Yokohama Quilt Show

Travel with fellow quilters to one of the most famous quilt shows in the world, International Quilt Week Yokohama. This show has become one of the largest patchwork and quilting events on the Japanese calendar.
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Japan Gourmet Connoisseur Tour

This journey is for people who love to eat, drink and travel. Venture beyond the familiar sushi and saki perception of Japanese food culture.
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Cherry Blossom Tour

Celebrate with the Japanese in Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) as you witness Japan's unofficial national flower change the scenery to a shade of pink.
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The Path to Traditional Japan

This all-embracing journey explores the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, which all have distinct proud histories and are unique in their own right.
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Japan's Timeless Sea Coast

The Japan Sea Coast is relatively unexplored by the foreign tourist, yet this stunning region of Japan opens the door to an exceptional appreciation and awareness of Japanese life.
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Spiritual Japan

This region of Japan easily warrants a week to truly discover the ancient cities of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, not to mention the remoteness of Mt Koya-san.
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Contemporary Japan

Japan has some of the most acclaimed museums and art galleries in the world. Take the time to appreciate art culture along side Japanese tradition.
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Extensive Japan

Explore the land of the rising sun with the Japan Tour Specialist. Gain an extensive appreciation of this unique corner of the world.
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Shikoku – Cycle Japan Tour

Ex: Osaka – LAND ONLY TOUR

Departure:    11 April 2011 / 15 May 2011 / 15 October 2011

                    11 April 2012 / 19 May 2012 / 15 October 2012

11 Days/10 Nights

OSAKA - IYA GORGE - MT ISHIZUCHI - KOBO DAISHI - CAPE ASHIZURI - KANSIA

Morrel 3.jpgShikoku 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.

Morell 9.jpgOur 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 soothe your bones in a hot spring bath.

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Shikoku – Cycle Tour: Fully Escorted Tour

Day 01   Meet all group members at Kansai Airport and transfer to accommodation near airport.

Day 02   Bus transfer to Iya Gorge.

Day 03   80 km Ride along the Iya gorge and over our first pass before descending to follow a river inland, through rural farm land to a remote Inn by a lake in the central mountains.

Day 04   88 km Today we travel through superb alpine valleys and past crystal clear mountain streams before our steepest climb to the base of Mt. Ishizuchi.

Day 05   Climbing Mt. Ishizuchi A day to hike to the summit of Mt. Ishizuchi or stroll around the superb limestone gorge where we spend two nights.

Day 06   120 km Don't let the distance scare you. Although we have some good climbs, with one steep one of 4 km and other gradual climbs, we have about 90 km rolling downhill! Superb cycling past small rural villages and remote valleys away from the crowds.

Day 07   54 km We start again on superb backroads as we meander down a river valley past a small town and up a 6 km climb before our final descent into a large rural city. Enroute we visit a historic village, showing the early methods of farming and building in Shikoku. Here we have the chance to explore a bigger city and sample the delights of urban Japan after a week in the countryside.

Day 08   73 km Today our ride changes subtly as we experience life on the glittering Pacific coast of Shikoku. Here we cross paths with the pilgrims who follow the path of enlightenment of Kobo Daishi, the Buddhist saint. The ride is mostly flat with some small climbs, as we travel to the farthest point on magnificent Cape Ashizuri, where we can visit one of Kobo Daishi's temples perched on a cliff top.

Day 09   84 km We start the day following the rugged Pacific coast. After leaving the coast we head inland to pick up the waters of the Shimanto River, reputedly Japan's last great pure river. A superb day's riding.

Day 10   38 km Our last day's ride, takes us gently uphill through small rural towns before descending into a large coastal city. After packing bikes away explore this ancient castle town, home of several famous samurai clan. A big night out at a Japanese Izakaya follows to celebrate the completion of our ride.

Day 11   Early morning departure by coach to Kansai airport where tour will conclude.

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TOUR PRICE (per person)     TWIN SHARE AUD$5695.00 ex Osaka

Price on application for airfares

Package includes:

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Tour Highlights:

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Daily Routine:

The day normally starts with breakfast around 8am. On longer days this will be an earlier start. After breakfast our staff pack the support vehicle prior to the briefing.

Each morning the group will be given a briefing including basic route descriptions, points of interest along the way and additional notes. The information provided at the briefing allows you to ride at your own pace throughout the day. The tours are NOT designed as a ‘follow me’ ride, which only happens if everyone goes at the same pace, which never happens.

Riders will team up and head off to enjoy the day exploring the sites.

The support vehicle’s timetable varies daily depending on how long the days ride is. Each day its main aim is to reach that days accommodation prior to the first rider. The driver will then unload the luggage and arrange the rooms. The allocation of rooms will be left at the front desk of each inn so as the riders arrive they can settle in for the night.  It is important to keep in mind that English will not be highly spoken.

Within the constraints of fulfilling this requirement the vehicle will sweep to the back, checking on riders etc. Keep in mind that if there are breakdowns or other issues on a long day you may not see the vehicle for some time. For this reason you will advised daily to carry your personal requirements (spare tubes, tools etc) so as to be self sufficient and be able to enjy the riding to the maximum.

For lunch you have the opportunity to explore the local eateries which is a wonderful experience in itself or you can pack supplies with you and eat lunch along the way.

Depending on your riding time you should expect to arrive at your accommodation mid afternoon on most days giving you time to explore the local area. Dinner is normally served between 5.30-6.00pm.

 

If you have any questions please email us. Our Travel Experts will respond to your enquiry within 24hours.

Please note we are unable to take reservations or accept tour cancellations via e-mail.

 

Page last updated: 06 Aug 2010