Japan Bike Tour

The Noto Peninsula to Kyoto

From $8,999 - $9,599 pp dbl. occ. | 8 days / 7 nights

Call for single supplement pricing

Internal air: $120

Japan's dramatic coast. Perfected over eons and just waiting to be discovered by bike. On scenic rides, explore the Noto Peninsula's "hidden shore," lined with fishing villages, terraced rice fields and rocky limestone formations. Exquisite 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 open-air hot tubs, 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

Japan

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 | Spin past the famous Shiroyone Senmaida, a cliff blanketed with a mosaic of terraced rice paddies | Delight in a taiko drumming performance.

Day 3 Discover the old-world countryside of Notojima (or Noto Island) and bike the island's forested hills and quiet country roads | 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 seaside at a resort long considered one of the finest in Japan.

Day 4 Ride along Toyama Bay and skirt the base of the Japanese Alps | Gorgeous panoramic views abound as you bike across the majestic Shinminato Bridge.

Day 5 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 | Stay in historic Kanazawa, a beguiling city dotted with castles.

Days 6-8 Explore Kenroku-en, a stunning Japanese garden with bridges, ponds and waterfalls | Stroll Kanazawa's vibrant Omicho Market and witness a mind-boggling assortment of freshly caught seafood | Spin out of Kyoto to the reed-lined shore of Lake Biwa, where abundant birdlife thrives | Pedal 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.

Next: 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.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

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Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. Call or email us to reserve your date.

Private Trip Pricing

10 or more Guests: from $8,999 pp dbl occ
9 Guests: from $10,249 pp dbl occ
8 Guests: from $11,199 pp dbl occ
2-7 Guests: Give us a call or reach out here!

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

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2+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 2 or more guests
8+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
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C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020 October

10/5–10/12

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Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

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Dates

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020
May
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Nov

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Prices

From $8,999 - $9,599 pp dbl. occ.
8 days / 7 nights

Call for single supplement pricing

Internal air: $120

Reviews

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Premiere Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto (2 nights)

Notonosho Ryokan

Waijima (2 nights)

Matsuno Midori

Wakura (1 night)

River Retreat Garaku

Toyama (1 night)

Nikko Kanazawa

Kanazawa (1 night)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 2-4

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Japan

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto (2 nights)

Fusuma panels, paper lanterns and lacquerware are among the artisanal elements at this refined property in the well-preserved Higashiyama District. (pool, spa)

Notonosho Ryokan

Waijima (2 nights)

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

Matsuno Midori

Wakura (1 night)

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

River Retreat Garaku

Toyama (1 night)

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

Nikko Kanazawa

Kanazawa (1 night)

A comfortable Western-style hotel in the heart of Kanazawa.

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1	9*	900	19	2200
2	16*	800			32*	2000	43	3200
3	12*	700			27*	2000	40	3300
	Morning Market Visit (1 Hour)
	Tea Ceremony (30 Minutes)
4			25*	1300	37*	1500	50	2000
5					32*	2200	60	3700
6	Kenroku-en Guided Walking Tour (2 Hours)
	Kanazawa Castle Visit (1 Hour)
	Omicho Market Visit (1 Hour)
7			22*	1000			42	2600
8	Fushimi Torii Walk (3 Miles, 500' elevation gain)

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners

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 your available bike options for this trip.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Performance Road Bike (Included)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price– Available until 4/1/20)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

NEW! Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price – Available beginning 4/1 in North America, 5/1 in Europe and 11/1 outside of Europe and North America.)

Our newly redesigned Titanium Electric-Assist Bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Also Included

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

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

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!

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Japan

The Best Leaders in Japan

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in Japan, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Japan you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Japan trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

Our Superb Bikes Included

A great bike is obviously critical for a great biking trip; you don't want to gamble on one that's been sourced locally to trim costs. This trip features our acclaimed Backroads Custom Titanium bikes, expertly tuned and fitted, and included in your trip price. Learn why our titanium bikes are ideal for most riders.

Only the Best Hotels

On this trip featuring Premiere Hotels, you can count on the best lodgings Japan has to offer. In fact, the hotels we've chosen in this region have higher retail room rates than those offered by any other active travel company—even when their trips cost more.

We Stand Behind Our Trips

Most companies' trips in Japan are run by local operators. At Backroads we manage our own trips; we would never subcontract your precious vacation to a third party. So as you enjoy the support of your seasoned Trip Leaders, along with our expert local guides and drivers, you have the confidence of knowing we're with you every step of the way.

We've Set the Standard

For nearly four decades we've worked to earn and maintain our right to call Backroads the world's #1 active travel company. In pursuing that vision on behalf of our guests, we believe we've set the standard for our industry—captured in the Backroads Quality Guide, which clearly sets out the benchmarks of excellence, choice and support that we live by

Quality You Can Measure

Since 1979, Backroads Founder and President Tom Hale has shown that staying #1 means constantly evaluating our performance using the best possible source of information: our guests. As we systematically analyze your feedback on our trip consultants, leaders, hotels, meals and on-trip activities, we never stop working to make a great company even better.

We Know Where We're Going

Tom Hale has been keeping Backroads on track, with one eye on the horizon, since 1979. His passion for active travel, and for ensuring the highest-quality travel experience, is evident in every detail we add to make a guest's trip unforgettable—and the fact he's right there in the office, making it happen. To hear Tom describe his vision, watch our video.

The Right Local Pairings

Our Trip Leaders combine deep local expertise with a firm grasp of North American expectations around quality of service. By the same token, we pair experienced Backroads leaders with local guides who know how to cater to your needs while cracking open the culture or natural history in ways that are meaningful, memorable and often magical.

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Guest Photo Gallery

Featured Blog Story

Japan Travel Guide

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.

Days Prior to Trip Start	Scheduled Trips	Private & Custom Trips
156+ days	$200**	$600
126-155 days	$200**	30%
96-125 days	$200**	50%
61-95 days	30%	75%
31-60 days	60%	100%
0-30 days	100%	100%

Japan Bike Tour