Overview

Welcome to Japan! Your trip starts in Kyoto, where you'll meet your guides at 9:45 AM at Hotel Granvia. We'll board a 30-minute shuttle to Yawata, located on the banks of the Kizu River. Then we'll prepare for our first ride of the trip. Your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bike, including an informal fit session along with safety talks and expectations for the week. We'll enjoy lunch together before we roll out. This first ride winds its way along the Kizu river and is polka-dotted with tea fields. The ride is almost completely on bike path which allows you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic - just don't forget to ride on the left! Our destination is Nara, which will also be your home for next three nights. Don’t be surprised if you see deer roaming through the town, as they are practically domesticated and a common sight in Nara deer park. This evening we'll gather for a social hour and conclude with dinner at the hotel restaurant, Le Bois.

Overview

Good morning in Nara! This vibrant city was once the first permanent capital of Japan and remains an important historical and cultural center, home to eight temples and a former imperial palace. Recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is truly one-of-a-kind. After a freshly prepared breakfast, warm up your legs with the first climb of the day, followed by a descent on quiet backroads through the countryside. We’ll stop at a temple nestled in the rolling farmland on today's route. Upon return to the hotel to shower and change, we’ll head to lunch, explore the historical center of Nara, and visit the Tōdai-ji Temple—an 8th-century marvel that houses the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana. From here, experience the tranquility of a private Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, a meditative ritual of matcha preparation that emphasizes harmony, respect, and purity. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to a local restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere for a delightful dinner to cap off a wonderful day.

Overview

Today we venture on a quiet climb off the Nara plain that leads you through cedar forests past ancient temples up to a plateau. Once on top, you’ll see numerous rice paddies recently flooded and planted with seedlings. The sound of croaking frogs fills the air as you pass by. Lunch is a chance to try from a tasty selection of delicious noodles, rice based donburi, or even the ever-popular Japanese Katsu curry. From lunch we crest a few small hills before an exhilarating long descent back down to the Nara plain. You'll pass through the town of Tenri, famous for its modern Buddhist temples and architecture. A large community of followers live, study, and worship in Tenri. You'll then be on quiet backstreets, allowing you to relax and marvel at the small gardens and historic houses along the route. Tonight, you'll have the option to partake in a private sushi experience where you will learn about the history of sushi in Japanese culture and try it yourself! Then, you may enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many incredible restaurants in Nara, or at the beautiful hotel restaurant. The choice is yours.

Overview

Wake to another beautiful day of exploring! The ride from Nara to Kashihara winds its way along ancient paths and roads through the cradle of Japanese Culture. Inhabited for over two millennia, there are recently excavated tombs and temples dotting the hills. We stop at one of oldest Shinto shrines—Oomiwa Jinja, which is dedicated to sake! Lunch is at a farmer's market where locally grown produce is served in a sumptuous style. Despite being in a busy area you will be charmed and surprised at the contrasts between modern and old. After the ride, you have the option to bathe in the SkySpa, which is a rooftop open-air bath, overlooking the city. For dinner, we will convene at our favorite restaurant in Kashihara.

Overview

Today we leave the Nara plain and head southwest through a gentle valley that has seen several centuries of traders and pilgrims making their way to the Yoshino valley. You’ll cross the Yoshino river and follow its scenic banks. Lunch is in a 200-year-old farmhouse made comfortable for an exciting meal with a variety of small, appetizing foods. After lunch, you'll head into our “Queen stage” as you ride through an incredible river gorge, hear water surging over the rocks, and feel the cool air against your skin. You’ll then climb up winding roads to the holy town of Mount Koya. It will be a worthwhile and unforgettable challenge as you reach the 1,000-year-old town and follow the footsteps (or tire tracks) of millions of pilgrims that have made this trek to pay homage to their deities. Your ride finishes at the temple of Sekishoin where you’ll experience one night in a quiet mountain temple and enjoy a plant-based meal (Shōjin ryōri) served by monks. Your stay at this temple provides a historic experience that is reminiscent of a pilgrims stay hundreds of years ago. The following morning you can take part in morning worship and hear the monks recite mantras accompanied by drums, bells, and a fire ceremony - you won’t want to miss this.

Overview

Rise early today for a stroll through this picture-perfect town just as it's waking, or join choral chanting monks for their morning ceremony. After breakfast, take the time to visit the bright orange 150-foot tall Konpon Daito Pagoda and surrounding memorial grounds, or relax in the temple’s bath before it's time hop back on our bikes. We descend on a beautiful and secluded, albeit rough, narrow and winding road. At the bottom, we'll board a scenic shuttle back to Kyoto. Tonight at social hour, we'll toast to a week of new experiences, discovering a new culture, and meeting new friends. We will say our goodbyes over a final, delicious dinner together.

Overview

Enjoy a slow breakfast and relaxing morning. Departure is at your leisure before check-out at 10:00 AM. If you are enjoying extra time in Kyoto, the hotel is very close to the town center and walkable to a wide array of famous sights in the area. Your guides will be happy to give you recommendations.