Highlights
- See the best of Tokyo, from the electric Akihabara district to ancient Asakusa
- Tackle daily cycling routes through the mountainous Gunma Prefecture
- Soak in the hot springs of charming Ikaho on the slopes of Mount Haruna
- Visit shrines in the volcano field of Onoishidashi Volcanic Park
- Climb the jaw-dropping Shibu Pass to the summit of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore the Capital | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Best of Tokyo Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Train to Takasaki, Begin Multiday Cycling Tour | Takasaki |
| Day 4 | Cycle to Ikaho Onsen Town via Maebashi City & Mount Haruna | Shibukawa |
| Day 5 | Cycle to Lake Haruna via Mount Haruna Caldera | Shibukawa |
| Day 6 | Cycle to Kawarayu Onsen Town via the Agatsuma Valley | Kawarayu |
| Day 7 | Optional Cycling Around Mount Asama & Onoishidashi Volcanic Park | Kawarayu |
| Day 8 | Cycle to Kusatsu Onsen Town, Soak in Yubatake Hot Springs Field | Kusatsu-machi |
| Day 9 | Cycle to Mount Kusatsu-Shirane via the Shibu Pass | Kusatsu-machi |
| Day 10 | Cycle to Hot Springs Along the Shiriyaki Onsen Loop | Kusatsu-machi |
| Day 11 | Cycle to Naganohara, End of Multiday Cycling Tour | Naganohara |
| Day 12 | Relax & Recover in Naganohara | Naganohara |
| Day 13 | Train to Tokyo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore the Capital
Konnichiwa Japan! After you arrive at Tokyo International Airport, your driver will be waiting to whisk you into the capital. Settle in, then explore the glittering Tokyo, where modernity competes with centuries-old culture. Begin in Shibuya, an area known for its trendy boutiques and home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Take a stroll to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the best gardens to see cherry blossoms in the spring, and continue to one of Tokyo's oldest parks, Shiba, for iconic views of the Tokyo Tower.
End the day by exploring the vibrant Akihabara, known as "Electric Town," Japan's pop culture capital. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of manga, animé, and gaming. Stroll through the streets, where you'll see neon-lit ads and enthusiastic cosplayers. Stop at the multistory Animate store to buy official merchandise, play games at GiGO Akihabara Building 3, and end the night at a maid café, where servers perform in elaborate costumes between serving your food and drinks.
Day 2: Best of Tokyo Tour
Join your guide this morning for a full day exploring Tokyo's iconic landmarks, starting at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920. Step through the towering torii (gate) into the forested grounds, see the ornate Japanese architecture, and then head to the Imperial Palace. Walk through the picturesque grounds, stopping at tea houses or bridges, including the famous Double Bridge.
Set off across town to the ancient Asakusa district to visit Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples, built in the seventh century. Pass the giant lanterns on the Kaminarimon, the outer gate, then stroll along the buzzing, shop-lined Nakamise-dori. At the end of the road, you'll reach the second gate, Hozomon, which leads to the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda, where you can pick up an omikuji (fortune).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Train to Takasaki, Begin Multiday Cycling Tour
Head to Tokyo's main depot this morning to catch a 45-minute train to the lovely Takasaki. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted at Takasaki Station by your expert guide, to begin your epic cycling adventure through Gunma Prefecture. After a quick introduction and bike fitting, it's time to start your journey along the serene Karasu River.
During the 20-mile (32 km) ride, you'll make several stops for lunch, to take in the views, and to rest. Finally, stop for the night at a charming local inn, where you can enjoy a traditional kaiseki (multicourse) dinner and rest up for another day of cycling tomorrow.
Day 4: Cycle to Ikaho Onsen Town via Maebashi City & Mount Haruna
After a peaceful night at your country inn, it's time to climb on that bike again. Today, you'll say farewell to the Takasaki area and head to Maebashi City before commencing your challenging ascent up the slopes of Mount Haruna. Bike through the scenic landscape for 28 miles (45 km) with an elevation gain of 2,460 feet (750 m) to Ikaho Onsen Town, situated on the eastern slopes of the massive stratovolcano.
The town is famous for its mineral-rich hot springs flowing over 300 steps into the central square. End your day at a ryokan, the country's traditional local inns that feature locally-made meals, along with Japanese-style design and furniture. Change into yukata (kimono pajamas), soak in the on-site hot springs, and enjoy the legendary omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) alongside mountain views.
Day 5: Cycle to Lake Haruna via Mount Haruna Caldera
Hop on your bike for a day trip from Ikaho, taking a rewarding 40-mile (65 km) ride up to Mount Haruna Caldera. Make the steady climb, gaining a total of 1,968 feet (600 m) in elevation, to the hidden gem of Lake Haruna at the summit of this incredible volcano. Take a leisurely lap of this picturesque lake, situated within the caldera, before stopping for a delicious lakeside lunch.
After you eat, take the gondola up Haruna Fuji for incredible panoramic views, as far as the iconic Mount Fuji and Tokyo (on a clear day). At the end of the day, cruise back downhill to Ikaho for another relaxing and rejuvenating night at your ryokan.
Day 6: Cycle to Kawarayu Onsen Town via the Agatsuma Valley
Enjoy a kaiseki breakfast at your ryokan, then set off on your bike to Mount Haruna. Cross the summit and begin your descent into the picturesque Agatsuma Valley. Cycle through ancient forests along the winding Agatsuma River and stop to see the famous Agatsuma Gorge.
Continue on, gaining about 2,460 feet (750 m) until finishing your 31-mile (50 km) journey in Kawarayu Onsen Town. Stay in a memorable Japanese straw-thatched roof house, an exclusive ryokan with rustic exteriors and comfortable, luxurious interiors. Enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time as you soak in the healing hot springs and rest your tired legs.
Day 7: Optional Cycling Around Mount Asama & Onoishidashi Volcanic Park
You'll be based out of Kawarayu today. As it's the halfway point of your cycling trip, you can take a break in the lovely town or explore more of the landscapes around Mount Asama, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. Take the shuttle (or take your bike, if you're feeling energetic) up the volcano's slopes to visit the famous Onoishidashi Volcanic Park (or the Mount Asama Stone Magma Park).
Known for several shrines perched atop fields of volcanic boulders, you can go for short hikes, or, if you prefer, cycle around the loop. Depending on your energy levels, you can do the whole loop or catch the shuttle at various points to shorten the journey. Head back to town for another soak in the hot springs before resting up for tomorrow's next leg of cycling.
Day 8: Cycle to Kusatsu Onsen Town, Soak in Yubatake Hot Springs Field
Leave Kawarayu behind and continue your cycling adventure to the world-renowned Kusatsu, a traditional onsen town in the Gunma Alps. You'll pedal for 18.6 miles (30 km) on the serene back roads that gently climb to the high mountain plateau, with an elevation rise of 3,280 feet (1,000 m), before arriving in the town.
Check into your ryokan next to the famous Yubatake Hot Spring Field, known for its exceptional water quality. The onsen in Kasatsu is also Japan's largest hot water source, with an average production of 8,500 gallons (32,000 L) per day. Soak in the healing waters and enjoy the surrounding views of the traditional village and incredible mountain scenery.
Day 9: Cycle Mount Kusatsu-Shirane via the Shibu Pass
Get ready for a challenge today! Start with an invigorating soak and healthy breakfast before you climb aboard your bike to take Japan's highest national route, the ascension of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. This active volcano, the primary energy source for the town, is reached via the picturesque Shibu Pass, which reaches an impressive 7,125 feet (2,172 m) above sea level.
Cycle up the pass for 24.8 miles (40 km), with an elevation gain of 2,723 feet (830 m), before reaching the otherworldly blue crater lake at the base of the summit. Once you reach the peak, take a break in the lodge on top for lunch and appreciate the gorgeous panoramic views of mountains, geysers, and steaming pools. After you conquer the peak, cruise back downhill to Kusatsu, where you can continue to explore the quiet streets and indulge in one of the many onsen baths.
Day 10: Cycle to Hot Springs Along the Shiriyaki Onsen Loop
Set off on another day trip from Kusatsu today to complete the magnificent Shiriyaki Onsen Loop. Climb on your bike and cycle deeper into the mountains through green forests and peekaboo mountain views. Follow the picturesque rivers that cut through the mountains to the source of the hot spring. At the end of the road, you'll find Shiriyaki Onsen itself, a local favorite that's truly off the beaten path.
This mixed-gender, clothing-optional onsen, which translates as "Burning Butt Hot Springs," is scenic and relaxing. Enjoy your soak, then hop back on your bike and continue to a nearby soba (Japanese noodle) restaurant to try its popular maitake mushroom tempura. Finally, cycle through the rolling hills in many colors that signify various sources of the hot springs before finishing your 18.6-mile (30 km) journey back in Kusatsu.
Day 11: Cycle to Naganohara, End of Multiday Cycling Tour
Spend your morning exploring more of Kusatsu, such as the picturesque Sainokawara Outdoor Onsen Garden, or enjoy a leisurely bicycle loop around town. Then, climb back on your trusty bike for the final leg of your cycling journey, which will cover around 15.5 miles (25 km). Savor the serene descent toward the lovely mountain town of Naganohara, where your trip will officially end. Once you arrive, check into another ryokan and join the rest of your group for a celebratory lunch.
Day 12: Relax & Recover in Naganohara
For your last full day in Japan, take advantage of the relaxing hot springs in Naganohara to fully recover from your cycling tour. If you need a break from visiting the various onsen baths and resting in your ryokan, explore the Old Kita-Karuizawa Station, the historic train depot once operated by the now-defunct Kusakaru Electric Railway. Once a pivotal transportation hub, it's now the only surviving station of the 18 that once made up the line.
Now abandoned, the charming wooden shrine-like station is still worth a visit. For idyllic views of sweeping grassland and massive mountains, visit the hilltop Asama Farm, where you can also explore the pavilion, shop for souvenirs, and eat locally made snacks, such as soft-serve ice cream.
Day 13: Train to Tokyo, Depart
Pack your bags and prepare to say goodbye to Japan as you head to the Tokyo airport from the depot in Naganohara, around three hours away. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination!
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