The Japan Alps—Reimagined.

This is the trip that defined RAID in Japan. Our Tokyo to Kyoto classic. The ride that built a legacy. Now—refined, sharpened, and reborn for 2026. If you’ve ridden it before, prepare to be surprised. If you haven’t—this is the one.

We’ve taken the original and pushed it further. One more day. More options every stage: a Passhunter route for the rider who craves altitude and big days, and a Touring route for those who want flow, scenery, and tempo. Two distinct ways to ride, converge, and share the same RAID spirit.

We’re bringing back the beast: Mt. Norikura. This time from the wilder side—the Echo Line rising out of Gifu. It’s the highest paved road in Japan, a climb that demands every ounce of strength and rewards it with views that stop time.

We’ve added fresh routes, new restaurants, and two nights at the remarkable Hotel Wood in Takayama—a mountain town of narrow streets, old sake breweries, and timeless charm. Here, the Alps feel both remote and deeply alive.

This is travel not for distance’s sake, but for meaning. Japan rewards the rider who comes with intent. Every deserted forest road, every perfect ribbon of pavement, every hidden onsen whispers that you’ve chosen the right path.

Over ten years, RAID has distilled the very best of Japan into this journey. The result is a trip that balances challenge with culture, grit with grace.

We start in Tokyo’s chaos, ride into mountains that rival Europe’s finest, and finish in Kyoto—Japan’s city of cities. A place of shrines, gardens, and geisha shadows. The ride ends, but the memory—etched in every climb, every shared meal, every moment—endures.

This is not just the original RAID Japan Alps trip.
This is the classic—reborn.

Every RAID trip is all-inclusive, covering what matters most:

• Handpicked hotels — single or shared occupancy

• Professionally guided rides with full on-road vehicle support

• Ride nutrition and hydration: energy bars, mixes, and more

• Most meals, plus a thoughtful selection of beer and wine

• Baggage transfers, porterage, and limited laundry service

• Daily recovery support

• All restaurant gratuities and third-party guided activities

• Limited airport transfers on some departures

You ride. We handle the rest.

What's Not Included

• Airfare to and from your trip

• Travel insurance

• Airport transfers on select departures (details provided per trip)

• Gratuities for RAID trip leaders

• Personal expenses — souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.

• Bicycles — bring your own, or we’ll help line up a rental