The Japan most visitors never see is waiting along Honshu’s western coast and deep in its mountain interior. And that’s where we’ll go. Over 7 days, we pedal 344 km (214 mi) through rugged Sea of Japan fishing villages, Edo-era artisan towns, and a historic railway-turned-cycling-path before trading salt air for the quiet solitude of the Japanese Alps. A night in a 200-year-old thatched farmhouse in UNESCO-listed Shirakawago, a soak in an onsen, and a triumphant finish in Takayama—often called Little Kyoto—round out one of Honshu’s most rewarding rides. Come join us and discover the Japan that doesn’t make it onto the postcards.
A 7-day guided cycling journey across Honshu's most scenic and least-visited corridor—from the rugged Sea of Japan coastline through Edo-era artisan towns and along a historic railway-turned-cycling-path, all the way into the Japanese Alps. Nights in comfortable hotels with natural hot spring baths, one unforgettable stay in a 200-year-old UNESCO-listed farmhouse, and meals that follow the landscape from fresh coastal seafood to hearty mountain fare.
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
This is an active, challenging trip, and great fitness is required. Over 6 cycling days, we cover 344 km (214 mi) with an average of 1,005 m (3,297 ft) of climbing per day.
The coastal days are rolling and manageable; Days 5 and 6 in the mountains are a different story, with Day 5 featuring nearly 1,943 m (6,375 ft) of elevation gain. Solid climbing experience is strongly recommended.
Your guides’ detailed knowledge of the route means you’ll always know what’s coming in terms of distance and gradient—which makes a big difference. The support vehicle is never far away, with water, snacks, and a spare seat if needed.
Riders should also be comfortable cycling on some narrower roads shared with traffic.
Want to explore more of Japan by bike? Discover more Japan cycling tours here!
Most routes are on smooth tarmac, with some sections on hard-packed gravel paths. Your guides have chosen bicycle-friendly roads, though some sections are shared with other cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles—good bike handling helps. Riding happens rain or shine, though your guides can adjust the route based on conditions or group comfort. That’s all part of the adventure.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Hybrid bike and helmet rental are included in the tour price. You’re welcome to bring your own saddle and/or pedals—your guides will fit them to the rental bike before the tour begins.
E-bike rental is available for an additional cost, you can add it to your booking at checkout. An e-bike will make this tour significantly easier, though it will still be a real challenge.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guides and on the support vehicle, though your guides cannot guarantee parts for every possible issue. Bringing a basic toolkit, a spare tube, and a pump is recommended. Wearing a helmet is required on all rides—non-negotiable.
Group sizes and pricing
Honshu bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
The price for this Honshu bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The tour starts in Kanazawa. The most convenient flight option is into Komatsu Airport (KMQ), which is served by domestic flights from major Japanese hubs—Kanazawa is roughly 40 minutes away. Kanazawa is also easily reachable by shinkansen from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities.
You’ll meet your guides at the hotel on Day 1. We highly recommend arriving at least a day early to allow for any travel delays and to give yourself time to explore Kanazawa before the ride begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Check your inbox.
Schedule a call with our adventure experts and let us help planning your dream adventure.
