There is no better way of experiencing the ever-changing landscapes of Japan than on two wheels. Pedal from the rugged seascapes and wild beaches of the Noto Peninsula to picturesque farmlands and remote mountainous regions of Takayama and UNESCO Shirakawa-go, where we are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside.
From temples, shrines and market visits, to hot springs and overnights in ryokans – traditional Japanese guesthouses – this trip offers excellent rural cycling without compromising on the cultural elements. No trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to Kyoto, Japan's age-old capital, with its peaceful Zen gardens and geisha districts and futuristic Tokyo: sprawling, inimitably busy and extraordinary.
Commencing in electrifying Tokyo, this cultural highlights adventure is the ideal way to experience some of Japan's most iconic cities and sites. Visit atmospheric Kyoto to delve into the heart of Japan's cultural heritage, taste the amazing and diverse cuisine, uncover the beautiful Japanese nature and UNESCO world heritage sites of magical Nikko before discovering historic Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum and captivating Miyajima. This rich journey through the land of the rising sun ends in vibrant and lively Osaka before heading home with memories that will last a lifetime!
With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan's cultural heritage and is one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. From the impressive Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, to the famous Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (and immortalized in Mishima Yukio’s novel, ‘The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’), there is a wealth of sites to indulge in.
The famous geisha districts are also must-sees during Kyoto trips. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional tea houses, Gion and Pontocho are at their most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geisha will flit about the back streets on their way to their appointments.
Japan has four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal, and when planning holidays here it’s best to pick the one that excites you best. But spring is when one of the country’s greatest natural sights occurs. The sakura, or cherry blossom, is spectacular, and some of our holidays are timed to celebrate the beautiful blush of delicate pink blossom that coats the country.
There are dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The typical timing for our sakura cherry blossom tours is between the end of March and the first two weeks of April.
Less well-known than their European namesake, but equally dramatic, the Japanese Alps stretch from Central Honshu to the far north of the main island, and offer world-class trekking as well as picturesque towns, temples and castles.
High on any trekker’s list should be the ascent of Mount Yarigatake, the ‘Japanese Matterhorn’, while those searching for a cultural experience shouldn’t miss Matsumoto Castle – also known as Crow Castle, due to its black exterior – or the traditional architecture of Takayama, nestled in the foothills of some of Asia's most spectacular peaks.