Day 1: TOKYO (arrival Day) Aug 26

Upon your arrival into Tokyo, you will make your way from the airport into the bustling heart of Tokyo, Shibuya. The center of young generation, Shibuya is the most energetic district in Tokyo, offering countless restaurants, shops and entertainment. After you check into our arrival hotel, spend a few hours walking around the buzzing neighborhood, witnessing the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing, about 3,000 people at most cross the large intersection at the same time, and a half million people a day. There is some great coffee to be found at About Life Coffee Brewers, one of the last Tower Records is nearby and it’s a close walk to Paul Smiths main Tokyo shop. 

This afternoon our RAID staff mechanics will meet you to assemble your bicycle and we will host a briefing about the trip before we head into the heart of the city for dinner this evening. If your up for a shot of Japanese whiskey, we will cozy up with our fellow drinkers at one of the big-hearted “Tiny” bars.  O/N Cerulean Tower, Shibuya

Day 2: HIGASHI OME TO KOFU Aug 27

64 miles / 9,251 Feet   

We transfer this morning via train that heads south, taking us into the heart of Higashi-Ōme, a mountainous region laced with deep gorges, raging rivers and mountain lakes. Our first ride sees us cycling uphill deep into the river gorge, with exciting side trips through lost villages. It’s the perfect intro into the style of riding we will encounter the rest of the week.  Enjoy a hot bowl of soba for lunch at a mountain top cafe before descending into the lush Kofu valley.  

This afternoon, take a dip into your first Onsen hot spring at Hottarakashi Onsen, an open air bath sitting high above the valley floor below. Soak while taking in the stunning view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.  O/N Fruits Park Fujiya Hotel   

Day 3: KISOFUKUCHIMA TO TAKAYAMA Aug 28

78.6 miles / 11,363 Feet   

This morning we begin our journey with another short transfer via bus to the small village of Kiso-Fukushima, located on the historic Edo Period Nakasendo or better known as the 'Road through the Central Mountains' which was part of feudal Japan's network of highways. Traveller’s moving between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the Nakasendo. Due to a road closure on Mt Norikura, we have to deviate from our standard route. Our route takes us into the high mountain passes in the very remote Kiso Mountains in the Hida region of the Gifu Prefecture. Today's route will inspire and test your fitness! Enjoy the ride! We end in the remarkable village of Takayama- world famous for it's sake production for over 400 years and it's perfectly preserved old town. Tonight's hotel is quite special, The Hotel Wood is a wooden structure hotel that incorporates the concept  of ZEN to enable you to experience mindfulness and relaxation.  Subtle rooms and quiet space enhances the experience and highlighted with the onsen hot springs on site. 

O/N Wood Hotel- Takayama

Day 4: TAKAYAMA TO SHIRAKAWA Aug 29

74.8 miles / 9,746 Feet   

Rise early and take in another morning Onsen soak before we make our final push up and deeper into the Gifu mountains. After lunch we have one more substantial climb before we arrive at our final destination, the historic World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) along the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains, famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.  We descend into the village from a remote mountain road. Enjoy a black sesame ice cream before we finish off our last 10-miles to our traditional ryokan.  

Tonight we check into what one guest of ours described as staying in a ‘Samurai’s home’. A traditional Japanese inn offering a nostalgic atmosphere. The inn is full of history and is distinguished by its commitment to the spirit of hospitality. We can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Local cuisine made with seasonal locally-sourced ingredients is served.  All guest rooms are Japanese-style  with tatami mat floors and futon bedding.  O/N Oshirakawa-no-yu-Hirase Onsen   

Day 5: SHIRAKAWA TO KAGA Aug 30

94 miles / 9,206 Feet   

Today is a special ride, we begin from our ryokan this morning, cycling along the Shogawa River heading do west. This ride has it all, fun punchy climbs, fast twisty descents, waterfalls, rice fields, temples and finishing off with a tiny mountain path too small for vehicles. Keep an eye open for bear this afternoon before we arrive into the hot spring town of Kaga.  

In addition to our remarkable ride today, we have some activities planned this afternoon. Enjoy a soak in the famous onsen before joining us for a shot of whisky or manhattan at our friendly Swing piano bar next door. After a wonderful dinner tonight, if your up for it, join us at a traditional Karaoke bar, owned by a lovely and graceful retired Bon Odori dancer.
O/N Hatori-Kaga   

Day 6: KAGA TO SUIGEKKA Aug 31

99 miles / 6,554 Feet 

As we depart this morning, the staff from the Hatori lodge come out to send us off wishing us a safe journey. As we roll  south, our first stop once we arrive at the Sea of Japan is at the Yushima bridge. Cycle over to Yushima island and visit the Shinto shrine. From here, we spend the next 60 miles along the coast of the Sea of Japan. At lunch we will jump into the ocean to go for a swim. Tonight we check into Hotel Suigekka, an isolated spa inn overlooking Lake Suigetsuko. The hotel is especially known for its sumptuous kaiseki dishes with lavish amounts of crab and other seasonal seafood. Inside the hotel is a number of hot baths and saunas that overlook the Suigetsuko and the mountains. O/N Hotel Suigekka

Day 7: SUIGEKKA Sept 1

37.4 miles / 6,797 Feet 

Today can be a layover day, relaxing lakeside at the inn or for the more ambitious, we have a loop planned through the Wakasa region.  The economy of Wakasa is dependent on commercial fishing and agriculture. In addition to passing through small fishing hamlets, we will tackle the short but stiff 10 km climb leading to Kusuyagatake Observatory.  The large rock "Okami-iwa" on the way is known as the god of marriage. Kusuyagatake Observatory at the summit offers a panoramic view of Wakasa Bay from Cape Echizen to the Tango Peninsula on clear days.  Take in the view and enjoy the descent before we venture into the fertile farming lands skirting the Wakasa Wan Quani-National Park. We return to Suigekka via the road coast of Wakasa Bay and the Sea of Japan.  O/N Hotel Suigekka

Day 8: SUIGEKKA to KYOTO Sept 2

77.6 miles / 8,828 Feet 

Our last days journey has us cycling deep into the mountains north of Kyoto. Tiny mountain roads through the heavily forested river valley’s. The riding north of Kyoto is remarkable, some of the finest stretches of road any where! Once we descend out of the mountains, we will stop for one last lunch at a traditional soba house in the Mayama valley, a remote mountainous location known for it’s sweetfish fishing on the Yura River.  

The area is famous for its traditional, thatched roof (kayabuki) farmhouses of which over 200 can be seen dotting the countryside. The majority of Miyama's old houses survive as residential dwellings where people still live and work. This in turn lends a very nostalgic atmosphere to the area, and gives us a chance to experience the traditional, authentic feel of rural Japan. 

A few more stunning climbs with views across the Yamashiro basin, brings us to Kyoto.  This afternoon spend a moment exploring Kyoto's centuries-old geisha district, its many temples and shrines, stunning gardens, and bamboo groves.  Our celebratory dinner tonight is at our beloved Manzara, where you will dine on "Obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).
O/N Kyoto Tokyu Hotel 

Day 9: TRANSFER DAY Sept 3

This morning, we will assist you with your transfer to another hotel in Kyoto, or if your departing, we will assist with the purchase of the limousine bus service to Osaka International Airport, (KIX). It’s fast, easy and the best way to get to the airport for your safe journey home.