Cycle Rural Japan:
Ancient Coastal Journey through the serene
San-in Region, legendary birthplace of Japan
Available for Private Group Bookings - Please sent us a message for further details.
For individual bookings on a San-in region cycling tour, please visit our partner’s webpage: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/coastal_japan
Total Distance: 481kms - 55 daily average.
Difficulty Ranking: 3.5/5 - Suitable for most cyclists. Options for additional cycling at times. Electrically-assisted bike hire available. Please see Full Itinerary for daily distances and climb profiles.
Bicycles: GIANT Escape Hybrids with disc brakes. Sized according to manufacturer guidelines.
(Please scroll down for tour specifics including tour distances and price)
Tour Outline:
Join Japan expert and cycling guide Richard Pearce for a special tour through the San-in region of Japan; a region of stunning beauty, rich in history and folklore, and of spiritual importance to the Japanese.
San-in features heavily in Kojiki, the oldest surviving chronicle of the mythical origins of Japan and its gods, and is seen as the birthplace of Japan. We follow a route in a famous Kojiki tale of the Deity Ōkuninushi and a white hare, between Inaba and Izumo, now known as Tottori and Izumo.
Our adventure begins in Tottori City as we start our journey along the San-in coastline on the Sea of Japan to Mount Mitoku, an ancient Buddhist Temple complex. Here we can hike to the mysterious Nageiredo Temple. We have a chance to spend the night at the temple lodgings and participate in early morning Zazen meditation (optional!).
Our journey continues west to Daisen Town, passing through rice fields, pear farms and fishing villages in the shadow of the stunning Mount Daisen. The next morning, we begin cycling from the top of the mountain and head west in the direction of Mt. Sanbe where we will enjoy a two-night stay. Mt Daisen and Mt. Sanbe are both considered sacred mountains and are connected by fable and folklore. On the second day of our stay here we will have the option of doing some hiking on the mountain.
FOR A FULL ITINERARY CLICK HERE
FOR A PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE
After recharging and refreshing our muscles and minds in the hot springs of Mt. Sanbe, we head east to Matsue, also known as the “City of Water”. Here we can visit Matsue Castle, one of only 12 original castles remaining in Japan. Along the way we will make a stop at the majestic Izumo Grand Shrine. This shrine is considered one of the two most important Shinto shrines in the whole of the country.
The next stage of our journey takes us by ferry to the remote and special Oki Islands, once a place of exile for former emperors, for a two-night stay. Here, we cycle on Nishinoshima, Ama and Dogo islands, and also walk the breathtaking Kuniga coastline.
After returning to the main land and on our final day of cycling, we will explore the stunning Shimane Peninsula, Nakumi Inland Sea and Miho Bay areas.
Highlights:
Cycle on small and picturesque roads along the stunning Sea of Japan Coast.
Cycling, hiking and overnight stays on the beautiful, remote and historic Oki Islands.
Have an opportunity to see Japanese giant salamander up close and help protect them.
Cycle through sleepy fishing villages in the shadow of Mount Daisen, formerly known as the “Mountain of the Great God”.
Freewheel from the summit of the mountain towards Mt. Sanbe.
Overnight stays in a healing onsen (hot spring) area.
Explore Matsue, a historic city with an original castle.
Visit the shrines at Izumo and Mihonoseki, among the most important in the country. Witness a centuries-old ceremony that will make your hair stand on end.
Enjoy several Japanese feasts made from fresh and local ingredients
FOR A FULL ITINERARY CLICK HERE
TOUR INFORMATION AND CYCLING PROFILE
2022 DATES: NOVEMBER 2ND - NOVEMBER 12TH!! Places available!
Total distance: 481 kms
Tour Starting Point: Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture.
Tour Ending Point: Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture.
Group Size: 4 – 12, plus staff
Tour cost: Please enquire
Tour duration: 11 days, 10 nights
Accommodation: Single/ double rooms in hotels or ryokans
*Shared room with a member of the same sex in traditional accommodation.
What’s included: Bicycle rental - specialized hybrids to fit ( (+50,000 yen for e-bike rental option)
Two guides and SUPPORT VEHICLE
10 nights hotel, ryokan, minshuku, guesthouse, and a temple’s dwellings.
10 breakfasts, 4 evening meals.
Ferry crossings
What's not: Other meals
Entrance fees (Matsue Castle, Mitoku-san etc)
Personal travel insurance
International or domestic flights
Travel to starting point of tour (Tottori City)
Post tour travel (from Sakaminato/ Yonago City)
For Bookings or enqueries: Please contact Richard Pearce by email at
richard@bushidojapan.com