2025 JAPAN: Tokyo to Kyoto
8 DAY
AUG 31 - SEPT 7, 2025
SHARED
$$6800 USD
SINGLE
$$8500 USD
START / FINISH
Tokyo / Osaka
TOTAL DISTANCE
480 mi / 772 km
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
45,200 ft / 13,760 m
KEY CLIMBS
Mount Kusuyagake
LEVEL
Intermediate
If you would like more information about Japan, please drop us an email.
SUPERLATIVE.
Japan Alps RAID - as featured in the 2024 edition of Condé Nast Traveler.
This route has been chosen by Robb Report as one of “The Best Cycling Routes Around the World”!
Sometimes, it feels like there's a trend to travel for the sake of traveling, to visit a place merely because it's far away and exotic. Japan, though? Japan is travel for the sake of the pursuit of the best. It’s a place that rewards the earnest explorer, challenging beyond simply just cycling. RAID’s journey through the Japanese Alps is our distillation of a decade spent experiencing, designing, and executing trips in one of the world’s greatest places to ride a bike - and visit.
Starting in Tokyo, we’ll head south on challenging roads dotted with climbs through dense forests on perfect pavement, barely wide enough for a car. Deserted roads every bit an equal of Europe’s, and a mountainous buffet of perfection through dense forests, peppered with broad views. During the day, the rider will be treated to the best that Japan has to offer. That theme will continue in the evenings, with the chance to explore all things uniquely and wonderfully Japanese: Hot springs, food, lodging and people.
We finish after an unforgettable parcours in the stylish city of Kyoto, Japan's former capital, and by all accounts Japan's city of cities, renowned for its temples, shrines, and vibrant geisha culture.
“Japan is the most intoxicating place for me. The Japanese culture fascinates me: The food, the dress, the manners and the traditions. It’s the travel experience that has moved me the most.”
― Roman Coppola
D1 ARRIVAL TOKYO - Aug 31
Upon on your arrival into Tokyo, you will make your way to the fashionable Ebisu district in Tokyo. Our conveniently located lodging for the night of the August 25th is The Westin Tokyo, a luxury hotel about a 10-minute walk from Ebisu Station. Your hotel and dinner is included tonight. Ebisu is one short train stop away from Shibuya, the heart of the city. Upon your arrival the hotel on the 31st, our team will assist with building your bikes and readying you for your early morning departure the following day.
Learn more about the Ebisu District
O/N The Westin Tokyo
D2 HIGASHI OME TO KOFU- Sep 1
65 mi / 6,100 Ft
Our first day on the bike takes us into the heart of Higashi-Ōme, a mountainous region laced with deep gorges, raging rivers and mountain lakes. It’s the perfect intro into the style of riding we will encounter the rest of the week. Enjoy a hot bowl of soba for lunch at a mountain top cafe before descending into the lush Kofu Valley.
This afternoon, take a dip into your first Onsen hot spring at Hottarakashi Onsen, an open air bath sitting high above the valley floor below. Soak while taking in the stunning view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
D3 KISOFUKUCHIMA TO TAKAYAMA - Sep 2
62 mi / 7,888 Ft
This morning, we embark on our journey with a short transfer by bus or train to the charming village of Kiso-Fukushima. Located along the historic Edo Period Nakasendo, also known as the “Road through the Central Mountains,” this route was once part of feudal Japan’s extensive highway network. Travelers moving between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to traverse the Nakasendo. Today, we will follow their footsteps through the high mountain passes of the remote Kiso Mountains in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture.
Today’s route promises both inspiration and a challenge to your fitness—enjoy the journey! We’ll conclude in the remarkable village of Takayama, renowned for its 400-year history of sake production and its beautifully preserved old town. Tonight’s accommodation is something special: The Hotel Wood, a wooden structure designed around the principles of ZEN, offering a peaceful retreat for mindfulness and relaxation. Minimalist rooms, serene spaces, and the on-site onsen hot springs will enhance your experience of tranquility.
D4 TAKAYAMA TO SHIRAKAWA - sep 3
80 mi / 8,600 Ft
Rise early and take in another morning Onsen soak before we make our final push up and deeper into the Gifu mountains. After lunch we have one more substantial climb before we arrive at our final destination, the historic World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) along the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains, famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. We descend into the village from a remote mountain road. Enjoy a black sesame ice cream before we finish off our last 10-miles to our traditional ryokan.
Tonight we check into what one guest of ours described as staying in a ‘Samurai’s home’. A traditional Japanese inn offering a nostalgic atmosphere. The inn is full of history and is distinguished by its commitment to the spirit of hospitality. We can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Local cuisine made with seasonal locally-sourced ingredients is served. All guest rooms are Japanese-style with tatami mat floors and futon bedding.
D5 SHIRAKAWA TO KAGA - Sep 4
94 mi / 9,206 Ft
Our route today is a special one. This ride has it all: Punchy climbs, fast twisty descents, waterfalls, rice fields, temples and finishing off with a climb into the dense mountain peaks. Keep an eye open for bear this afternoon before we arrive in the hot spring town of Kaga. In addition to the ride today, we have afternoon activities planned. Enjoy a soak in the famous onsen before joining us for a whisky or manhattan at a piano bar next door. After dinner, we’ll end the night at a traditional Karaoke bar, owned by a retired Bon Odori dancer.
O/N Hatori
D6 KAGA TO SUIGEKKA - sep 5
98 mi / 4,500 Ft
As we depart this morning, the staff from the Hatori lodge come out to send us off, wishing us a safe journey. As we roll south, our first stop on arrival at the Sea of Japan is the Yushima Bridge. We’ll cycle over to the island and visit the Shinto shrine. From here, we spend the next 60 miles along the coast of the Sea of Japan, where we might jump in for a quick swim. Tonight we check into Hotel Suigekka, an isolated spa inn overlooking Lake Suigetsuko. The hotel is especially known for its sumptuous kaiseki dishes with lavish amounts of crab and other seasonal seafood. Inside the hotel is a number of hot baths and saunas overlooking the lake and the mountains.
O/N Hotel Suigekka
karaoke - a night out
D7 SUIGEKKA tO kYOTO - Sep 6
77.6 mi / 8,828 Ft
Our last day’s journey has us cycling deep into the mountains north of Kyoto on more tiny roads in dense forests. The final lunch of the trip comes on the heels of a long descent at a traditional soba house at a remote mountainous location known for its sweetfish fishing. Centuries-old farmhouses lend a nostalgic atmosphere to the area, and gives us a chance to experience the traditional, authentic feel of rural Japan. A few more stunning climbs with views across the Yamashiro Basin brings us to Kyoto. In the afternoon, spend a moment exploring Kyoto's centuries-old geisha district, with its temples, shrines, stunning gardens, and bamboo groves. Our celebratory dinner tonight is at beloved Manzara, where you will dine on "Obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).
O/N Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
D8 kYOTO TRANSFER DAY - Sept 7
You have the option to leave from Osaka-Kyoto if that suits you.
We will support you in transferring to a different hotel in Kyoto. If you are departing, we can also help you arrange the limousine bus service to Osaka International Airport (KIX). It's a quick, convenient, and optimal choice for reaching the airport and ensuring a safe journey home.
