Fascinating Japan - In the Country of the Rising Sun ^8JA

Japan

A cultural journey through the country of rising sun.

Japan, the ancient, mysterious, mystical empire, is the setting for this very special e-bike tour.

Our two-week adventure begins, not surprisingly, in Tokyo, the vibrant metropolis and capital of Japan. Here, modern and traditional culture meet like nowhere else. This metropolis of 30 million people is an experience in itself, but for us it is also the beginning of a very special journey, on which many things will be foreign to us and therefore all the more fascinating. Everywhere along our route we encounter old traditions of the Empire, travel through magnificent landscapes, marvel at enchanting gardens and experience the hospitality of the people who spoil us with unique culinary delights. Of course, we do not skip the holy mountain of the Japanese, Mount Fuji, and we also do not miss a ride on the famous Shinkansen Express. Thanks to our e-bikes we easily get in touch with people and are always close to the heartbeat of nature. While we are preserving our own heartbeats, thanks to the electric motor, we even conquer the Japanese Alps effortlessly, but still enjoy being pampered in one of the traditional hot springs called Onsen. After 14 days we conclude our journey through time in the historical metropolis Hiroshima and say goodbye to a fascinating country that will remain in our memories for a long time. Attention, Japan can be addictive!

At a glance
15 days vacation

Start/Finish:	Tokyo // Hiroshima
Nearest airport:	Tokyo / Hiroshima
Duration:	15 days vacation, 13 riding days
Route:	mostly side and country roads with little traffic, as well as cycling paths, both paved and unpaved; a few single tracks and technically demanding sections
Accommodations:	good typical hotels and motels, also simple inns
Rest day:	Tokyo Kyoto
Highlights:	Tokyo, Fuji, Castle Himeji , Matsumoto Castle, Japanese Alps, Kenroku-en, Kyoto, Nara, Miyajima, Shinkansen, Hiroshima
Minimum number of participants:	8 Please note paragraph 6.4. a) of our terms and conditions of travel to find out more about the cancellation of tour through Edelweiss Bike Travel when the minimum number of participants is not reached - Terms and Conditions

Prices start at $ 9.620,-

per person

Included services

15 days vacation

13 day riding route

DAY 1:	Arrival in Tokyo Welcome to Japan, the land of the rising sun. In the afternoon at 4 o'clock the tour guides welcome their group at the starting hotel in Tokyo.
DAY 2:	Tokyo On the first day in Japan, we will take it easy and get used to the Japanese customs. What could be better than an extensive sightseeing tour of then metropolis of Tokyo on foot as well as by e-bike?
DAY 3:	Tokyo - Yamanaka Lake Today is our first real day of riding. We first leave the metropolis of Tokyo by train and then switch to our e-bikes after a short train ride. Steadily we climb through the Fujihakoneizu National Park until we reach Hakone at Lake Ashi after a short time. With a little luck, we can already see the volcano Fuji on the horizon, at the foot of which we will spend the night.
DAY 4:	Yamanaka Lake - Matsumoto Newly invigorated and with the volcano Fuji behind us, we set off for Matsumoto. Once there, we immerse ourselves for the first time in the fascinating world of the Japanese sword nobility. The superbly preserved Matsumoto Castle was the base for the Ogasawara clan during the 14th and 15th centuries and is a must-see for any visitor to Japan.
DAY 5:	Matsumoto - Toyama Shinkansen - one of the fastest trains in the world will take us to the Sea of Japan. After the days in the Japanese Alps, the coastal scenery is a welcome change. Here we will switch back to our e-bikes and follow the coastline to Toyama, where we will visit on of the largest Buddha statues in Japan.
DAY 6:	Toyama - Kanazawa A shorter riding day is on our schedule today, a little relief for our behinds. Fortunately we arrive early at our destination, Kanazawa. It is almost as scenic as Kyoto - we can use the afternoon to visit the famous Kenroku-en gardens dating back to the 17th century, or we can visit the beautiful historic part of the town.
DAY 7:	Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go Today we will conquer a region with our e-bikes, which in historical times was difficult to access and mainly rural. The historic UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are our destination for the day. These are known for their multi-story thatched houses built in a "hands folded in prayer" style. Standing in front of them, we will see where this name comes from.
DAY 8:	Shirakawa-go - Kyoto The next few days are all about the history and culture of Japan. Which city in Japan would be better suited than Kyoto to explore this. Before we can deal with it, however, we first have to leave the mountainous region. Luckily, we are on the road with e-bikes. Over hill and dale, we head for the nearest train station and look forward to the next three nights, which we will spend in Kyoto. Kyoto was one of the few cities deliberately spared from the bombardments of World War II. As a result, with its 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shintō shrines, palaces, and gardens, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan and was declared a UNESCO Historic Kyoto World Heritage Site in 1994. It is good that we can spend two full days in Kyoto and experience this fascinating city in all its facets.
DAY 9:	Kyoto
DAY 10:	Kyoto
DAY 11:	Kyoto - Onomichi It is time to say goodbye to Kyoto. From now on, we'll be heading steadily west. After a long day of riding on our e-bikes, we reach Osaka Bay and Himeji, home to one of Japan's oldest structures. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's national cultural treasures and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993. Then we are going on to our overnight location.
DAY 12:	Onomichi - Matsuyama There are not too many bike paths in Japan. Today, however, this is different. With more than 70 km, the Shimanami Kaido is perhaps the most beautiful bike route through Japan. It is like a paradise for those who love cycling. Here, behind the Seto Inland Sea, the route crosses six small islands and seven bridges - including the Kurushima Bridge, which holds the world record as the longest bridge at 4,045 meters. A delight and the cycling highlight of our Japan trip.
DAY 13:	Matsuyama - Miyajima Slowly but surely, our journey through Japan is coming to an end. Still, after yesterday's enjoyment stage, with a smile on our faces, we cross the Seto Inland Sea one more time. Today, however, by ferry. Arriving on Honshu, Japan's main island, we leisurely head north to Miyajima Island and another of Japan's cultural treasures. Everybody knows it, the vermilion entrance gate to the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine, which is completely submerged in water at high tide.
DAY 14:	Miyajima - Hiroshima Our last day of travel in Japan. It is only a stone's throw from Miyajima Island to Hiroshima. We take the ferry and ride the last kilometers of this tour on our e-bikes to probably one of the most historic places in this world, the peace memorial in Hiroshima. A fascinating journey through Japan comes to an end. The stories, pictures, and impressions of this enchanting country, however, will remain in our memories forever.
DAY 15:	Departure from Hiroshima After a sumptuous breakfast, you will start your journey home in a relaxed manner. Sayounara!

Prices start at $ 9.620,-

per person

Included services

Tour prices 2024

Included services

Price for rider in double room
Own Bike	$ 9.620,-
E-Mountain Bike	$ 10.320,-
Single room supplement	$ 1.910,-

Tour prices 2025

Included services

Price for rider in double room
Own Bike	$ 9.620,- *
E-Mountain Bike	$ 10.320,- *
Single room supplement	$ 1.910,- *
* Please note the dates and tour prices for 2025 not being confirmed yet. The shown figures are preliminary and subject to change. If the final tour price in 2025 includes an increase of more than 5% compared to the previous year´s tour price, you can cancel your booked participation free of charge until October 31, 2024. CUSTOM TOURS: For custom tour bookings please refer to the pricing included in the special tour offer of your tour. If having any questions please contact our service team at customtours@edelweissbike.com!

Tour prices 2026

Included services

Price for rider in double room
Own Bike	$ 9.620,- *
E-Mountain Bike	$ 10.320,- *
Single room supplement	$ 1.910,- *
* Please note the dates and tour prices for 2026 not being confirmed yet. The shown figures are preliminary and subject to change. If the final tour price in 2026 includes an increase of more than 5% compared to the previous year´s tour price, you can cancel your booked participation free of charge until October 31, 2025. CUSTOM TOURS: For custom tour bookings please refer to the pricing included in the special tour offer of your tour. If having any questions please contact our service team at customtours@edelweissbike.com!