Accommodation
During the cycle tour, we will mainly be staying in  traditional inns called “Ryokans”
or “Minshukus” (like a Bed and Breakfast or B&B), selected because of their
charm and appeal to provide you with a genuine local experience of Japan. In such
accommodation, a large communal tatami (Japanese reed mat) room is provided which
is used for both eating and sleeping. Separate rooms may be available for men and
women to sleep in depending on vacancies at the time. Japanese
inns provide delicious dinners and breakfasts centered on local cuisine using local ingredients. Lunches to take-away
can usually be ordered separately if required.
Soaking in a Japanese bath
is also an enjoyable part of staying at a Japanese guest house. Tour participants
will sleep in soft, warm Japanese futons on tatami mats, which are very comfortable
and a great experience if you’ve never tried it before. We’re sure you’ll enjoy
yourselves!
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Food
Japanese food is delicious, healthy and nourishing. Where possible the meals served
on the tour will be local, traditional food, using fresh
ingredients, and providing you with an interesting
cultural and culinary experience.
En route, you will be able to enjoy several Japanese “Nabe”
dishes (like a traditional hot pot) for dinner. Breakfast and dinner will be provided
by the guest house we stay at, and therefore the menu is provided / decided by them.
From our collective experience in
Japan, the food is always good and provides
a wonderful part of staying at a traditional guest house.
Dinners often include a main dish with meat, fish, or chicken, and vegetabl es,
and
several smaller dishes, including rice, noodles, tofu, Japanese pickles, and miso
or a clear soup. Fresh fruit is often served
at the end of the meal.
Japanese breakfasts usually feature grilled fish, rice, miso soup and other offerings.
Lunches will often be en-route
and we will stop at a local restaurant where you can savour a steaming bowl of noodles,
snack on onigiri (or special rice balls) or a variety of menu options. Or special arrangements can
be made with the guest house for
lunch to be supplied in advance.
If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary needs / food allergies – please
advise us in advance pre-tour. Please note that some tour locations are
remote – and access to food may be limited to local food choices only.
Alternatives can be provided if requested well in advance. Cycle Japan
Tours will ensure that the food on the trip is enjoyable and satisfying.
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Terrain, Distances & Fitness
Japan
is mountainous and so our cycle tours will reflect the terrain. Some
hills will be easy, others not, and there will be some great down hill runs,
and flat
parts too. Consideration will be given to each group member’s abilities relative to the type of
terrain along the tour route. The object is to provide you
with an enjoyable route to enjoy the delightful Japanese countryside.
Distances covered will vary between 50-80 kms (approx. 30-50 miles) per day.
An intermediate level of fitness is required to participate in these cycle tours. This event is not suitable for beginners, and participants need to be
competent cyclists with sufficient cycling experience to cover the distances and
terrain each day. If you are unsure about how you think you will fare – please contact
the event coordinators
with your query. Also consulting with your doctor in the event of any pre-existing
medical conditions is highly recommended.
This is a fully guided and
supported tour, so participants’ bags will be carried in a support vehicle. Those
who don’t wish to cycle some sections or distances or on certain days have the option
to ride in the support vehicle.
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Weather
While the weather is generally warm and fine in Spring and Autumn (e.g. 15-25°C or 60-80°F),
temperatures may fall to around ten degrees Celsius (50°F), especially in the mountains
and in the evenings. Wonderful sunny days are common, however rain also is not unheard of,
especially in mountainous areas where the weather can quickly change! Tour participants
should pack accordingly and be prepared. Rain gear is always a must on any bike trip.
Bicycles & Gear
You will need to bring your own bicycle to ride on the
tour, as rental ones are not available. Prior to departure
for
Japan, it is recommended that you have your vehicle checked out and serviced at your local bike
shop to ensure it is in proper working order and will be up to the trip. While bicycle
repairs can be made in Japan, owing to some of the remote locations covered, it
is strongly advised that you bring useful items such as bike tools,
puncture repair kit, spare
tubes, bike pump, spokes, and other parts or items deemed necessary to participate
in this event. CJT cannot be responsible for problems incurred with the operation
of your bike insofar as it does not impact on nor disrupt the
operation of the tour or inconvenience other tour participants.
We will, of course,
do our best to assist where possible.
In traveling with your bike to Japan, it is recommended that you bring
your bike packed in a bike box, inclusive of
suitable padding to protect bike gears and operational
parts from incurring any damage during transportation. Travel insurance, including coverage of your bike
against damage, is also highly advisable.
In the interest of personal safety, wearing a bike helmet is a compulsory requirement
on any CJT cycle tour. You’ll need to bring your own helmet. Wearing cycling shorts,
protective sunglasses and cycling gloves also help make cycling comfortable.
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Tour
Inclusions
All accommodation x 8 nights
Breakfast & dinners (not lunches)
Morning & afternoon drink & snack breaks
Airport pick-up & transfer
Arrival information kit
Welcome & Farewell dinners
Hot spring entrance fees
Public transport fees
Some entrance fees i.e.
Hikone Castle, Kyoto morning tour & Osaka Castle (other entrance fees
not included).
Use of bike bags during tour
(for public transportation)
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Not Included
Use of bicycle and helmet
Additional drinks / snacks
Alcohol
Lunches
Other entrance fees (except those already listed)
Incidental expenses / personal spending money
Personal travel & bicycle insurance
Bicycle parts & repair costs
Separate / private transport fees
Additional nights’ accommodation
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