Self Guided Cycling Adventure - Japanese Alps Nagano, Hakuba

Wake to the rising sun and sounds of birds chirping outside your window. Wearing your traditional yukata robe, head down for a lovely western breakfast of eggs, pastries, bacon and toast. After breakfast, kit up and set off for today’s cycling adventure!

Head south and say ohayo (good morning) to the massive Hakuba Peaks on your right side. Soon, you'll come upon three tranquil  lakes known for its fishing, swimming, and SUP in the summer. If you'd like to do a light ride, simply loop the lakes and return to town. Otherwise, turn on to the forest road hill climb that ascends to an amazing view, where you can see all of Lake Kisaki and Omachi City. When you've passed by Kashimayari Ski Resort, you'll start your descent into a thick pine forest before looping back to the ryokan for a rinse up and soak in the onsen's healing mineral waters.

For dinner and choose from a selection of cuisines: Japanese yakiniku (we recommend a hole-in-the-wall specialty lamb spot), traditional kaiseki dining, or a simple dinner of noodles and local mountain veggies. Chat with the friendly locals and raise a glass to a fantastic day exploring the Japanese countryside!

Wake up after a restful night in the cool mountain air. After a soak in the hot springs and a delicious breakfast, kit up and head out for the day of exploring and riding the foothills of the North Alps.

The route today begins by riding along several mountains that contain Hakuba's most-loved ski resorts: Happo One, Iwatake, and Tsugaike. One of the top hill climbs in the area thanks to a nearly car free road and a beautiful nature park at the summit! This amazing road takes you through the green course of the ski resort, and is only accessible for park vehicles, so it is easy to get lost in the tranquility of the forest.

Once atop you can opt to take a quick walk around the Tsugaike Nature Park with the famous Japanese wooden plank hiking trails through this alpine region famous for a wide variety of wildflowers.

The top of the hill climb has two mountain huts with food and ice cream - choose to enjoy lunch at the summit of the climb, or zoom back to town for a lunch of traditional Japanese food. We'll also make some suggestions for western food - Neapolitan pizza, Mexican tacos, Aussie burgers, French galette, etc.

When you're done with your ride, rinse up, soak in the hot springs, relax with a good book, or take a nap before heading out for dinner tonight on the town. Many options nearby: sushi, ramen, curry, yakiniku, or fusion food!

Set an early alarm to make the most of the day on the bike; there are many miles ahead! Roll out of bed and kit up, grab a quick breakfast, then hit road. Today’s route? 100+km of backroads and small-town valleys out to one of our favorite gelato stops in Nagano.

Once you leave town, it’s just a few kilometers before you’re transported into another world. Ride over a string of forested mountain pass and enjoy the serenity and zen of these incredible roads! The route winds past small towns, rows of terraced rice fields, and traditional temples.

You ride hard and arrive at a small village deep in the mountains and pop into a local soba restaurant. Hop off the bike and head indoors for a well deserved lunch of rich buckwheat noodles and crispy veggie tempura. Once you are replenished, get back on the bike and head over the final climb of the day. Dig in and push your legs to their limits, but don’t forget to hop off the bike every once in a while for an obligatory photo of the amazing scenery.

Finally, reach the summit and get your reward: a breathtaking view of the stunning Japanese Alps and huge snow caps in the distance. Turn your handlebars downwards and get ready for a gorgeous descent as you wind your way back to the ryokan!

Head to the showers, soak in the hot springs, and take a much needed nap. Then, when you are refreshed, head out to the local yakiniku shop for grilled meats, mountain veggies, and celebratory beer. Another amazing day on the bike awaits tomorrow!

The sun is up, and so are you. You kit up and head to the Lawson (conbini) to stuff your pockets with snacks before hitting the road for the big day ahead!

First, point your handlebars towards the Japanese Sea and begin a steady downhill ride to Itoigawa, a tiny seaside town on the coast of Niigata Prefecture. From here, a seaside car-free bike-path will take you in and out of tunnels towards Joetsu. Now, the climb begins. Ride through two small traditional Japanese cities before heading back into nature by exploring the winding mountain roads of Myoko. As you climb higher, the trees give way to amazing views of the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. Keep an eye out for monkeys, deer, foxes, and other mystical creatures!

After several more challenging climbs through small-town Japan, you'll have a final thrilling descent into Hakuba Village. Hit the onsen for a long soak in the hot spring. Allow the mineral-rich waters to heal your tired legs before heading out for a delicious dinner in town. Choose traditional Japanese, or try out some Japanese fusion food in the local neighborhood. Take your pick, and be sure to stop by at the conbini for a tiramisu on the way back!