Eight days of relaxed cycling, hiking and cultural experiences. Dramatic coasts and friendly mountains complemented with historically significant sites.
The enigma of Japan will just begin to reveal itself to you in this dynamic combination of active and cultural experiences. You will travel from Tokyo or Nagoya to Kanazawa city to begin your ride into the rustic region of the Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan. You will play on beaches, walk in Yanagida Botanical Gardens, and listen to the Dragonfly Stream within forested parkland. In another garden you will listen to the resonance of a Buddhist bell. You can stop by the Rokugo farmhouse to have a revitalizing cup of tea, or if you desire, a more lengthy but beautiful tea ceremony. In early spring, you can ride through the sweet, soft fragrances of pink cherry or delicate plum blossoms. You can stop to watch a single drop of water make circle upon circles as goldfish swim beneath the surface of a pond.
In the middle of May a hundred thousand irises bloom to create a surreal atmosphere. In the fall, orange, red, and other autumnal colors rustle with intensity that will startle and amaze you. Whenever you choose to visit this most beautiful area, the flourish of traditional Japanese culture in this amazing, stilling place will leave you pleased. Your Freewheeling Adventures representative will meet you at the airport in Nagoya, from where you will travel to the start point in Kanazawa city. You will then cycle to Wakura Spa, explore and hike Notojima Island, then cycle to Wajima, and follow the coastline around this fabulously scenic peninsula, with a short diversion to the interior to enjoy hot springs and a fantastic ryokan-style lodge. Finally, you will visit the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go – an area known for three-story, nail-free “clasped hands” thatched roof houses and exceptional beauty, with options for both hiking and biking. There are some climbs and descents, but on guided trips, your support vehicle will be nearby to help ensure your happiness and safety.
“…one of the greatest trips--I will always remember it. Things were sure different and so beautiful--I felt that I got a good understanding of Japanese art while there as there was so much beauty around me. Visions of the sea, the rocks, the streets and people still dance in my head before I go to sleep at night. And I am still drinking green tea and have a longing for a spaghetti omelet...” – Mary Ann Gernegliaro, Japan, 2006
“Certain memories of this trip will (I hope) endure forever: the room attendant waving good bye at the Ryokan where we stayed two nights; the first time I eased into the Onsen at the Hotel in Kanazawa, (which was one of the best places I've ever stayed); biking past the ghost towns and the scarecrows on the peninsula; and the tofu on the stick in Shirakawa-go…I will close simply by thanking you again for what was a wonderful, wonderful trip.” – Emily Simon, Japan, 2006
Tour Details
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Location
Noto Peninsula, Japan
Season
March, May, November ,or On Demand
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Nagoya, Japan
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Nagoya, Japan
Distance Traveled
50-70km Per Day
Skill Levels Accommodated
Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
12
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
Trek
Accommodations
Inns and B&Bs with Private Baths
Transportation to Start Site
Available for an Extra Cost
Dining
Most Meals Included
About Liquor
BYOB
Additional Activities
Relaxed cycling, hiking, swimming, kayaking or canoeing, and cultural experiences. Optional boat trip to see Togi rocks.
Rates
$4,595.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Guided Cost: $4595 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, guide and van support, maps/route notes, luggage handling, taxes) Bicycle Rental: Hybrid: $220
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Meet at Nagoya airport or your nearby hotel early afternoon for transfer to Kanazawa - city of castles and three of Japan’s major gardens.
Lodging: Hakuchoro Hotel, Kanazawa
Day 2: 65km. Ride coastal roads with highlights including Uchinada Dunes, Keta Taisha Shrine, Myojoji Temple, and Wakura Spa (50km). Stop in town of Ganmon to see a translucent cave mouth and cave (60 meters deep). Fantastic rock formations and optional boat trip to see Togi rocks. Swim in incredible blue green water (considered one of the top 50 beaches in Japan).
Lodging: Togi Seaside Villa, Togi.
Day 3: 65km of cycling, or optional hiking Cycle along coastal roads to Wajima, or optional hiking to explore the parks of Notojima Island (10km). Rest at Japanese style ryokan lodging. Special points: Dragonfly stream and 1000 Irises in spring; Sojiji Temple. Rest in fantastically located Japanese style ryokan facility.
Lodging: Wajima Onsen Yashio Ryokan, Wajima City.
Day 4: 80km. Morning exploration of Wajima city, followed by cycling 80km to Noto. Special points: Lacquerware known as Wajima-nuri, a morning market on Asaichi-dori Avenue, “Kiriko” (tall festival lanterns), sea views at Cape Rokko. Rest in a beautiful Ryokan hotel with hot springs.
Lodging: Hyakurakuso Ryokan, Noto
Day 5: 50km. Morning ride into the peninsula’s interior to see Tokikuni Old House. Ride along Koiji Beach – purportedly the “longest beach in the world”. Optional afternoon hike along the Tsukumo coast (99 bay). Return to your Ryokan in Noto for evening explorations and relaxation.
Lodging: Same as Day 4
Day 6: 60km. Noto to Wakura Onsen via Notojima Island. Ride around Notojima Island with the snow-covered peaks of the Japanese Alps as your background. Take a bath at the wonderful Wakura Onsen, in one of Japan’s more famous “Onsen Towns”, before transferring to your inn in Shirikawa-go, at the base of Mount Hakusan in Hakusan National Park.
Lodging: Tatiyama House, or Magoemon Gassho Zukuri-style Ryokan, Shirakawa
Day 7: Variable distance Short hikes to the ruins of Ogi-machi Castle and Hakusui Falls followed by a transfer to Kyoto.
Lodging: Westin Miyako Hotel, or alternative, Kyoto
Day 8: Tour's end Morning transfers available to train station, with easy connections to Osaka or Tokyo. Kyoto is an easy place for Western visitors, and there are ample reasons to stay for extra time. Visit the Geisha District of Gion, Ryugfen In Temple, Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden, Nijo Castle, or Kiyomizu Temple. Freewheeling Adventures will advise you about an abundance of reasons before you part at noon! Optional transfers back to Nagoya are available.
Notes
Custom or self guided groups are available any time.
Route Notes: This is a rich cultural experience that will be most appreciated by relaxed riders interested in a varied experience. There are some hills, and “rewards”. Relaxed riders will be assisted with van support on longer climbs (guided trips only).
NOTE: Japan is an interesting but culturally very different place. Food, rooms, even the side of the road - everything is different: You will sleep on futons on tatami floor mats. You will eat beautiful raw fish sushi with rice for breakfast. You may choose to bathe in onsens (communal baths). Westerners are well known to muddle poorly through many of these experiences. Please refer to Freewheeling’s introductory documents in order not to be surprised by some of the social graces that will be expected of you.
Reservation Policy
Pricing is in Canadian dollars. Payments can be made in US dollars, based on exchange rates at time of payment. US$ pricing is shown as a guide. Reservations can be made with VISA or MasterCard by fax, mail, email, or phone, or with a cheque or money order by mail. A deposit of 30% is required to reserve your space, and the balance is due 30 days before the adventure begins.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received in writing at least 60 days in advance of start date will receive a 50% refund of any deposit paid. Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days ahead will forfeit deposit. Cancellations within 30 days require full payment of the tour cost.
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