Japan: Adventurer’s guide

Stunning view of Mt Fuji on our Backroads of Japan

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Cycle Japan's northern island, Hokkaido

Starting in Abashiri in Eastern Hokkaido, experience a rich cultural heritage that would fascinate the most discerning traveler. Team this with stunning coastlines, rolling mountain scenery, and a World Heritage National Park and you'll soon see why Japan is fast becoming one of the great cycling destinations of Asia.

Over eight days, our Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike adventure explores ancient fishing villages, temples and one of the highlights is cycling in Shiretoko National Park, a World Heritage Site, home to shika deer and brown bear. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, hot springs and onsens to soothe and soak in after a stunning days ride.

Trip highlights
Cycle around the pristine lakes of Akan National Park, through mountainous regions to the active volcano Iozan, known as “Sulphur Mountain”. Past beautiful shrines and fishing villages and then onto traditional farmlands, with the opportunity to stay in traditional ryokans.

Sample fresh seafood and king crabs in the small fishing village of Rausu. Appreciate the beauty and wilderness of Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you follow beautiful coastlines, where many of the paths are on quiet back roads, each day offers a change of scenery. For those nervous about steep climbs or the long journey by bike, e-bikes are available on this adventure.

Combine an ancient pilgrimage hike with urban explorations

From the maze of Tokyo to a historic mountain-bound town in Kiso valley, and incorporating visits to the charming cities of Kyoto and lively Osaka, our most popular Japan itinerary offers a different way to see Japan.

On our Backroads of Japan tour, you’ll have opportunities to experience the tranquility of temple gardens, the wonder of Buddhist arts and architecture and its bohemian street culture.

Image: Felipe Romero Beltran

Trip highlights
As well as discovering the melting pot of cultures and enjoying tantalising food, this active itinerary incorporates day walks along a historical pilgrimage trail towards the sacred peak of Omine in Nara. Enjoy a hike that delivers incredible views of Mt Fuji and its five lakes (weather permitting) and explore the legendary trade route which connected the Sea of Japan with the Pacific Ocean.

Image: Felipe Romero Beltran

Be enthralled by the famous Geisha district of Gion in Kyoto, visit scared temples and shrines, and stay in traditional, family run inns – a definite high point of any trip to Japan.

Dates: 5 Sep – 19 Sep, 29 Sep – 13 Oct, 6 Oct – 20 Oct 2019
Duration: 15 days (6 days hiking) | Grading: Introductory (3)

Games you can catch pre or post-trip: The September trip ends in Osaka on September 19, perfectly timed to witness the opening ceremony and match on September 20 at Tokyo Stadium and/or the France v Argentina clash on September 21. If you plan to stay in Osaka, you can catch matches in Higashi-Osaka (Hanazono Rugby Stadium) from September 22, or you can travel to nearby Kobe (Kobe Misaki Stadium) for the September 26 game.

There are plenty of games scheduled to suit those travelling on the late September or early October trips too.

Explore Japan’s charming north

Apart from seeing the RWC games, exploring the rugged yet fascinating region of northern Japan in September and October is one of the best times to visit the region, especially if you want a truly off the beaten path experience.

On the 16-day Japan Northern Explorer trip, there is plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty, relax in natural hot springs, sample an amazing array of fresh local foods – such as Hokkaido’s specialty crab, and learn more about Japanese culture, history and heritage. And with autumn foliage (or koyo) in full swing, you’ll see vibrant waves of red and gold sweeping this stunning half of Japan.

Trip highlights
Explore the seaside village of Kamakura – home to the famous Big Buddha and visit breathtaking Nikko with its quiet cedar forests, fascinating World Heritage shrines and temples and world-class hiking trails. Catch a ferry to one of Japan’s best-kept secret islands, Sado, home of the famous Taiko drummers and full of natural splendours and colourful history.

Cruise pine-covered islands in the stunning Matsushima Bay, visit the old castle town of Hirosaki with its culinary specialty of apple pies and “samurai coffee”, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the young city of Sapporo, and prepare a traditional Japanese dinner.

Get a taste of Japanese culture away from the crowds with its legendary hospitality and array of fresh local foods.

Dates: 5 Sep – 20 Sep, 5 Oct – 20 Oct 2019
Duration: 16 days | Grading: Adventure touring (2)

Games you can catch post-trip: Our Japan Northern Explorer trip in September ends in Tokyo, in time for you to make the RWC opening ceremony, as well as some of the tournament's early rounds.

For those touring in October, catch the Quarter Finals or the Bronze Final to top off your Japan holiday.