Samurai - Honshu Island

Our routes follow ancient and meandering roads, which tend to be smooth, narrow and with very little traffic. The Honshu (the main island) stages offer a smorgasbord of culture and history, from castles and classic gardens to landscapes and towns left mostly unchanged for over 400 years. The Kii & Izu peninsulas evoke the ancient Samurai warriors of days gone by. The Japanese Alps, with its heavy winter snowfalls, prevented some villages from modernising are frozen in time. These living ancient villages are now UNESCO protected and allow us to see how life was lived for hundreds of years and the architecture that made life in such a challenging environment not only possible but highly productive and comfortable.

Kyoto, famous for its temples and garden, is where we spend our rest day between the Honshu and Shikoku Tour.

Highlights

• Visit the enchanting alpine village of Shirakawago that has attained UNESCO status for its multi-story 17th century steep grass-thatched farmhouses.
• Ride through the lands of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes- ancient, spiritual paths through lush forests leading to grand shrines and breathtaking waterfalls.
• Discover the ancient art of cormorant fishing on the Nagaragawa River in Gifu City.
• Visit the famous Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall, and the Seiganto-ji Temple, which offers spectacular views through this ancient valley.
• Cycle through the stunning coastal scenery and quaint fishing villages of the Kii Peninsula.