Japan - Islands of Japan (15 days)

Japan is such an eclectic mix of sights, sounds, landscapes, history and culture that it is a joy to experience. Our diverse biking tour takes in the cultural centres of Kyoto and Nara, as well as the monastic Kyo-san Mountain where Buddhism still thrives today.

Most of the cycling will be on Shikoku Island; through the central mountains, rivers and gorges of the Iya valley and alongside cliff top roads with views down onto Japan's southern coast. Our final day's riding is sure to be a highlight as we island hop across several 100 metre-high bridges to the main island of Honshu followed by a day to soak up Hiroshima 's historical ambience.

This is a fantastic cycling trip with unforgettable cultural experiences, with something in here for everyone!

Itinerary:

Days 1-2 | Kyoto We start the trip in the ancient city of Kyoto. You have a free day to cycle or wander the old town with a chance to do some geisha spotting.  
Day 3 | Nara Our first day on the bikes is an easy ride along a bike path to Nara, a former seat of power in Japan. Check out the largest wooden building in the world at Todaiji Temple and a huge 7th century buddha image.  
Days 4-5 | Koya San A long day's ride takes us to the Buddhist restreat at Koya San. We stay in the temple and have a chance to take partin morning prayers and enjoy a greta vegetarian feast prepared by the monks. On the afternoon of day 5 we will take the ferry to Shikoku Island.  
Days 6-11 | Cycling Shikoku Island Enjoy a fantastic six days of riding on Shikoku Island, Japan's smallest and least populated of its four main islands. This route will take us through the central mountains into the Iya valley, famous for its clear running rivers, gorges and ancient vine bridges. We take in a rural Japan not experienced by most visitors: handpicked home-stays and local inns, onsens (hot springs) to soak those weary muscles and traditional local culinary specialties.  
Days 12-13 | Hiroshima We finish the last of our "islands hops" in Onomichi where we finish the riding component of the tour. From here we take a train to Hiroshima. Metropolitan Hiroshima is imbued with history but is firmly entrenched in the future. There is a full day here to take in the many sites.  
Days 14-15 | Kyoto A change of speed sees us on the shinkansen, the famous Japanese bullet train, for the final journey back to Kyoto and the end of the tour.

Facts to know:

Style fully supported cycling  
Inclusions support vehicle, local guides, tour leader, most meals, entry fees  
Group Size minimum 4, maximum 12  
Accommodation 2 nights comfortable hotel, 11 nights ryokan (Japanese-style guesthouse), 1 night monestary  
Meals Included 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners  
Days Cycling 8  
Kilometres Cycled 532km  
Difficulty moderate/difficult  
Cycling Conditions The cycling terrain is all sealed surfaces, with some sections of the trip on cycling paths! On the roads we will encounter few cars, but you still need to be constantly alert for vehicles.

Operated by Bike Asia

Departures: April