In Japan, everything is kind and humble, including cycling. We therefore often stay below 10 miles a day and around 1,000 meters in altitude. The area north of Nikko is absolutely fantastic and the national park there is of course on UNESCO's list. We will cycle in an environment surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, mountain villages, temples and monasteries. To describe this area in the simplest way, it is actually like a scene from The Lord of the Rings and then of course Lorien, the home of the elves.
We will make our way on roads that have very little traffic. And when we do meet cars, they are very considerate. Most of the days end with a wonderful bath in one of the many hot springs / Onsen in the area.
Schedule
Day one
After an early start by bus from our hotel in Tokyo, we reach the start of the journey, Nikko. Before we roll off towards Lake Chuzenji, we will of course visit one of the many temples in Nikko. This day is a bit calmer with approx. 5 miles on the program.
Day two
After a lovely breakfast down by Lake Chuzenji, which is also called the Lake of Happiness, we head east towards Kawai, where we stay at Ichityukaku and can enjoy their lovely Onsen baths.
Day Three
After two slightly calmer days, we are now heading straight east towards Kitakata. The town and area is known for its production of Sake. If we haven't tried it before, it will surely be a target image for many of us. Slightly longer cycling today, 9 miles and 800 meters of altitude.
Day Four
This morning we make a slightly earlier start. Our destination is the city of Nagai which is almost 12 miles to the north. So a bit tougher cycling today, as the wonderful mountain sides will have taken us up and down a total of almost 1,800 meters of altitude today. A hot spring and cold local beer await!!
Day Five
A little calmer today after yesterday's discharge. Today it is under 10 miles and barely 600 meters in height. Nevertheless, it is wonderfully beautiful to start up on this plateau and then take us down towards Shinjo.
Day Six
Lite tuffare cykling idag när vi åker rakt österut mot Ichinoseki. 11 mil och nästan 1.200 höjdmeter. Men vid det är laget är vi helt acklimatiserade och inne i det underbara med att bara “vara”. Och äta, cykla och sova.
Day Seven
Fairly long cycling today. 9 miles and 1,100 meters of altitude. The destination for the day is the city of Nishiwaga. And the wonderfully beautiful Lake Kinshu. This is the last day of cycling from morning to evening.
Day Eight
Reasonably early start from Nishiwaga. Today we only cycle for half a day. Our destination is the city of Morika where our express train / Shinkansen that will take us back to Tokyo is waiting for us. If we're lucky, we'll each have time to eat Morioka Reimen, which is the famous noodle soup that the city is known for.
