











Japan Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
From $10,799 - $11,899 /person
+$200 internal air
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Japan Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2024: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov












The Noto Peninsula to Kyoto
The Noto Peninsula's dramatic coast. Perfected over eons and just waiting to be discovered on our Japan bike tour. On scenic rides, explore Japan's "hidden shore," lined with fishing villages, terraced rice fields and rocky limestone formations. Exquisite Kyoto's Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines that stand the test of time, all waiting to be explored.
Highlights
- Bike the Noto Peninsula's breathtaking coast amid plunging cliffs, old-world fishing villages, hidden coves and terraced rice fields
- Discover the diverse facets of Japanese culture like taiko drumming, traditional tea rituals, kaiseki-style fare and modern art
- Rejuvenate at Japan's top ryokans, replete with natural hot springs, superb cuisine and panoramic views over the shimmering sea
- Explore Kyoto, where each street is filled with hidden gems and geishas come to learn the timeless trade

Start Tokyo
End Kyoto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Days 1-2
Cycle the Noto Peninsula's coast past plunging cliffs, coves and fishing villages • A world of serenity awaits at our classic ryokan accommodations • Don a yukata (robe) and savor a traditional kaiseki-style dinner • Bike past the famous Shiroyone Senmaida, a cliff blanketed with a mosaic of terraced rice paddies • Delight in a taiko drumming performance.

Nights 1-2
Serenity, hot-spring baths, futons and tradition await at this beautiful inn by the sea. (spa)

Days 3-4
Discover the old-world countryside of Notojima (or Noto Island) and bike the island's forested hills and quiet country roads • Shop for unique souvenirs at one of Japan's oldest outdoor markets • Relax in stunning onsen, open-air hot tubs, or indulge in a traditional shiatsu massage • Partake in a traditional tea ceremony (or chaji) • Learn the steps of this highly stylized ritual, a highlight of our cultural adventure • Luxuriate at our seaside resort, long considered one of the finest in Japan.

Nights 3-4
Experience Japanese elegance at this spectacular waterfront retreat, complete with inspiring views and sea breezes.

Day 5
Ride along Toyama Bay and skirt the base of the Japanese Alps • Gorgeous panoramic views abound as you cruise across the majestic Shinminato Bridge • Bike to Yatsuo, one of the best preserved historical villages in Japan • Tour our extraordinary hotel and admire its world-class art collection.

Night 5
Modern luxury and artistry of design abound at this riverside inn nestled in the Northern Alps. (spa)

Days 6-8
Explore the quaint streets of historic Kyoto, known for its traditional wooden buildings and merchant shops • Cycle along the shoreline of Lake Biwa, the frequent subject of Japanese folklore and the country’s largest fresh water lake • Bike past small towns, stretches of forest and popular beaches • Walk under countless torii, or Japanese gates, on a climb up to famed Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a popular Shinto temple that dates back to AD 711 • From the summit of iconic Inari hill, soak up unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and Kyoto below.

Nights 6-7
Fusuma panels, paper lanterns and lacquerware are among the artisanal elements at this refined property in the well-preserved Higashiyama District. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Even at five-star Western-style hotels in Japan, the local preference for ordered austere aesthetics is prioritized. This means simple rooms with fewer amenities than one might find at a typical Backroads Premiere Hotel and an emphasis on tranquility and refined onsen (Japanese-style spas).
A typical Japanese meal is comprised of several small plates with a range of vegetables, meat and seafood, with a focus on seafood and beef. It is not common in Japanese restaurants to make substitutions and in most cases restaurants do not offer additional choices beyond their set menus. You'll find that Japanese cuisine is not well-suited to celiac or vegetarian diets.
In order to access the scenic and culturally significant biking routes and points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle—though always to reach a worthwhile destination!
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
Serenity, hot-spring baths, futons and tradition await at this beautiful inn by the sea. (spa)

Nights 3-4
Premiere Hotel
Experience Japanese elegance at this spectacular waterfront retreat, complete with inspiring views and sea breezes.

Night 5
Premiere Hotel
Modern luxury and artistry of design abound at this riverside inn nestled in the Northern Alps. (spa)

Nights 6-7
Premiere Hotel
Fusuma panels, paper lanterns and lacquerware are among the artisanal elements at this refined property in the well-preserved Higashiyama District. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only

Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only

Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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