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 continue on through the mountains to Kusatsu, continually voted the best onsen town in Japan for well over a decade. We'll stop here and rest for the night, soaking in the geothermal springs, ready for an action packed day tomorrow.

On Day 7 we'll tackle some intense mountain riding in the morning, before we make a stop at Ueda, the traditional town of the Sanada clan. Here we will travel back in time to the Sengoku Jidai (the Warring States period), a time where samurais and ninjas dueled in the streets, while Shogun warlords prepared to battle for the unification of Japan. At Ueda we will enjoy hand-made, authentic soba noodles, and take part in a Japanese tea Ceremony - a uniquely Japanese experience not to be missed. After Ueda, expect our thrilling mountain journey to continue as we head east up to the quaint village of Hakuba. A famous launching point for the Northern Alps, Hakuba is visited by Japanese and foriegn tourists alike for its scenic views and traditional thatched roof dwellings.

Day 8 is focused on a leisurely ride down from Hakuba, into Takase Valley where we will perch ourselves on the great lake of Ryujin-ko to soak in some more the Northern Alps. After a quick lunch stop, we head to the postal town of Matsumoto, home of the "Crow Castle" - one of the best-preserved samurai castles in all of Japan. We'll explore the grounds, see real samurai armor and weapons, and scale the many floors for a perfect view out into the city and across to the Japanese alps.

Day 9 is an action packed day of riding. We'll depart Matsumoto, heading into the scenic mountains for some truly epic riding. 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.