling holiday, we provide travellers with Travellers Codes that encourage the reduction of waste, systems for collecting, recycling or safe disposal of litter and relevant suggestions to minimise damage to the environment, wildlife and marine ecosystems. All our Japan cycling holidays have a maximum group size of 12 people minimising both the social and environmental impact. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |