Go for it on your own! Our self-guided adventures give you the tools to explore on your own. We take care of the hard parts that are difficult in Japan like bike rentals, lodging, route confirmation, shipping and support. For those who wish a more self-supported (and economical) tour, have relevant cycling experience already, and an adventuresome spirit, this is a great option.
What does it typically include?
1) High quality, professionally prepared bike (conventional or e-bike)
2) Curated route that is easily navigated by Smartphone (or your bike computer)
3) Associated POI guide that provides you information about the sights and locations along the way
4) No hassle booking at our favorite Japanese ryokans and hotels.
5) Typically includes breakfast and dinner. (Some hotels don't offer dinner but we share the best places to get your own)
6) 'Lifeline' support by dedicated WhatsApp Channel - so you never feel totally alone. We can help you over the rough stuff easily by a simple videocall or chat.
7) Guaranteed Rescue Service. We stay on standby through your trip in case you need urgent assistance. You will need to pay for this - but, we are standing by to help if you need personal assistance. (ex. bike crash, medical or personal issue)
8) Large Luggage Transport arrangement. Typically by Japanese carrier and can be every other day.
1) High quality, professionally prepared bike (conventional or e-bike)
2) Curated route that is easily navigated by Smartphone (or your bike computer)
3) Associated POI guide that provides you information about the sights and locations along the way
4) No hassle booking at our favorite Japanese ryokans and hotels.
5) Typically includes breakfast and dinner. (Some hotels don't offer dinner but we share the best places to get your own)
6) 'Lifeline' support by dedicated WhatsApp Channel - so you never feel totally alone. We can help you over the rough stuff easily by a simple videocall or chat.
7) Guaranteed Rescue Service. We stay on standby through your trip in case you need urgent assistance. You will need to pay for this - but, we are standing by to help if you need personal assistance. (ex. bike crash, medical or personal issue)
8) Large Luggage Transport arrangement. Typically by Japanese carrier and can be every other day.
Common questions and answers regarding self guided adventures
What kind of lodging is available on your tours?
One of the highlights of traveling in Japan is staying in traditional Japanese inns. These are typically classed as either Ryokans, Minshuku, Minpaku or Hotels. Japanese Inns are generally booked for multiple occupancy, whereas Hotels may be easier to book single occupancy. Japanese Inns typically have futons on tatami for sleeping and hotels may have either western style beds or futons. Single occupancy generally requires an upcharge since it is occupying a room that would typically be used for multiple guests. We especially prefer small, sustainable countryside inns and modern, sustainable oriented business resort hotels in our selection.
How are meals arranged? and what about diet restrictions?
It's no secret that Japan offers some of the best food options in the world. Most Japanese Inns proudly present their local specialties and lodging typically includes breakfast and dinner. Japanese food relies mainly on fresh vegetables, fresh meat (fish is primary) and many savory sides. Since fish is such a dominant item, those who are vegan / vegetarian should especially inquire if optional dishes are available. As for other dietary concerns, again, please make sure to inquire so that your diet can be adhered to. In cases where lodging meals cannot meet specific diet requirements, then it is sometimes possible to arrange special delivered meals.
what kind of clothing should i bring?
Touring in Japan covers alot of variety of mountains, plains and coastal areas. Rain is not uncommon. And weather in the winter can be quite cold. So depending on the season of your travel, you can select the best options of clothing. We generally say to pack light and use smart layers as a guide. Due the high humidity, a waterproof hardshell is great and effective as any membrane shell. That and we strongly recommend high quality Merino fabric base layers as well as high quality bib or riding shorts. Since most lodging has laundry, you will not need as many clothes as you think.
What about insurance?
Customers on our bikes are covered under our liability insurance. However this does not include medical or accident related injuries. We request that all customers (riders) do arrange and carry their own travel medical insurance. This is commonly and easily available through the customer's travel booking, credit card or other travel insurance carriers before you fly to Japan.
can i bring my own bike?
Yes! However do be aware that land logistics in Japan may be challenging for bike boxes or cases that are larger than 200cm (LWH). If you have a question regarding your specific box or case, just let us know. Also, any self-ride situations the riders will need to pre-arrange their own liability insurance. All participants on a group tour will be required to have liability insurance. (Either our coverage or theirs).
is there anything special about riding on roads in Japan?
In general, Japan follows very uniform traffic laws that are typical anywhere. Japan does use the the 'left lane' for forward driving (same as UK), so it may take a little practice to get used to that for 'right lane' riders. Groups are asked to ride single file and in no more than 6 riders per group. Right turns at controlled intersections must follow a 'square turn' procedure. Lights or reflectors are required on all bikes.
How do i take my bike on the train?
Taking a bike on the train requires using a full coverage bag. We call them 'rinko' bags and generally provide with the rental bikes on request. By removing the wheel(s), the bike can fit easily into the bag and be placed in the designated area inside the train car.
Do you provide self-guided packages?
In general we prefer to offer guided tours, however for shorter tours (3 days or less) please contact us to see how we can assist.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations, Deposits and Payments:
1) Guided or self/non-guided adventures. 50% pre-payment is required for reservation and booking. Balance due 30days prior to Trip Start. If balance is not received then the pre-payment is forfeited.
Cancellation Schedule:
1) More than 90days. 85% Refund or Rain check Trip Credit
2) 61-90 Days before. 75% Refund or Rain check Trip Credit
3) 31-60 Days before. 50% Rain Check or Trip Credit
4) 30 Days or Less. No refunds no Trip credit
Rain Checks or Operator Cancellations (Safety, Weather, Unforeseen circumstances):
1) Deposit or Payment will be applied to a future trip credit with no expiration.
2) Refund or Trip Credit shall not exceed the amount actually paid or deposited.
3) Force Majure situations may result in non-refundable deposits or payments. In such situations we will do our best to recover and refund what is possible.
1) Guided or self/non-guided adventures. 50% pre-payment is required for reservation and booking. Balance due 30days prior to Trip Start. If balance is not received then the pre-payment is forfeited.
Cancellation Schedule:
1) More than 90days. 85% Refund or Rain check Trip Credit
2) 61-90 Days before. 75% Refund or Rain check Trip Credit
3) 31-60 Days before. 50% Rain Check or Trip Credit
4) 30 Days or Less. No refunds no Trip credit
Rain Checks or Operator Cancellations (Safety, Weather, Unforeseen circumstances):
1) Deposit or Payment will be applied to a future trip credit with no expiration.
2) Refund or Trip Credit shall not exceed the amount actually paid or deposited.
3) Force Majure situations may result in non-refundable deposits or payments. In such situations we will do our best to recover and refund what is possible.
I'm on Self Guided - what if i have a bike mechanical issue I can'T Solve or a crash?
We provide support by videocall (whatsapp) which can help in most cases. It is very important that clients can already do the basic bike repairs, simple mechanics and maintenance. There are minimal services in the mountains and along the rustic paths.
In the case of 'rescue van' , we do provide that at a fee and it's 300 yen/km or up to 75,000 yen per day.
In the case of 'rescue van' , we do provide that at a fee and it's 300 yen/km or up to 75,000 yen per day.
I rented a bike and it's suddenly failed - now what?
If the bike failure / mechanical is due to provider or mfg fault, then we will provide a replacement bike within 24hrs at our discretion. If bike has a problem due to crash, improper maintenance or other user-induced issue, then we will attempt to assist via videocall and or optional van rescue. Our goal is to get you on the road safely and swiftly as possible.
How does luggage transfer work?
If you are choosing to transfer luggage between hotels without a van or driver service, then you need to arrange by Japanaese Takyubin (parcel transport). In general this can be done at most hotel's front desk or 7-11 stores. We suggest the minimum time between transfers as 72hrs to ensure the luggage will arrive to your next location. We can provide pre-written labels and communicate to hotels on your behalf for a small fee. (Included in our Self Guided Packages)
Are there any dangerous animals?
There are wild animals in many of the forests and urban areas in Japan. They rarely pose any threat to humans unless threatened. The larger animals (bears and boars, mainly) are very shy and probably the least to be feared or bothered. That being said if you do plan on wild camping or travel in the early mornings, evenings, please follow good camping etiquette, separate your food from your sleeping areas and best is to travel in a group. We do rent bear spray for those particularly concerned, but bear <pun> in mind if you use this, the animal will be tracked and euthanized - so it's best to just observe the animal in it's beautiful environment and wait for it to leave the area you are traversing. There are some poisonous snakes and other biting insects so if you are particularly allergic, you may wish to carry an epi-pen or other item as recommended by your physician.
Tour Options
Our tours are packaged to provide the best cycling experience over the routes listed. Most are based on double occupancy Japanese Inns with included meals provided by the Inns or nearby restaurants. Cyclists will generally be carrying everything they need for the trip duration with some pre-arranged luggage transfers. In case of mechanical issue, the group guide is equipped with spares and tools to handle almost any situation. Also the individual rider's bikes have spare tube and puncture repair kits. For those wishing a more heavily supported experience we do offer extended support options as follows:
- SAG (Support and Gear) Van. Dedicated van and driver to follow / lead group and provide any instant support outside of normally available with the guide or riders. Can also transport daily luggage and in some cases provide bail out assistance if a rider cannot continue the segment or has a medical or mechanical issue. Support fee is based on tour location / distance and expected tolls and gas. In general the group should plan on roughly 50,000 yen - 80,000 yen/day depending on conditions and vehicle required.
- Single Occupancy. Most Japanese Inns are booked based on double occupancy (or even triple) due the typical nature of ryokans. For those wishing to have a single occupancy room, it generally means an upcharge of equal to the additional 'lost booking' for the inn keeper. depending the inn, this may be anywhere from $80 - $200 (or higher if premium ryokan are booked). Single occupancy cannot be guaranteed in many locations, If a customer requests this - we will advise the upcharge after consulting with the inns.
- Airport Transfers. We can arrange airport-to-airport transfer. This is based on the size of the group, airports involved, distance, etc. Generally it is a 3rd party private limousine or bus service.
- Special Meals. Visitors that request special meals outside of the normally provided meals may be accommodated by special request. There will be an upcharge accordingly and we need plenty of time to advance prepare. Generally speaking it means using special chef providers to prepare meals then have them delivered if suitable meals cannot be provided at the stopping locations.
- Massage. We can arrange for sports /physio massage sessions by qualified practitioners.
- Other cultural or entertainment sessions. Such as tea ceremony, museum visits, shopping assistance, etc. Please ask if you are interested and we can quote accordingly.
If there's something you would like , but don't see on the list, please let us know! We are always happy to do our best to make your Japan experience the best ever.
