Journey into Japan

The extraordinary contrasts of modern Japan are to be found throughout this archipelago but most particularly in Hokkaido. My introduction to Japan 30 years ago was this very island and those early years exploring Hokkaido have left an indelible impression of this wild northern island.Hokkaido is a place where the power of an ancient and pervasive culture lays like a patch work quilt over an almost sub arctic wild land..The result is a superb mix of culture and wilderness. Here you will find architecture and structure that reflects the history and refinement of ancient Japan. Where inner spaces comply with the Japanese aesthetic of art and beauty. And of course, delicious and healthy food that can be found anywhere in Japan is abundant in the mountains and valleys of Hokkaido.Liberally spaced throughout this wild island you will also find some of Japan�s most famous artisans and photographers, who have escaped north to build a life on the edge of the wilderness.On this self guided tour, using our comprehensive guiding notes, you can visit many of these artisans, including �Takushinkan� the gallery of Japan�s most famous landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda. As well as Maeda San�s gallery you can visit other lesser known photo galleries, painters, wood workers, potters and glass blowers. There is also the chance to visit the Ainu textile museum in Asahikawa.And the backdrop throughout is the superb alpine scenery of central Hokkaido, where mountains and volcanoes tower over the valleys.Your accommodation is predominantly Japanese style. Delicious and healthy Japanese meals are a feature of our accommodations. Many have relaxing hot spring baths, a soothing way to finish your day in the saddle.

The extraordinary contrasts of modern Japan are to be found throughout this archipelago but most particularly in Hokkaido. My introduction to Japan 30 years ago was this very island and those early years exploring Hokkaido have left an indelible impression of this wild northern island..Hokkaido is a place where the power of an ancient and pervasive culture lays like a patch work quilt over an almost sub arctic wild land.The result is a superb mix of culture and wilderness. Here you will find architecture and structure that reflects the history and refinement of ancient Japan. Where inner spaces comply with the Japanese aesthetic of art and beauty. And of course, delicious and healthy food that can be found anywhere in Japan is abundant in the mountains and valleys of Hokkaido.Liberally spaced throughout this wild island you will also find some of Japan�s most famous artisans and photographers, who have escaped north to build a life on the edge of the wilderness.On this tour we will visit many of these people artisans, including �Takushinkan� the gallery of Japan�s most famous landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda. As well Maeda San�s gallery we will visit other lesser known photo galleries, painters, wood workers, potters and glass blowers. There is also the chance to visit the Ainu textile museum in Asahikawa.And the backdrop throughout is the superb alpine scenery of central Hokkaido, where mountains and volcanoes tower over the valleys. Our chosen season is autumn and Hokkaido has the very best of Japan�s autumn colours.Our accommodation is predominantly Japanese style with one night of full luxury accommodation. Delicious and healthy Japanese meals are a feature of our accommodations. Many have relaxing hot spring baths, a soothing way to finish your day in the saddle.Contact us today to join this relaxing cycle week in central Hokkaido.

The essence of the far north is to be found here. Caldera lakes and volcanoes, high snow capped peaks, crystal clear mountain streams and deep mysterious forests of Hokkaido Red Pine and Silver Birch with their population of brown bears still largely intact.Throughout is the ever present Japanese foot print, existing side by side with nature. Small seaside fishing villages and rural farms with large land holdings still have their temples tucked away in quiet Larch filled groves. Ever present are the many artisans who have escaped the crush of city life in the south to the frontier land of Hokkaido. All of this makes for a destination that mixes wild nature at its most beautiful with the elements of this unique culture.For cyclists, this place is superb. The wide open smooth roads roll before you as you explore from the coast to the mountains, staying nightly in wonderful inns. Here you can soak your cares away in a hot spring bath before a banquet of superb local food.For 2009 and beyond we have changed our longest running itinerary to take into account the ever changing impact of road and tunnel building. The route has moved away from the Sapporo area to encompass the wild east of Hokkaido with its unique world heritage area, the Shiretoko Peninsula.We also now visit the superb caldera lakes and mountains of central Hokkaido, as well as keeping the mighty Daisetsusan National Park and the Furano area in the itinerary.

The extraordinary contrasts of modern Japan are to be found throughout this archipelago but most particularly in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is a place where the power of an ancient and pervasive culture lays like a patch work quilt over an almost sub-arctic wild land. The result is a superb mix of culture and wilderness.Here you will find architecture and structure that reflects the history and refinement of ancient Japan. Where inner spaces comply with the Japanese asthetic of art and beauty. And of course, delicous and healthy food as good as any found anywhere in Japan is abundant in the mountains and valleys of Hokkaido.Liberally spaced throughout this wild island you will also find some of Japan�s most famous artisans and photographers, who have escaped north to build a life on the edge of the wilderness.On this tour we will visit many of these artisans, including �Takushinkan� the gallery of Japan�s most famous landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda. As well Maeda San�s gallery we will visit other lesser known photo galleries, painters, wood workers, potters and glass blowers. There is also the chance to visit the Ainu textile museum in Asahikawa.The backdrop throughout is the superb alpine scenery of central Hokkaido, where mountains and volcanoes tower over valleys. Our chosen season is autumn and Hokkaido has the very best of Japan�s autumn colours.Our accommodation throughout is the best Hokkaido has to offer. Expect top end Japanese and western luxury accommodation each night with superb gourmet meals, personal service and fully appointed rooms. Many have relaxing hot spring baths, a soothing way to finish your day in the saddle.We have included all land costs in this tour, including a quality bike, coach transfers and alcohol with meals. You will be looked after by two staff and our group size is small, with a maximum of 12 particpants. Contact us today to join this luxury cycle week in central Hokkaido.

Shikoku provides a rare window into ancient Japan. Here away from the crowds, we cycle along ancient Samurai paths that wind over mountain passes and along crystal clear mountain streams.

Life appears to stand still in these remote valleys as we ride through old villages on narrow roads built for horses, where old gabled roof rural houses stand sentinel to the passing of time. The riding is smooth hot mix bitumen, mostly on secondary roads that see little traffic.

En route the sweet chanting of pilgrims, our fellow travellers on this island of Buddhist devotion, can be heard as we pass temples and pagodas. In Shikoku, those looking for enlightenment in the modern world walk the ancient paths once trodden by the great Buddhist saint, Kobo Daishi. Here the ohenro or pilgrims smile and wave as they visit the 88 temples of "the Daishi" in their pursuit of spiritual awakening.

Our ride takes us from the spectacular Iya Gorge, the deepest gorge in Japan, with its thatch roof houses and old vine bridges, to the spectacular summit of Mt. Ishizuchi, Shikoku and Western Japan's highest mountain.We explore the Pacific coast with its beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle before travelling along Japan's last great pure river, the Shimanto.Each night we stay in superb Japanese Inns where you can relax in a hot tub or on some nights, soothe your bones in a hot spring bath before enjoying your Japanese feast.