Nagasaki to Hiroshima

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Overview

Come join us on a 14-day epic tour starting in Nagasaki and ending in Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture.  We will cycle along the beautiful coasts of northern Kyushu, and Honshu, transverse incredible bridges, sample the local cuisine, and stay in Japan’s best onsens. The tour is guided by Cycling Japan, which has organized four previously successful tours for our ride leaders and many others for BAC.

The ride starts in Nagasaki City, the capital of the Nagasaki Prefecture. The port of Nagasaki became the sole port used for trade with the Portuguese and Dutch during the 16th through 19th centuries. The Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region have been recognized and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Historically, Nagasaki is also known for being the city obliterated on August 9, 1945, by the Atomic Bomb. Hiroshima City was bombed first on August 7, 1945. Both bombings resulted in deaths numbering in the hundreds of thousands. 

Leaving Nagasaki, we cycle along the coastline, passing through Christian churches built by the Portuguese. Our first stop is the port city of Sasebo which has a panoramic view of the 99 islands in the bay. It is also the home of the handmade Sasebo Burger, a traditional dish dating back to 50 years. On Day 3, we take a 45-minute ferry ride to Hirado Island, and travel north along the island’s coast and then return to the mainland by cycling across the stunningly beautiful Hirado Bridge.  We will spend the evening in Matsuura a small city, famous for its horse mackerel and a city facing north to Imari Bay.  On Day 4, we leave the Nagasaki Prefecture and cycle first to the town of Imari, most notable for Imari Ware, the Western term for brightly colored ceramics usually with blue under glazing. Imari Ware was shipped to Europe in large quantities.  We then cycle to Karatsu for a two-night stay.  Karatsu is an ancient trading post used to ship and receive goods from both Korea and China. Karatsu is known for its Karatsu Castle, built in 1608.

On Day 6, we cycle to Kurume, located in Fukuoka Prefecture and notable for the 62-meter (203 ft) statute of the Mother Kannon. On Day 7, we pass through pottery shops. We then endure a 300-meter (984ft) climb, but we will recover with a stay at the HIkosan Onsen. On Day 8, we leave Kyushu Island by walking through the 720-meter (2361ft) underwater Kanmon Tunnel and into the city of Shimonoseki, located in the main island of Honshu. Here we spend two nights

On Day 10, we leave Shimonoseki to travel to Tsunoshima Island using the beautiful 1,780-meter (5840ft) Tsunoshima Bridge . We then spend the night at Tawarayama Onsen, a spa district with a retro area, in which you feel you were sent to Japan’s past era.  On Day 11, we cycle to the national monument of Akiyoshdai, the largest karst plateau in Japan. We spend the night in the historical town of Hagi. On Day 12, we spend the night in Muikaichi. Our last riding day takes us to Miyajima Island, the location of the Itsukushima Shrine seemingly floating in the bay during high tide but reachable when the water recedes during low tide.  We strongly recommend a visit to Hiroshima especially the Peace Center. Here is a detailed  Itinerary written by Cycling Japan.

Health and Safety: Participants must be vaccinated for Covid. Participants will be asked to provide verification.

Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised, and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Ride Rating: The tour is rated a 3C with riding days averaging distances of 50 miles (80 km) and elevation gains of 3350 feet (1021m.).  There are 10 riding days and two rest days on Day 5 and Day 9.  The “3” climbing rating of 3500 feet (1021m.), is exceeded on Day 2 (3608 ft,1100 m.), Day 7(4592 ft,1400 m.), Day 10 (4592 ft, 1400 m.), and Day12 (4592,ft,1400 m.).  The C rating for distance of 65 miles (105 km) is not exceeded on any of the days. Here is the detailed daily distance and daily elevation gain. (Nagasaki-Distance and Elevation)

Cycling and driving in Japan are on the left-hand side of the road.  Most routes are lightly trafficked and have been scouted.

The group starts out together with one guide and rides independently after the group starts. There may be some situations where the group may be required to ride together especially in high traffic situations. As with most BAC tours, this is a tour for independent experienced cyclists. We do not cycle together as a group on the road and do not always have a “guide” with us.  The vans are primarily luggage transport vehicles but will be available, as needed, for those with injuries or illnesses.  Riders should arrive for the tour in sufficient physical condition to ride the distance and elevation set for each day. 

Navigation: Cycling Japan will provide a basic Garmin bike computer loaded with the GPS tracks.  GPS tracks will be provided for all routes, but it is up to you to know how to use your GPS device before the trip begins.  Ride with GPS links will also be provided for all routes which can be downloaded to both smartphones and bike computers.

Bikes and Bike Rental:  Cycling Japan will provide a road bike as part of the tour fee which they will maintain all repairs and keep it in excellent condition.  Ebikes will be available for 25000 Yen which at 0.006 Dollars per Yen is approximately $160.00 US. If you would like to bring your own bike, there will be a charge for sending your bike box to the last hotel.  There is no reduction in fee if you bring your own bike.Tandems willl be allowed, but you must bring your own.  Cycling Japan does not have tandems. 

Weather: The average daily temperature will range from a high of 70-76 F (21-24 C.) with lows of 53—60 F (11.6-15.5 C) You can expect heavy rain so be prepared. 

Lodging & Meals The tour provides 13-nights lodging.  We will stay mostly in traditional Japanese inns called “ryokans.” Most ryokans have futons as beds although some ryokans may have a Western bedroom with a traditional bed. Some rooms do not have private showers, and you must bathe in a communal bath called an “onsen.” Onsens have both multiple showers and a large spa. There are separate onsens specifically for men and women. Some ryokans have a public” onsen spa”, which allows all genders to bathe together.

At the ryokan, street shoes are not allowed inside. In the room, riders will find up to three sets of slippers, with each specifically earmarked for use in the shared areas of the ryokan, your room, and the toilet/shower area. 

On most days, after the ride, riders may enjoy relaxing in the indoor onsen spas.  After the onsen bath, most riders wear only the hotel-provided robe called a “yukata.” Most ryokans permit riders to wear the yukata throughout the ryokan and during dinner if they are dining at the hotel restaurant. 

As to meals, the tour provides 13 breakfasts, no lunches, and nine group dinners. For dinners on your own, you are free to eat at the hotel, or if convenient, at a nearby restaurant. Drinks and snacks will be provided during the riding day. 

We eat most of our meals with chopsticks called “hashi” in Japan. We will be sitting on cushions on low tables. The diet is local and fresh – mostly fish and other products from the sea, both plant and animal, and some of it raw. (Although we will request Western option when available, we should anticipate this to be the exception, not the rule.)  If you like fish and other seafood, you will enjoy the meals.  And the presentation of the food often involves numerous courses, and meticulous and artful layouts.  

We will have 13 happy hour with beer and/or wine provided as well as snacks as part of your tour costs. Any additional drinks with dinner are on your own.  Happy hour will include information provided by our guides about the next day’s route, historical and cultural information, and points of interest along the route, in addition to socializing opportunities.

Logistics: The tour starts in Nagasaki with our first group meal on March 22, 2025, and ends after breakfast on April 4, 2025. The first meeting start time is at 5:00pm at the starting hotel. Use an airline search engine to find the most convenient way to travel to Nagasaki Airport.  

From the airport to downtown Nagasaki, the best means of transportation cost-wise is the bus which takes 55 minutes. The tour ends in Miyajima Island in the Hiroshima Prefecture on April 4.  It takes about two hours to travel to the nearest international airport, Hiroshima Airport by ferry, Japan Railway Train, and then the airport shuttle bus. We recommend that you consult your favorite travel guidebook if you wish to stay and see Hiroshima City.  Many past participants have traveled to other cities in Japan before and after tours. 

Cost & Administration: The total tour cost is $5700. A deposit of $2900 is required upon registration and a second payment of $2800 will be due on November 1, 2024.  The total tour is based on a currency exchange rate of $1.00 equals 160Yen.  The current exchange rate is currently more favorable, but it fluctuates.  Depending on currency exchange rates, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment.

At the end of the tour, riders will receive a refund of any remaining unexpended money in the budget.  The price does not include airfare, transportation from the airport to the starting hotel, extra nights in the hotel, lunches and other optional food along the routes. The cost does include 13 nights' lodging, 13 breakfasts, all happy hours, and 9 dinners and the use of a road bike.                                                                    

Cancellation Policy: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund may be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant cannot be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remain on the tour.

The contract with Cycling Japan allows changes to the start and/or end date of the tour – or cancellation, if weather or other adverse or threatening conditions exist AND which may affect the safety of participants and guides of the group.

In addition, the following applies to the 650,00,000 Yen (about $4,000) Cycling Japan fee per participant:

• Cancellation 42 days or more before the tour - 10% will be forfeited.
• 29-41 days before the tour - 25% will be forfeited.
• 22-28 days before the tour - 50% will be forfeited.
• 0-21 days before the tour - 100% will be forfeited.

Tour costs other than the Cycling Japan fee will be subject to the normal BAC cancellation policy as stated above.

BAC strongly recommends that members have trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage or insurance. BAC provides insurance for accidents and illness which you should carefully review to determine its coverage and limitations. 

Singles & Solos Policy: It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until November 1, 2024, to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the additional 92000 Yen (approx. $590) Solo Supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

The solo supplement payment of $590 is due by November 1, 2024, and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle:

• In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org
• Initiate a payment 
• In the Message block, enter the name of your ride.

If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org or Ernie Coose erniecoose.bac@gmail.com. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego.

Ride Participant Responsibility: : Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Insurance Statements: Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

Sign-up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.