Region Overviews: Japan Travel Guide: Overview
From bubbling hot springs and white-sand beaches to ornate temples and metropolitan chaos, Japan is a land of almost mythic beauty and diversity.
Biking
See all photos
Japan Bike Tour
The Noto Peninsula to Kyoto
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days 7 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $10,199 - $12,149 pp dbl occ
Plus $200 internal air
($2,000 for sgl occ)
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.
Japan Biking
Japan
Start Tokyo / End Kyoto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
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
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
8 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
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.
Accommodations
Notonosho Ryokan
Waijima
| Premiere Hotel Serenity, hot-spring baths, futons and tradition await at this beautiful inn by the sea. (spa)
Days 3-4
Description
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.
Accommodations
Matsuno Midori
Wakura
| Premiere Hotel Experience Japanese elegance at this spectacular waterfront retreat, complete with inspiring views and sea breezes.
Day 5
Description
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 | Visit hilltop Kinbyōzan Zuisen-ji, a picturesque Buddhist temple renowned for its Zen garden | Tour our extraordinary hotel and admire its world-class art collection.
Accommodations
River Retreat Garaku
Toyama
| Premiere Hotel Modern luxury and artistry of design abound at this riverside inn nestled in the Northern Alps. (spa)
Days 6-8
Description
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.
Accommodations
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
| 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)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
April 2023
May 2023
May 7 - May 14
Sold out
May 28 - Jun 4
Sold out
June 2023
September 2023
October 2023
From our Guests
Share your adventure
#MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for bike options specific to this trip (click the arrow to see more). Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations
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).
Meals
A typical Japanese meal is comprised of several small plates with a range of vegetables, meat and seafood, with a focus on seafood. 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.
Shuttle Time
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!
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations
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).
Meals
A typical Japanese meal is comprised of several small plates with a range of vegetables, meat and seafood, with a focus on seafood. 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.
Shuttle Time
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!
Featured article
Read More
