Kanazawa to Kyoto
Fully Guided Japan Cycling Tour

Today we will meet at 5:00pm at the hotel in Kanazawa, have a short introductory meeting where you will meet your guides and we will do a bike fitting and enjoy a Japanese welcome dinner.

Kanazawa is known for its many traditional cultures and activities, such as handicrafts, tea ceremony, Noh theater (classical Japanese musical drama) and Kaga cooking (an original cuisine which utilizes fresh seafood, vegetables, and ingredients from the local Kanazawa area.) The city offers plenty of options for varied cultural experiences.

We highly recommend that you arrive a day or two earlier to explore Kanazawa. One of the most beautiful and famous Japanese gardens Kenrokuen Garden is not to be missed.

Kanazawa is easy to reach in approximately 3.5 hours by express train from Osaka Kansai International Airport, or 3 hours by shinkansen from Tokyo.

Our Journey starts in Kanazawa city located on the Sea of Japan and bordered by the Japanese Alps and Echizen-kaga Quasi-national park. This morning we cycle out to join the cycling path near the coast, riding through Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park Est. in 1968. The path is mostly flat with a nicely maintained surface for riding a good warm up for the first day of cycling.

After a pleasant first day of riding we will stay in Yamanaka Onsen, a 7th century hot springs town located along a beautiful gorge. Yamanaka village is a lovely place to spend the afternoon, take a walk along the river, try many delicious local treats or shop for lacquer-ware and woodworkers crafts, or take a relaxing soak in the 1300 year old hot springs and of course it's a great village for taking pictures with the traditional thatch roofs of the houses and shops.

Today we cycle into the mountains and pass waterfall and lake, discovering the local people’s life in rural japan as we cycle next to fields of rice and vegetables, visit Eiheiji a massive temple complex and explore the beautiful temple grounds. Eiheiji is one of two head temples overseeing the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Built by the Buddhist monk Dogen (1200-1253), it has over 70 buildings set amid giant cedar trees in the mountains.

After leaving Eiheiji, we will cycle pass the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins. Designated as a national historical relic site in 1995 Ichijodani Asakura constitutes one of the largest castle town ruins in Japan.

We'll be staying in Takefu (the former name of Echizen City) tonight. Takefu is steeped in history and culture, offering a chance to stroll through its old town and savor the local cuisine.

This morning, we take a train from Takefu to the town of Tsuruga. From there, we cycle along quiet country roads and scenic coastal routes toward Wakasa Bay.

Wakasa is known for having some of the clearest waters along the Sea of Japan. Today’s route takes us through the stunning Mikata Five Lakes—Suigetsu, Suga, Kugushi, Hiruga, and Mikata. Each lake has a distinct water color, shaped by its unique mix of saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water. This natural phenomenon creates a striking mosaic of shades, offering a truly fascinating landscape. These lakes are home to both saltwater and freshwater fish, making them a well-known fishing destination. As we approach Mikata Lake, the final lake on our journey, we will pass through traditional fishing villages, where we can observe local life, fishing boats, and fishermen at work. If we’re lucky, we may even be invited into a fisherman’s home for a closer look at their way of life. Tonight, we stay in a lakeside town where fishing from Wakasa Bay and the lakes is the main industry. With such an

abundance of fresh seafood, there is no shortage of excellent restaurants to enjoy a delicious dinner featuring the local catch of the day.

This morning we continue to cycle along the coastline following Wakasa bay and lakes with clear blue waters, visit old cultural Obama town, which was developed as a seaport even before there was a written history of Japan and was once an important trading spot with Korea and China. Exploring Obama town, you can see remnants of the city's prosperous past as a trading port and the center of trade with neighboring countries, with its old world charm and long history you will feel like you've traveled back in time.

The coastal ride takes to our stay in Maizuru town and you will stroll the old warehouse in the town, has the distinction of being designated as a national important cultural property. It used to be one of the arsenals in 1902 but has now been remodeled into a place for communication and interaction with exhibition space, a hall, and a cafe.

This morning, we embark on a cycling journey to the enchanting Ama-no-hashidate, known as the "Bridge to Heaven," nestled within the Tango Peninsula. Renowned as one of Japan's three scenic wonders, it offers a breathtaking blend of pristine white sand beaches against the backdrop of the crystal-clear "Tango" Blue ocean.

As we traverse this narrow strip of paradise, prepare to be captivated by the stunning vistas and the magical landscape that unfolds along the dynamic coastline. Tonight, we'll unwind at a serene beachfront stay in Ama-no-hashidate, indulging in the local culinary delights and soaking in the tranquil beauty of this heavenly sandbar.

Today’s ride follows the coastline through hidden shores, gorgeous beaches, rice terraces, inlets and rocky points. The magnificent coast takes you through the laid-back fishing village of Ine, famous for its unique funaya, or boat houses which unlike Houseboats do not float but rather are built on stilts over the water. The wooden buildings serve as a dock on the 1st floor with the second floor serving as the dwelling. There are over 200 such houses along the bay. Ine is a historic working town and the fisherman still set off each day as they have for hundreds of years.

At the end of today's ride we arrive in Kinosaki Onsen here we celebrate the halfway point of the tour and have a rest the next day. Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring resort town with a 1300 years old history. Many people come here for enjoy strolling about in yukata (Kimono made of cotton) and savoring the historical atmosphere.

At Kinosaki Onsen we recommend doing the seven outdoor hot springs tour with a one-day ticket. Stroll from one relaxing Onsen to the next. The seven onsens are Kouno-yu, Mandara-yu, Goshono-yu, Ichino-yu, Yanagi-yu, Jizou-yu and Satono-yu each Onsen is Unique with a different feel. You can hike many trails around Kinosaki to the Mt. Taishi.

There is a 10km hiking trail through the mountains that surround Kinosaki. Most of the trail is through forests, on the way you will see the scenic view from the summit of Mt. Taishi.

After you summit if you don't feel like a return hike to town you can take the Kinosaki Onsen ropeway to get back down the mountain, the Kinosaki Ropeway/ Mt. Taishi was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan for its spectacular view. Hiking takes 1-3 hours to the top depending on the hike you do. In Kinosaki take time to discover the many shops, restaurants and cafes that make up this wonderful town...but don't forget to have a rest as well.

Today's ride starts off cycling along the beautiful landscape of Kumihama Inland Bay and Mt. Kabuto through rice fields and quiet roads to Izushi old town. Izushi is a castle town that flourished about 200-300 years ago during the Edo period. There are many fine examples of traditional architecture found throughout the town, this is why Izushi is designated as a national preservation district of important buildings. The town is also known for its own original style of soba "Izushi-Soba" Japanese buckwheat noodles. Around 50 soba shops line the town’s streets. Izushi also has 250-year-old sake cellars constructed of red clay walls, these are still used today to store and sell Izushi's local sake called Sasa Zuru. There are also many Showa style (Retro) buildings that line the city streets that lead to the old clock tower, built in 1871 it is still keeping time for the town today.

Leaving Izushi we cycle into the mountains to reach another historic castle town of Fukuchiyama, you will stroll the town, which has a number of surviving wooden buildings and Fukuchiyama castle, was built by general samurai Akechi Mitsuhide in 1576.

This morning we along Yura river to the beautifully preserved town of Miyama. Miyama is a remote rural area in the mountains 30 kilometers north of central Kyoto it is famous for its traditional, thatched roof (Kayabuki) farmhouses. Look around and you can see over 200 dotting the countryside. Unlike those located in many other historic towns around the country, the most of Miyama's old houses survive as residential dwellings where people still work and live. This lends to a very old-world atmosphere to the area, visitors have a chance to experience the traditional, authentic real feel of rural Japan. You can enjoy visiting the folk museum, interacting with residents, and craftspeople. Many residents are skilled in basket making and roof thatching. Miyama is made up of multiple small villages and hamlets scattered along its narrow, winding valleys. The star attraction among them

is the northern village or Kayabuki no Sato, whith nearly 40 farmhouses with thatched roofs, Kayabuki has a higher number of thatched roof houses than any other place in Japan.

We will stay in remote area in the mountain, offers to relax in Onsen.

Leaving Miyama village, we will continue to cycle on quiet back roads, along the Yura river, coming across people engaged in farming, fishing, thatching, charcoal making and more. This scenic route takes us on beautiful mountain roads where old traditional houses dot the landscape.

We are heading towards the old Imperial city of Kyoto known as the heart of

Japan. Kyoto is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, many magnificent shrines and temples as well as numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. As we make our way the city center and the final stop of this amazing tour we will get a glimpse of the many land marks that make Kyoto a destination worth the journey.

At the end of today’s cycle we arrive in central Kyoto and the end of the tour. One last dinner together to celebrate out travels through the Lands of the Samurai, reflect on our time together and enjoy each other company.

The tour officially ends after breakfast. If like you can choose to spend some time in this beautiful city or leave for the other destinations. Extra nights in Kyoto can be requested at the time of booking.