Gain an insider’s perspective of Japan on this active journey that combines numerous natural and cultural treasures. Take a hike through peaceful valleys and over lofty passes on the famous Nakasendo Highway, bike past dramatic coastal scenery on the remote Noto Peninsula, stroll through the quaint village of Shirakawago (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and explore the well-preserved historic districts of Kanazawa and Takayama. You’ll get a true taste of Japanese culture with stays at traditional guest houses, where your hosts will greet you with warm hospitality and serve a variety of freshly-prepared local delicacies. There will also be several opportunities to shop for high-quality crafts and specialty food items to commemorate your travels.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Feel the wind in your hair as we cycle the quiet and beautiful Nato Peninsula
Sit down to delicious Japanese dinners at small Ryokans
Capture images of villages that look much the same as they did a century ago on the Nakasendo Trail
Featured
Day 1
Tokyo, Japan
Upon arrival, transfer to Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku in central Tokyo. Gather at a local restaurant this evening to meet with fellow travelers and your leaders for a briefing, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Tokyo / Nagoya / Magome / Tsumago
This morning, board one of Japan’s famous bullet trains to Nagoya. Continue by bus to Magome for a walk over Magome Pass to Tsumago, part of the Nakasendo Highway that connected Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo Period. This gentle path through pleasant rural countryside is known for its wealth of well-preserved feudal-era buildings, inns, and hot springs. After your hike, check in to a family-run minshuku (a traditional Japanese bed and breakfast) in Tsumago and settle in for a delicious home-cooked Japanese dinner.
Day 3
Tsumago / Kakizore Gorge
After a traditional Japanese breakfast, board a train to nearby Junikane for a hike through beautiful Kakizore Gorge. The trail follows the Kakizore River into a lush valley, passing a unique landscape of huge granite boulders, and ends at the emerald waters of majestic Ushigataki Falls. Return to your cozy minshuku for another memorable meal prepared by our hosts.
Day 4
Tsumago / Nagiso / Noriji / Kiso-Fukushima
Today, set out on a beautiful and varied hike from Nagiso to Nojiri. The trail travels along narrow valleys, past forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, and through tiny villages surrounded by rice paddies and splendid mountain views. After a full day on the trail, check in to a lovely hot spring ryokan, set in a peaceful valley above Kiso-Fukushima. Take the opportunity to soak tired muscles and relax in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths before another delightful dinner.
Day 5
Kiso-Fukushima / Yabuhara / Narai
After breakfast, take a short train ride to Yabuhara and begin an ascent to Torii Pass, the highest point on the historic Nakasendo Highway. There is a small shrine at the top of the pass with views of Mount Ontake, Japan’s second-tallest mountain. Descend to Narai, the halfway point between Kyoto and Tokyo. Known as “Narai of a thousand houses” this picture-perfect town was the wealthiest along the Nakasendo Highway, and today boasts many well-preserved buildings from the Edo Period. After a chance to explore the narrow streets and browse for treasures in the shops, check in to your charming mishuku in time for dinner.
Day 6
Narai / Kiso-Hirasawa / Matsumoto / Takayama
This morning, take a short walk to the small town of Kiso-Hirasawa, famous for its lacquerware. Enjoy free time to browse the beautifully-crafted, high quality tableware and furniture. Take the train to Matsumoto for a tour of the famous Matsumoto Castle, then continue to Takayama. Check in to the Hotel Wood Takayama in time for a wonderful dinner featuring fresh local produce.
Day 7
Takayama / Shirakawago
Takayama was once an enclave for skilled carpenters working for the imperial courts in Kyoto and Nara. It has retained much of its traditional architecture and is well-known for its crafts. This morning, explore the preserved Sanmachisuji district, where Edo Period buildings now house shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. In the afternoon, visit Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its distinctive Gasshozukuri farmhouses, featuring triangular thatched roofs that are unique to this part of Japan. Return to Takayama and enjoy some time to stroll around town following dinner.
Day 8
Takayama / Togi (Noto Peninsula)
Today, depart overland for the remote and wild Noto Peninsula. Upon arrival, get fitted with a bicycle in preparation for the next day, and check in to your ryokan for dinner and overnight
Day 9
Togi / Wajima
Spend a full day biking along scenic coastal roads, through small villages and into the mountains, making a stop at the famous Sekinohana rock formation and Soujiji Temple, one of the two head temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. The ride ends at the charming port town of Wajima. Check in to your traditional minshuku and enjoy a multi-course feast of fresh local seafood.
Day 10
Wajima / Suzu-shi
After breakfast, bike along a lovely coastal road to Shiroyone Senmaida, a hillside where 2,000 terraced rice fields overlook the Sea of Japan. Continue along the seaside on a flat road, passing the old houses of Tokikunike and sea salt farms. After some hilly ascents and descents, the route heads into peaceful mountain scenery and our final destination, Suzu-shi, famous for its landmark Mitsukejima Rock. Check in to your ryokan for dinner and overnight.
Day 11
Suzu-shi / Notojima Island / Kanazawa
Today, set out on our longest ride, traveling from Suzu-shi to Notojima Island in Nanao Bay. Make a stop in Ogi fishing village to explore along small streets lined with fishermen’s houses from the turn of the century. Continue along mostly flat coastal roads through small hamlets to the train station in Anamizu. Take a short ride to Nishigi-shi, then bike over the bridge to reach Notojima Island. Enjoy some time on the island before traveling onward by coach to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Kanazawa for dinner and overnight.
Day 12
Kanazawa
In feudal times, Kanazawa was the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, and rivaled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in importance. Today, Kanazawa consists of a number of small, well-preserved historical districts, including the samurai district. Take a walk along canal-lined back lanes to visit a house of a locally-prominent samurai. Then visit Kenrokuen Garden, a formal walking garden that was once the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. In the evening, explore one of the historic ‘chayagai’ districts where Kanazawa’s geisha entertained their clients.
Day 13
Kanazawa / Gifu
After breakfast, bid farewell to Kanazawa and depart overland for Gifu, a castle town located in an area of Japan famous for its tradition of Ukai, or cormorant fishing. Join a local fisherman this evening to watch the trained birds fish the river. Check in to your ryokan for dinner and overnight.
Day 14
Gifu / Nagoya / Depart
Transfer to the airport in Nagoya for your independent homeward flight.
Departure
The trip starts in Tokyo, Japan and ends in Nagoya, Japan
“The Japanese proverb, ‘If you understand everything you must be misinformed’ resonates with me every time I return to Japan. I can’t wait to get back to this rich culture where we can enjoy the delicious cuisine, take in the fabulous architecture, and explore beautifully designed gardens.”
— Lynne Greig
“Food, food, food! Lynne, Kristin and I have eaten our way through Japan before; and we are ready to do it again! Traveling through Japan on foot and by bike certainly gives us that extra justification to do so; not that we need the excuse!”
– Rich Pagen
“Hiking along an ancient postal trail once bustling with merchants, pilgrims and samurai, and biking along the spectacular coastline of the remote Noto Peninsula—this trip offers the opportunity to experience Japan’s treasure and historic landscapes at a different pace. I can’t wait to soak up the outdoor splendors of this breathtaking region.”
– Kristin Wornson
Traveling through Tradition
We’ll be experiencing it all, from western style hotels to traditional Japanese inns, called Ryokans. A Ryokan typically features rooms with tatami-mat floors, bathing water from a hot spring (onsen), a large entrance area with chairs for socializing, and sliding doors. Bedding, while comfortable, is usually a futon spread out on the tatami-mat floor and dining features traditional Japanese cuisine.
More Detail
PRICING
Per Person: $14,990
Single Supplement: $2,490
Group Size
16 travelers
What’s Included
13 nights accommodation
All meals, and non-alcoholic beverages with lunch & dinner
All excursions, transportation and local guides
Park fees, taxes, gratuities and tips
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
