Japan: The Noto Peninsula
Eight days. Relaxed cycling, hiking and cultural experiences. Dramatic coasts and friendly mountains complemented with historically significant sites.
The enigma of Japan will just begin to reveal itself to you in this dynamic combination of active and cultural experiences. You will begin in Kanazawa City, riding into the rustic region of the Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan. You will play on beaches, walk in Yanagida Botanical Gardens, and listen to the Dragonfly Stream within forested park land. In another garden, you will listen to the resonance of a Buddhist bell. You can stop by the Rokugo farmhouse to have a revitalizing cup of tea. In early spring, you can ride through the sweet, soft fragrances of pink cherry or delicate plum blossoms. In a Samurai house, you may stop to watch a single drop of water make circle upon circles as goldfish swim beneath the surface of a pond. At the end of spring a hundred thousand irises bloom to create a surreal atmosphere. In the fall, orange, red, autumnal colours burst with intensity that will startle and amaze you. 
Whenever you choose to visit this beautiful area, the flourishing of traditional Japanese culture in this amazing, stilling place will leave you pleased. You will cycle to Wakura Spa, have an option to explore Notojima Island, see the market in Wajima, all the while following quiet coastline roads around this fabulously scenic peninsula. You will stay in beautiful traditional Ryokan hotels, bathe in onsens (hot springs) and eat the highest quality meals Japan has to offer. Finally, you will visit the UNESCO site of Shirakawago, an area known for three-storey, nail-free “clasped hands” thatched roof houses of exceptional beauty. The cycling is moderately challenging with a few climbs. Guided trips included abundant vehicle support to help ensure your happiness and safety.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Meet at Nagoya airport or your nearby hotel for morning transfer to Kanazawa. Afternoon will be spent getting bikes prepared and exploring Kanazawa – city of castles and three of Japan’s major gardens.
Hakuchoro Hotel, Kanazawa, www.hakuchoro.com
Day 2: 65km
Ride coastal roads with highlights including the Uchinada Dunes, the Keta Taisha Shrine, and the Myojoji Temple. Stop in the town of Ganmon to see a translucent cave mouth and 60 meter deep cave. Fantastic rock formations and optional boat trip to see Togi rocks. Swim in incredible blue green waters, considered as one of the top 50 beaches in Japan.
Togi Seaside Villa, Togi
Day 3: 65km
Cycling along coastal roads to Wajima, or optional 10km hike to explore the parks of Hegurajima Island. Special points included the Dragonfly stream, 1000 irises in spring, and the Sojiji Temple. Rest in fantastically located Japanese style Ryokan lodging.
Wajima Onsen Yashio Ryokan, Wajima City
Day 4: 80km
Morning exploration of Wajima city, followed by 80km of cycling to Noto. Special points: Lacquerware known as Wajima-nuri, a morning market on Asaichi-dori Avenue, “Kiriko” (tall festival lanterns), Senmaida (1000 terraced rice paddies), sea views at Cape Rokko. Rest in a beautiful Ryokan hotel with hot springs.
Hyakurakuso Ryokan, Noto
Day 5: 50km
Morning ride into the peninsula’s interior to see Tokikuni Old House. Ride along Koiji Beach – purportedly the “longest beach in the world”. Optional afternoon hike along the Tsukumo coast (99 bay). Return to your Ryokan in Noto for evening explorations and relaxation.
Hyakurakuso Ryokan, Noto
Day 6: 60km
Noto to Wakura Onsen via Notojima Island. Ride around Notojima Island with the snow-covered peaks of the Japanese Alps as your background. Take a bath at the wonderful Wakura Onsen, in one of Japan’s more famous “Onsen Towns”, before transferring to your inn in Shirikawa-go, at the base of Mount Hakusan in Hakusan National Park.
Tatiyama House, or Magoemon Gassho Zukuri-style Ryokan, Shirakawa
Day 7:
Short hikes to the ruins of Ogi-machi Castle and Hakusui Falls followed by a transfer to Kyoto.
Westin Miyako Hotel, or alternative, Kyoto
Day 8:
Morning transfers available to train station, with easy connections to Osaka or Tokyo. Kyoto is an easy place for Western visitors, and there are ample reasons to stay for extra time. Visit the Geisha District of Gion, Ryugfen In Temple, Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden, Nijo Castle, or Kiyomizu Temple. We will advise you about an abundance of reasons before we part at noon! Optional transfers back to Nagoya are available.
NOTE:
Japan is an interesting but culturally very different place. Food, rooms, even the side of the road: everything is different: You will sleep on futons on tatami floor mats. You will eat beautiful raw fish sushi with rice for breakfast. You may choose to bathe in onsens (communal baths). Westerners are well known to muddle poorly through many of these experiences. Please refer to Freewheeling’s introductory documents in order not to be surprised by some of the social graces that will be expected of you.
The Details:
| Start: | Nagoya, 10:00 day one. Easy transfers from Tokyo or Osaka on Shinkansen train. Best lodging choice is the Marriott Hotel at the Nagoya train station |
| Finish: | Kyoto, noon, day eight. Transfers back to Nagoya are available |
| Guided Cost: | C$4595 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, guide and van support, maps/route notes, luggage handling, taxes) |
| Self-Guided: | Not yet available |
| Single Occupancy: | $945 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $220 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 5-12. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 15-22; Sep 4-11. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
