Trip Basics
Overview
This was the most ambitious trip that I have had the pleasure to take in Japan - even longer than my personal pleasure trips.
Planning it was a dream come true - with almost an entire month free to go anywhere I want to take them, covering many areas I had ridden before, as well as some new routes, and share anything I wanted to share. The only requirement was to see Kyoto at the end.
Client Request:
To: info@onelifejapan.com Subject: One month in Japan Guided Bike AprilWe are a family of 3 (Ages: 22, and 55) with experience on long bike packing trips through Europe, Canada, and the US.
We are all fit and can ride long distances and hills. When we travel we also like to see the country, so we usually only do about 80km per day or less.
We usually do ride by ourselves, so are comfortable in strange places, but because of the language barrier, we would like some support in Japan.
We prefer simple but comfortable accommodation. Luxury is not needed unless it is something unique to Japan. We would like more traditional accommodation at least some times but we are not sure if sleeping on the floor is OK for riding so much, so we want to consider that as well.
We have never been to Japan, but we are fine to skip Tokyo unless you think this is a really must-see. We would like to spend a few days in Kyoto at the end.
None of us have food allergies, and we are generally quite open to trying new foods.
Notes from the Road
Day 1: Fukuoka ~ Dazaifu
- Over 2,500 km Ridden
- Over 14,000 m Climbed (and cruised down)
- Over 100 Hours on Bike
- Multiple Ferry Rides (one overnight)
- Local and Bullet Train
- Castles, Traditional Ryokan Inns, Hotsprings...
The general route was decided ahead of time, but very flexible.
Every night we would look over options for the next day based on the weather, mood, and how tired we were. A few times, availability of accommodation was the main deciding factor, but with a few exceptions, accommodations was decided the day before - and sometimes even on that day.
While this was before the current tourism boom, it is still just as possible, although bit more expensive. Also considering we had an entire month, we were not worried about making sure that every single night was a once-in-a-life stay. There was room for an average hotel without ruining the trip.
We had bicycle bags (rinko bukuro) to take our bikes on the train if needed, and we actually ended up using them more than expected. Having the train easily available provided a lot of flexibility and often prevented turning a perfect day's ride into a bad memory.
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Select Highlights
With a trip this long, it is inevitable to hit some well-known highlights of Japan that are easy to reach by train, but the biggest highlights, were small happenings and locations that are in between that no one writes travel guides about.
At the end of the trip, we arrived in Kyoto. The clients visited the Kyoto Tourism Information booth to see what to do for the next three days.
But... we already saw all of these things along the way...
In addition to being surprised by the crowds compared to what they were used to for the past month, they were a little disappointed that, aside from shopping, many of the "things to see and do in Kyoto" where things they had seen and done in some form or another along the ride.
It is impossible to list every tiny museum, cafe, rest-area, waterfall, that we saw, but below are some of the more well-known places we visited and links to further reading:
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Some of the many other countless highlights included:
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Difficulty
With the trips i make, my goal is never to simply ride as many kilometers as possible just for the sake of riding, so this trip was on the more challenging end of the spectrum.
Most days were not too difficult alone, but we rode almost every day, covering a lot of ground. We also had a lot of elevation gain which was a necessity to keep off of the more heavily trafficked roads where possible.
The clients were a very fit family with long distance bike-packing touring experience, but still, sometimes when planning the next day and looking at the long climbs, I was nervous. In the end, though, there was not a time that I recall when anyone felt it was too much, and if we did feel like taking it easy, we had the train option. We had also planned a little extra into the budget to be prepared to take longer taxi if needed.
That said, I believe that almost any teen or above of reasonable fitness level can do this - even without much biking experience. This ride would not be acceptable for a family with younger children, however, we could certainly arrange a similarly long trip with much less riding in each day.
Here are some estimated stats for the trip
- Over 2,500 km Ridden
- Over 14,000 m Climbed (and cruised down)
- Over 100 Hours on Bike
- Average ~8km/h (includeing stops)
Price Estimates
This particular trip was based on the family's budget, and it was almost ten years ago, so prices were different.
The client's wishes were to spent much of the time on the road. As such we they did not prioritize luxury hotels, so accommodation costs were modest. With the exception of special situations, where the inn was more a part of hte experience, we generally went for the lower price that was still comfortable and not a hostel. We only paid more when there were no options - but sometimes, in more rural areas, there are only modest options.
Toward the end we were actually coming in quite a bit under the expected budget, so in Kyoto they stayed in a more upscale accommodation.
Other transportation costs were train, ferry, and a taxi ride or two. We did take the train more than expected, but usually local trains, with two shinkansen bullet train rides.
Contact us for an estimate for a similar trip at 2025 rates. We can provide an estimate for some or all of below:
- Planning, logistics and detailed route maps
- Guide, Self Guided, or Hybrid
- Bicycle rental and gear (helmet, bags, lights)
- Public / non-bicycle Transportation
- Comfortable, affordable Japanese style inns
A custom trip is very difficult to give a one-size fits all price estimate due to many factors. Our main goal is to make it reasonable and affordable for anyone to have a unique once in a lifetime adventure with your limited time in Japan.
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Number of Participants
We want to make it affordable as possible, especially for families, which make up a large part of our customer base, so we do not have a set per-person rate. If you request as a family or group, it is much easier for us to take that into account.
Unfortunately, it is often difficult insert individuals into custom trips with other random individuals, so joining a group to reduce costs can be difficult, but if we have requests from multiple parties for the same time, and everyone is happy to join strangers, we are happy to accommodate.
Individuals, couples, or small group of three are welcome as well, of course, and we do our best to make an active rural Japan adventure attainable.
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Type of Accommodation
Depending on the itinerary, accommodation options can vary widely - from fairly luxury ryokan, to simple inn to business hotel. Usually we prefer smaller, more homey accommodation. Farm inns, small family run inns where possible. We prefer a warm friendly host with down-to-earth meals to a fancy lobby. We tend not to do luxury unless that is the request, and that luxury inn is actually the main attraction of the day.
If we are truly wandering, going where the wind takes us without preplanned accommodation, sometimes there are not a lot of options, but this is just a feature and part of the excitement.
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Location
Price can vary depending on the number of days of the trip, and how far it is from our base near central Japan. Having to travel further to get to and from the location to host a two day trip will be more costly on a per-day average than if it is for a longer trip.
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Dates / Advance Notice
For certain times of the year, mainly spring and autumn, we
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Number of Days
Longer trips will generally have a lower average daily rate, but this depends a lot on location, dates, and advance notice.
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Level of Support
To accommodate different budgets, we can offer different levels of support. The price difference may not be huge, but for those where every little bit counts, we are happy to work to fit your budget.
Fully guided: The guide will be with you to explain all meals and attractions, and either riding or walking with you, or always nearby.
Semi guided: We will be there to support, carry luggage, help with communications, checking in, and some attractions, but also you will have more free time. We may choose meeting points through the day, and you will be on your own (although we will share GPS location, and always available on phone) and dinners at inns you can enjoy on your own, or on a case-by-case basis.
Self-guided with support: We plan the route and give you maps, meet you are the start with bikes and take your luggage to the inn. We will be available via phone for support, and can see your location. Otherwise you are on your own. We will pick up the bikes at the end and you can seamlessly continue your journey.
Fully Self Guided We plan the route and give you maps, assists with accommodation and other bookings, make arrangements for your to get bikes if needed, and give you as much support as possible without ever meeting. We will be available via phone for support, and can see your location. Otherwise you are on your own.
Please contact us with more details and we will do our best to either build an itinerary that fits your needs, or point you in the right direction if we are unable server you directly.
Dates & Availability
Any season would be great for a trip like this. While the exact itinerary would not be possible in winter, due to snow, there are plenty of places to ride that receive little or no snow. This particular trip was in April when there were cherry blossoms, and weather was mild.
While the blossoms are beautiful, one trade-off is that rice is generally not yet planted, and many of the fields are still being prepared, so there is less color than later in the spring.
Temperatures in April were perfect for riding. We were lucky with very little rain, but even when it did rain, it was just enough to make the trip better. In July there may be more rain, but this can be welcome respite from hot days. It also will be much greener, and makes for some great photos both on clear days, or misty rainy days.
Whatever the season, to plan something a similar length, it is best to request it far in advance. While planing the route and making reservations for accommodation is not a major issue, I would need to block off that month for other trip requests.
This particular trip was in April, when I am less busy, and the clients requested well in advance the previous summer, allowing me to ensure that I had an entire month. It also allowed for plenty of time to go back and forth with ideas and potential routes / highlights to see.
If I cannot provide a full month, shorter trips, or partial guided, partial self-guided is also a possibility. This family wanted to have a dedicated guide because of the language barrier, but I think that after a while they had the hang of everything and would have done fine on their own as well, with with me providing research, maps and hotel suggestions assistance.
April
It is not unusual to find snow on the ground in April, as some winters accumulate as much as 3 to 4 meters. The roads, however, will be clear, and while still a bit chilly, the temperatures are great for bike riding.
Along with the cherry blossoms in early to mid-April, the scene here is quite different from the bustling viewing parties in larger cities. Instead, farmers begin their spring preparations after the long winter. The blossoms set against the backdrop of remaining snow and plows tilling the fields offer a unique perspective of the season.
The first wild vegetables begin peeking out from under the fresh snowmelt, where they have been lying dormant, waiting for the light of day. Gathering wild vegetables with a local is a possibility, but savoring them in the seasonal meals is a guarantee.
May
In May, the trees begin to show their first vibrant green buds. Wild vegetable hunting continues, following the snow line as it moves further up the mountains. Some lesser-used mountain passes are still closed, waiting their turn for the village plows.
May is rice planting time, and as the month progresses, the paddies begin to fill. Most fields are planted by tractors, but it is not uncommon to see farmers filling in gaps by hand. With advanced notice, we can arrange an opportunity to get muddy and spend an afternoon planting a rice field by hand.
June
By June, most of the rice fields should be planted, and within a few weeks, the scenery changes dramatically as the rice shoots grow, filling the paddies with their vibrant green. Early June is often the time for the "tayasumi" (rest from the rice field) festivals in each hamlet, a chance for villagers to catch up before diving back into their busy spring schedules.
The temperatures are still very favorable for bike riding. A jacket may be required in the early morning and late evening, or on some of the higher altitude downhill cruises. The hiking season gets into full swing as the trails officially open, and Shinto mountain opening ceremonies are held to bless the mountains and everyone who works in them, from forestry workers to hunters to hikers.
While June is technically the beginning of the rainy season, it is still a great time to visit. Far from detracting from the experience, the rain brings out the vibrant colors and morning mists, providing for some excellent scenery. Normal rain gear will suffice, but in the event of an extraordinary downpour, the hot onsen will only be that much more appreciated.
July
July brings heat and humidity, but it also ushers in lush and beautiful landscapes. Despite the change in weather, July is still great for bike riding and hiking. Random downpours make the colors pop and create a picturesque veil of mist.
August
August is lazy. Ideally, we like to keep our bike riding to early morning and late afternoon when it is a bit cooler. Midday can be spent on less strenuous activities where possible.
August is also the time for festivals and fireworks. In this region, each hamlet has its own festival, usually featuring drums, flutes, and the colorful shishi lions dance. Larger firework festivals are also common.
Depending on the time of your visit, we may have the chance to join one or more of these local festivals, which are usually very intimate with few outside visitors, except for family members who have returned from the city.
Hiking and rides to higher altitudes offer a slight respite from the heat, as does a dip in the river, taking a break from a long challenging hill, or a white water raft ride.
Summer is also when fresh vegetables are at their most abundant. Fresh tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, and some of the best corn you will ever have are all abundant in August.
December ~ February
Northern Nagano will be covered in meters of snow.
For those who want to experience this unique snow region, we offer Winter Snow Country Experiences. These focus on easy snowshoe walks with traditional Japanese snowshoes, long soaks in hot springs, and plenty of snow play for children (and adults).
The area is well-known for its top-notch ski resorts, and One Life Japan can offer a break from the slopes to experience more of the local culture.
The famous Snow Monkeys are very popular, and many group tours are available to see them. One Life Japan will take you, but we prefer to make that just one part of the day, focusing more on lesser-visited attractions like making soba and visiting local sites.
A highlight of mid-January is the local New Year’s celebration. The Nozawa Fire Festival is famous and spectacular, but many people do not know about the many local dondoyaki festivals happening throughout the countryside on a much smaller, more intimate scale.
Bicycle and walking trips in other regions of Japan are also available upon request.
September
Summer stretches into September, and while it can still be hot, there is a noticeable difference from August. The weather is not the only thing changing, as the rice fields begin to mature and turn gold.
The autumn colors may begin changing in the higher areas in late September. While the areas we ride our bikes will still be green, the slowly descending autumn colors create a dramatic backdrop, blending from orange into green and then the golden rice terraces. The summer heat gives way to more moderate temperatures.
Harvesting rice and soba is a key activity during this month.
October
Arguably one of the best times to visit, October offers clear and cool weather. Unlike spring, the mountain trails and roads are free of snow, making hiking and long mountain pass rides accessible.
The autumn colors descend further down the mountain into the valley, reaching the village. The shrines and temples are especially beautiful this time of year.
October is also a great time for enjoying apples and mushrooms.
November
November is the time to savor apples, fresh rice, mushrooms, and persimmons.