Hey guys, this is my first post so excuse me if i've missed something.
I'm traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima from the 11th of October to the 20th of November ...and very unsure about the best routes to take to get the best out of the scenery and sights/sounds of Japan -also getting away from heavy traffic spots & on good roads for cyclists!
Does anyone have any tips for places to ride or stay/stop off, things to definitely check out -or any useful wisdom they would like to impart on me?
This is the first time i've done anything like this cycle trip so, if i'm being honest, i'm pretty scared and nervous... i'm not taking camping gear so it's going to be a case of finding a place to stay each night along the way -how easy is that going to be do you think?
here is my very rough route on strava... any help or support would be very greatly received -and i'll definitely buy you a beer if you come and ride with me while i'm there!
Stay in a Zen temple in Kyoto: http://www.shunkoin.com/Accomodation.html and eat at this place just down the road: https://www.facebook.com/Kitchen-Rakuraku-52192351975/
Also, I highly recommend the Shimanami Kaido route (http://www.cyclonoie.com/shimanami-tobishima-e.php). Maybe you might want to consider crossing over from Okayama to Shikoku island and cycling along the coast there to get to the start of the Shimanami Kaido at Imabari.
thanks so much for the tips! checking out the links right now ;)
they did it between tokyo and osaka
http://superwanchan.org/JAPON/velo1.php
IV to VII on left menu
thanks so much! looks like a great route and one i will definitely follow!
Hi Dashiell,
I have two fb groups that might help.
1) "Bicycle touring, hiking and friends in Japan"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/alt.2600/ (link is external)
You can find practical advice and tips for life on the road and mountains in Japan but also good friends.
Take a look in the "files" folder, we have a Survival Japanese for cyclist (Japanese, English, German and Spanish), and a lot of downloadable files for different spots.
2) "Free Camping and Hot Springs in Japan"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildcampingjapan/ (link is external) (link is external)
I'm building a Guide Map of Totally Free Camping and free Hot Springs (Onsen) all over Japan, the information is in English, and also contains photos, locations, contacts, warnings of bear in zones, facilities, there are some Free Camping with FREE mountain houses!!
I will add hostels less than 3,000 yens too
Tail winds and have a safe trip!
james