Fuji Explorer 10 Day

Our first morning sees us leaving behind the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. We head south-west with the majestic Mount Fuji getting closer and closer. We'll stop for a refreshment before riding onto Mount Fuji itself and ascending the mountain to its highest point. We'll soak in the breathtaking vistas from up high - an excellent photo opportunity. Afterward, we'll descend and retire to our cozy accommodations nestled in the tranquil beauty of Lake Yamanaka, with the iconic view of Fuji-san ever present over the lake.

Embarking on Day 2 of our adventure, we bid farewell to the tranquil shores of Lake Yamanaka. Journeying southward, we make a pit stop at the renowned Biker's Paradise Cafe, fueling up on coffee and motorbike memorabilia. We'll then continue along the picturesque north shore of Lake Ashi, with the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji ever watchful across the water. The afternoon unfolds at your leasure amidst the enigmatic landscape of the Owakudani volcanic area, where gondola rides offer breathtaking views of steaming volcanic terrain. At the summit, indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Owakudani Curry, a local specialty renowned for its spicy richness, offering a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine amid the awe-inspiring volcanic action. Or take your time strolling around ancient shrines in the area, exploring the lake, or hopping back on the bike to tackle the winding mountain roads that surround the lake.

Day 3 finds us heading south into the Izu Peninsula, famous for its scenic beauty where mountains meet the ocean. We'll ramp up the adrenaline on the exhilarating twists and turns of the coastal roads along the western edge of the peninsula (keep an eye out for Mount Fuji as the backdrop across the bay). We'll wrap up a day of amazing coastal riding by heading into the heart of the peninsula where the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls are hidden away between the mountains. After an optional short trek to take in the waterfalls, we'll rest for the night and soak our tired muscles in the geothermal onsen for which the region is famous.

Starting day 4 we'll climb the double spiral corkscrew Kawazu Loop Bridge and head north towards the Izu Skyline. Famous among motorbike enthusiasts in Japan for its riding thrills, we'll also take in panoramic vistas of the Izu Peninsula's coastline, lush greenery, and the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. We'll enjoy a typical Japanese lunch before we head north to a local place that brews sake in winter, and Japanese whiskey in Spring. We'll learn about the brewing process for both, and most importantly we'll sample some of the best alcohol in Japan!

Day 5 sees us ride further into the mountains and deeper into the history of this ancient land. We follow the Tenryu River, in a picturesque valley nestled between the Southern and Central Alps, and make our way to the historical and well-preserved town of Magome-Juku. After a traditional lunch, we'll set off for an optional walk to Tsumago-juku on the legendary Nakasendo trail. On this 8km (5 mile) walk through the forest we'll follow in the footsteps of samurai and shogun, who used this exact route to travel between the two major towns in Japan, Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). After exploring Tsumago-juku, we'll hitch a ride back to Magome-juku where we enjoy a night in traditional Japanese accommodation.

We continue our journey back in time on day 6 as we travel on rideable parts of the Nakasendo trail through the Kiso Valley to the beautiful town of Narai. After visiting historical houses, local museums, a buddhist temple and artisan workshops, we'll ride some epic mountain roads including Japan’s Highest National Route on through to Kusatsu. Our stop for the evening has been continually voted the best onsen town in Japan for well over a decade. Enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation at the famous geothermal springs of this ancient town.

On Day 7 we'll spend a slow morning exploring Kusatsu on foot, strolling through charming streets lined with traditional ryokan and souvenir shops, and taking in the town's unqiue architecture stemming from its rich history as a hot spring resort. We'll visit the iconic Yubatake hot water field, and may stop by Netsu-no-Yu, where we can see a demonstration of the unique method of cooling hot spring water. Around lunchtime we'll take a 2-hour ride through the mountains to Ueda, the traditional town of the Sanada clan. Here we''ll travel back in time to the Sengoku Jidai (the Warring States period), a time where samurais and ninjas duelled in the streets, while Shogun warlords prepared to battle for the unification of Japan. After exploring the castle and the old merchant quarter, we'll get back on the bike and head to the large castle town of Matsumoto, a former regional seat of power for the Ogasawara Clan and the Tokugawa Shogunate, where we'll be staying for the next 2 nights.

Day 8 is a slower day, giving us the chance to immerse in Japanese culture. In the morning, join a guided tour of Matsumoto Castle, followed by your choice three cultural experiences (a samurai class, a taiko drumming class or a soba-making class). Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying Matsumoto, or join us on an optional afternoon ride out into the mountains. We'll head back to Matsumoto to have a low-key dinner. Hint: day 8 is also a great chance to get your washing done!

On day 9, we'll then depart Matsumoto mid-morning, heading into the scenic mountains for some truly epic riding - some of the best on the entire tour! We'll enjoy a delightful lunch, savoring local cuisine before venturing further into the mountains, this time taking the picturesque Venus Skyline towards Lake Shirakaba. We'll spend the night in accommodation by the lake, with an optional sunset ride offering breathtaking photo opportunities amidst the southern, central and northern Japanese alps.

Day 10 features an exhilarating final morning of riding through endlessly twisting mountain roads - encapsulating the very essence of our week-long journey together. We'll make a stop for lunch at a charming rural coffee shop that also offers a selection of locally made wares, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. After this delightful break, we'll hit the highway back to Tokyo, concluding our adventure with a heartfelt farewell party to celebrate the unforgettable journey we've shared.