Rising Sun
A cultural feast for the senses. From traditional immersive ryokan accommodation to natural onsen hot spring baths and unforgettable dining experiences. Join us and experience the real Japan.
Joining In
Tokyo, Japan
Skill Level
Advanced
Group Size
6-10
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Per Person From
USD $3995
Single Supplement
USD $650
Dates and Availability
Region
Trip Details
Japan is timeless, a place where ancient traditions and cutting-edge modern life exist side by side. This unforgettable road trip journeys through Central Honshu and the Japanese Alps, revealing mystical forests, dramatic alpine landscapes, enchanting villages, ancient shrines, and moss-covered temples. We’ll circle Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic symbol, admiring the perfectly symmetrical cone of the country’s highest peak before continuing south to take in sweeping coastal views of the Pacific Ocean. Our adventure concludes with a guided afternoon in dazzling Tokyo, one of the world’s great cities. This trip showcases Japan’s emerging mountain bike scene, combining shuttle-assisted pedal-powered rides on private trail networks and lift-accessed bike parks. We’ll unwind in some of Japan’s finest onsen — natural hot springs — soaking tired muscles in mineral-rich waters. Add to that incredible cuisine and excellent ryokan accommodation offering an immersive cultural stay, and you have a journey that engages all the senses. Join us and experience the real Japan.
- Expert local leadership.
- Eight nights’ hotel (based on double occupancy)
- Airport transfers from Narita Airport
- All ride transportation & shuttles on the trip.
- All bike park passes & ride center fees.
- All breakfasts & five dinners.
- 24 Hour Trip Support.
- Your bike and equipment needed to ride: helmet, shoes, pack, etc.
- All lunches & three dinners.
- Ride snacks & supplements.
- Some optional onsen (hot springs) entrance fees.
- Train tickets during guided Tokyo day.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- International airfare and any extra baggage fees.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
Advanced
You have been mountain biking consistently for five years or more and can ride technical trails, including steep sections, small jumps, and small drops. You can ride switchbacks confidently, including rock gardens and sections with exposure. Your overall fitness level is high, and you have the endurance to ride for 4-6 hours, over multiple days, with some intense climbs. You bike as much as you can, in all weather, and over all terrain. You know when to walk a section that might be outside your comfort zone.
Jinya
Like a sharp santoku knife, Jinya rides his bike with utmost precision and style that inspires others to emulate. He will uncover the surprising subtleties of Japan and weave together an unforgettable experience, from melt-in-your-mouth sushi to secret temples and all-time sections of trail.
Are you looking to lay tracks at lift-accessed bike parks and shuttle-access enduro-style private trail centers where trails are a mix of machine-built and hand-built singletrack?
Have you been mountain biking consistently for five or more years and can confidently ride moderately technical terrain with steep sections, leaf-strewn gullies, sometimes slippery clay dirt and some small drops? The minimum technical ability for this trip is Advanced.
Do you like the idea of a point-to-point journey where each day is a new destination? If you are open to traditional Japanese hotels featuring tatami-mat rooms and futon bedding, with delicious multi-course meals and communal hot springs, then this unique riding adventure to Japan is for you. Mountain biking in Japan is a true feast for the senses, a cultural journey with rich history and unforgettable moments.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Highlights
Trail
Ancient trading route trail
Amenities
Traditional ryokan hotels, tatami-mat rooms, onsen baths
Views
Mystical forests, ancient temples, Pacific Ocean
Cuisine
Sushi, noodles, and so much more
Geographic Marvels
Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps
Cultural Experiences
Secret temples in ancient forests
Getting Ready
- Gore-Tex/water-proof riding jacket
- Thin down jacket
- Toque/warm hat
- Polypro/Merino layers
- Bathing suit
- Bike shorts/pants & riding jerseys, etc.
- Socks (extras are good)
- Casual shorts/light pants
- Comfortable clothing for evenings
- Walking/running shoes & flip flops
- Long fingered bike gloves (two pairs)
- Warmer riding gloves (light version)
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches like Croatia)
Mandatory Parts & Tools (MTBs):
- Brake pads (one set)
- Derailleur hanger (for those that have a replaceable one)
- Chain link specific to your bike
Mandatory Parts & Tools (eMTBs & MTBs):
- Two tubes & tire irons & pump
- Chain lube & rag
- Allen keys & multi tool
- Pedals, hemet, riding gear (gloves, knee/elbow pads, eye protection, riding pack)
- Saddle (optional)
Additional Suggested Parts & Tools (MTBs only):
- Brake rotor
- Used derailleur
- Extra spokes
- Small bolt assortment
Suggested Miscellaneous:
- Headlamp
- Personal toiletries & hand sanitizer
- Camera (batteries)
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Clear & sun lensed eye protection
- Earplugs (for the light sleepers!)
- Eye mask (for sleeping)
- Energy bars & electrolytes
- Packable snacks or preferred foods
- Air Tags / tracking devices for your luggage
NOTE: Some items on the parts list can be split up among the group and is only a recommendation for convenience. We recommend labeling your belongings & parts in case things get mixed up.
Bike Info
Riders are required to bring their own bikes. A current full-suspension enduro bike with 150-160mm travel that’s capable of climbing and designed for descending through rough terrain is suggested on this trip. Tires should be tubeless, 2.30” or above, aggressive tread designed for rocky terrain, one to two-ply casing for durability, puncture resistance and added control. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A small backpack or hip-pack is recommended.
Rental Info
This is a road trip, where we will travel in a van and see much of the island of Honshu, the biggest island in Japan. You will spend two nights at the same hotel twice, otherwise you are moving each night. The riding is an equal mix of lift-accessed downhill bike park laps and shuttle-assisted enduro-style private trail networks.
The bike park days include runs of various difficulties, from novice to advanced level with berms, small drops and bridges. The trail centers feature more traditional singletrack with some climbs at times to access the descents. You will bring your own enduro bike and use an open-faced helmet.
17—30km, and 4—6+ hours
Walking your bike is encouraged when riding sections that might be too technical. We recommend you ride within your limits and be conservative.
On this adventure, we are staying in several ryokan inns offering an immersive cultural stay with features like tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal (often onsen hot spring) baths, and exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals, embodying Japan’s renowned omotenashi (hospitality).
All breakfasts, five dinners.
Dining in Japan is an unforgettable culinary journey often including rice, soup and a main protein (fish, meat) and several vegetables or pickled sides. Cooking methods range from raw (sashimi) to grilling, deep frying, simmering and noodle dishes. Japanese breakfast can include Western-style items.
Laundry is available at most Japanese ryokans and hotels.
In the mountains weather can change quickly and drastically – it could be 30 degrees Celsius in the valley one day and then cold on a mountaintop the next day. Japan can receive considerable rain and be muddy, so be prepared for all types of weather conditions.
We recommend that you purchase some Yen at home prior to departure. Each day you will need to purchase your own lunches and snacks, wine and beer if you choose. It’s best to have some cash in hand before departure for convenience, otherwise bank machines are available at Narita Airport upon arrival and during the trip. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Gratuities for your Big Mountain guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership throughout the week. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team as a tipping standard. Tipping at restaurants (or bars etc.) however, is not customary.
Safety + Risk Awareness
Mountain biking is a dangerous activity that involves inherent risks. Injuries are a common and expected part of mountain biking. As many of our trips take place in remote regions and riders will be on unfamiliar terrain and trails, the risks, dangers and hazards are increased. It is imperative that that riders on our trips ride responsibly and more conservatively than they would on their home trails. Riders on our trips are responsible for their own safety while riding.
Always ride in control and within your ability level. Always walk sections if needed.
Do not ride if your ability or judgement is impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.
Helmets are mandatory whenever you are on your bike. Gloves, knee pads, eye protection and other protective equipment are strongly recommended on all our trips.
Riders must ensure that their mountain bike or rental mountain bike or rental e-bike and equipment is in safe working condition. Always inspect your bike or rental bike in advance of every ride.
All riders must read and agree to our Release Agreement Waiver prior to participating on our trips.
