VALLEYS & VOLCANOES CYCLING TOUR

Your BTJ guides will be ready to meet you at the exit of Ashikaga-Shi Station. After introductions and bike fits, we are off on our scenic ride along the Watarase River. Trace the rushing river while taking in the stack of mountains of the North Alps across the massive Tone Valley. Stop in historic Kiryu for a traditional Japanese lunch and then begin the gradual climb to Lake Umeda. We’ll take a break to soak in the views, deep in the hills of Kiryu. Then, roll into our hidden ryokan in the woods to enjoy the serenity of the Japanese countryside. Choose to settle in with a relaxing bath in the natural hot springs, or continue riding with our guides for a few bonus miles. We recommend a relaxing stroll by the river before sunset. When you’re ready, meet up with our group for a beautiful traditional dinner and our first toast to a great week of adventures ahead!

Today, we will begin our journey into the heart of the Japanese countryside. Begin by riding deeper into the mountains on tranquil roads up to Mt Akayuisan Pass. Then dive into secluded forests to the Nagusaitsukushima, a beautiful and secluded shrine in the deep rich pine forests. After exploring the shrine, we will head to a lunch of fresh regional food before we make our way back to the ryokan for another amazing evening.

Today we take on our biggest climb of the trip, the Kanahara Pass. Follow the valley east to a secluded back road that rewards us with a hidden road and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Then, meander down to the serene Sano Valley for a step back in time at Ichinokan, a well preserved ryokan out of the past.

Today, we head over the hill to Ashikaga, a quaint and historical town at the base of Japan’s North Alps. We’ll take a stop to visit the Gakko, the first school built in Japan. History, gardens, gates, and more, as we explore the hills through the afternoon before heading off to an afternoon in the award winning Ashikaga Flower Park.

Our final ride along the Watarase River Path, today is a journey to the hot-spring source as we head up to Mt Akagi. A quick stop to take in the peaceful Hotokuji Shrine and lunch before we embark on a long gradual uphill with scenic views of the massive volcano. Our ryokan tonight is situated on the lower steps of Mt Akagi with incredible views of the Tone Valley below.

Our last full ride day offers several options: choose a simple short climb to the amazing hidden Miyazawa Shrine, or extend it for a loop around the base of Mt Akagi. For those who want more miles and a challenge, the full climb to the summit Mt Akagi awaits. Finally, you can choose to enjoy a restful day off or stroll to the Senbonzakura park just up the road. Later that evening, we will all reconvene for one last dinner together: a beautiful Japanese feast.

On our final day, we head out one last time by bike for a flat/downhill ride through the country back along the Watarase River towards Kiryu. We will roll down the valley to Takatsudo Park for a final exploration, and views of all that we have accomplished. Enjoy lunch and coffee in Kiryu before we say farewell, til the next time!