Cycle Japan Alps, Fuji Five Lakes &Izu

At Journey into Japan we love to ride and we are excited to announce this new tour through the very heart of central Honshu. Our route from the high alps is rich in history and culture and sees us most days in the shadow of mighty Mt. Fuji, which dominates the skyline, like an ancient talisman urging us on, from the very high alps to the rugged and dramatic sea coast of the Izu Peninsula. 

One of the great historical pathways in central Honshu during the middle ages was the “Shio-no-Michi”, or the “Salt Way”, which was an ancient route that traders traversed to bring salt from the oceans to the central mountain villages. Out tour starts in the apex of two of these routes, and shadows the Pacific coast route known as the  “Sanshu Kaido” for some of the ride. We experience local Japanese Inns or “Ryokans” on some nights, delicious and healthy Japanese cuisine, and in many places, muscle soothing hot spring baths.

From the beautiful ski villages of the Hakuba valley, high in the alps. We visit the famous “Black Crow” castle in the old city of Matsuyama, ride the highest road in Japan, discover tranquil alpine lakes, traverse and explore the beauty of the high alps and ride the beautifully named “Venus Line”, cycle the magnificent Fuji Five Lakes, explore national parks and the famous Hakone region, and finish on the rugged and spectacular Izu Coastline.

We have chosen a mostly unique route so as to make this journey accessible to a large range of adventurous cyclists. You don’t have to be a triathlete to join us on this adventure from the Alps to the sea, but like us, you do have to love riding. I look forward to you joining us for this ride in the shadow of mighty Mt. Fuji.

Sengen Shrine, KawaguchiKo at the base of Mt Fuji

Sengen Shrine, KawaguchiKo at the base of Mt Fuji

Alps to The Sea- Highlights

  1. Ride in the shadow of mighty Mt. Fuji from the Japan Alps to the Pacific Ocean.

  2. Cycle Japan’s highest altitude road (2700m) at Mt Norikura.

  3. Explore cultural highlights such as Matsumoto’s famous “Black Crow” castle.

  4. Climb some of the Japan Alps classic routes.

  5. Cycle the magnificent Fuji Five Lakes.

  6. Ride the spectacular and dramatic coastline of the Izu Peninsula.

  7. Stay in Japanese Inns (Ryokans) some nights and eat delicious Japanese food.

  8. Relax in inside and outside hot spring baths some nights.

  9. Fully guided and supported.


The Shadow of Mt Fuj-12 days

Land Price: Prices TBC

  1. Autumn 2024 - 20th September to 4th October


Private Groups: This tour is available for private groups, and can be modified to suit group rider needs. Contact us to arrange a private departure. 

Accommodation: We use a range of accommodations including Ryokans, luxury nights, standard mountain inns & some western style Hotels. See our accommodation page for more details. 

Rider Numbers: 4-12 riders.

Grade: Level 1  (moderate to strenuous). See our grade page for more details.

How to book: Contact us for details and booking.