Japan By Bike

20th February 2009

An intimate cultural encounter - Japan by bike

InsideJapan Tours has introduced a new self-guided adventure enabling travellers
to see Japan from the saddle - offering unrivalled access to the most remote
parts of the country The Japan specialist has created the eco-friendly ‘Discover Japan by Bike’ trip to give visitors a new perspective on some of Japan’s best-known cultural destinations as well as taking cyclists into hidden areas of the country - from lush tea fields to virgin
forest - which cannot easily be reached
by car or train.

Visitors start the trip with five days in Tokyo and Kyoto, taking in the sights through a mixture of guided tours and time exploring the city independently, before embarking on a self-guided adventure through rural Shikoku Island.

A day on two wheels in Tokyo enables cyclists to take to the calmer roads while most residents choose to cram the public transport system. Here travellers will be safely guided around the metropolis, taking in some of the famous and lesser known city sights, while heading through gardens, uncrowded backstreets, riverside and bayside routes. This is followed by a Bullet Train transfer to Kyoto and a chance to pedal through the ancient imperial city, with stops at unmissable temples, shrines, castles and gardens.

Leave Kyoto accompanied by a guide to stretch the legs on a scenic 55km riverside ride en route to Nara then receive a final run though routes, equipment and safety before transferring to Shikoku.

With rides of between 40km and 60km a day, highlights include a challenging ascent of Mount Tsurugi, Shikoku’s second highest peak, with the option to hike the final section for breathtaking views across the island. In the afternoon it’s all downhill, through gorges and villages, and the day ends with a night at a traditional inn (ryokan) with one of the best outdoor spring baths (onsen) in Japan. While in the area visit the ancient vine bridge, swim in the scenic Iya River and visit historic farmhouse Chiiori for locally produced tea and homemade soba noodles. In contrast to the mountainous interior, flat coastal rides offer island views, opportunities for a sea dip and plenty of seafood restaurants for evening meals.

A ride through national park and into Matsuyama city brings the chance to visit its impressive castle and Dogo Onsen hot springs before catching a ferry to Hiroshima. A poignant visit to the Peace Museum and the chance to talk to an atomic bomb survivor are available before relaxing as a Bullet train whisks well-worked limbs back to Tokyo.

‘Discover Japan by Bike’ includes stays at small hotel and traditional ryokan accommodation giving travellers the opportunity to experience warm Japanese hospitality, authentic food and hot spring baths. This 14-day trip costs from Ł2,406 per person and includes 13 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, transport, airport transfers, guiding in Tokyo and Kyoto, four evening meals, bikes and safety equipment. Excludes flights which cost from Ł459 with Finnair and can be booked by InsideJapan Tours.

To book and for more information call InsideJapan tours on 0870 120 5600 (www.insidejapantours.com).

Ends – March 2009

NOTE TO EDITORS: Launched in 2000, Inside Japan Tours is a small, dedicated team of specialists, all of whom have first-hand experience of living, working and travelling in Japan. The company offers a range of original, affordable packages for small groups and independent travellers. Inside Japan Tours has offices in the UK and Japan. It is a member of AITO, and is fully bonded via AITO Trust and ATOL.

PRESS: For more details, please contact James Mundy, PR Manager, tel. 0117 314 4633, email james@insidejapantours.com. Issued on behalf of Inside Japan Tours by Travel PR, tel. 020 8891 4440, email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or i.bradley@travelpr.co.uk.