Tohoku, Mountains, and Onsens

† 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 $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Overview

Join us on this epic 14-day tour of Tohoku, the northeast region of Honshu Island.  Experience a more traditional Japan, riding through stunning rice paddies, quiet village, deep forests, and spectacular wilderness.  You will cycle along lakes, rivers, oceans and vistas surrounded by mountains on three sides.  All this while savoring the local scene.  We spend two nights in Morioka which the New York Times in 2023 rewarded as Number 2 of the 52 places to visit in the world. Relax in an ocean front onsen in Furofushi Onsen.  

Pre tour, we urge you to arrive early to spend the day in a temple complex of the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi. Originally built in the 12th Century, it was once a major cultural and political center.  Its highlights include the Chusonji Temple, well known for its Konjikido Golden Hall covered in gold leaves,  and Motsuji Temple for its garden.

Post tour, we urge you to spend one or two days in  Aomori which  has the largest seated  Buddha statute in Japan. Aomori also has an archeological site of Jamón period.

Here are some tour highlights

• Tono-The town known for Japanese folklore and thatched farmhouses.
• Morioko--We spend two nights in Morioka which was chosen by the New York Times as Number 2 of the 52 places to visit in 2023. The write up described downtown as “eminently walkable, a city filled with Taisho-Era buildings and winding rivers, and fantastic coffee.  Morioka is also known for its “Three Great Noodles--Wanko Sobo, Reimen and Jajaen.”
• Furofushi Onsen—We stay at Furofushi Onsen, an ocean front onsen, which protrudes into the Sea of Japan. You will be able to watch the sunset while relaxing and rejuvenating in the onsen.

The tour leader has led five tours with Cycling Japan, and each has received positive reviews. For a more detailed look at this tour, see CyclingJapan’s Brochure.

Health and Safety: 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 3B with riding days averaging distance of 45 miles (72 km) and elevation gains of 2952 ft. (900 m.).  There are 10 riding days and two rest days on Day 6 and Day 11. The “3” climbing rating of 3500 ft. (1021m.) is exceeded on Day 4 (3936 ft,1200 m.), Day 7(5248ft, 1600 m.), Day 8 (3936 ft., 1200m.), Day 12 (3608 ft, 120 m.), and Day 13 (3608,1100 m.).  The B rating for distance of 50 miles (81 km) is exceeded on Day 8 (55 miles, 88k), on Day 9 (55 m, 88 k). Here is the detailed daily 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.

There will be a minimum of three rest periods during the day.  The morning and afternoon break will feature coffee, and local snacks, and a chance to regroup.  There will be a lunch break where the guides will recommend a local restaurant with local cuisine. Of course, there will be breaks where we stop to see an historic site such as a temple or an archeological site.

Cue Sheets, Maps, GPS files: 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. Should you need paper cue sheets, you will need to print those out on your own.

Weather: The average daily temperature in September will range from a high of 75 F (24 C.) to lows of 58 F (15.5 C) You can expect heavy rain so be prepared.

Lodging & Meals: The tour provides 13-nights lodging.  We will stay for three nights 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 hours 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 Ichinoseki with our first dinner at 6 PM on September 24,  2026 and  ends in Aomori after breakfast on October 7, 2026.  From Tokyo, take the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Ichinoseki , a two- and half-hour journey.  You can also take the Shinkasen to return to Tokyo. Many past participants have traveled to other cities in Japan before and after tours.

Cycling Japan will provide a road bike as part of the tour fee which they will maintain, perform all repairs, and keep it in excellent condition.  BAC and the Ride Coordinator do not warrant the safety and reliability of the bikes rented. Ebikes will be available for 25000 Yen which at 0.0077 Dollars per Yen is approximately $231.00 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 will be allowed, but you must bring your own.  Cycling Japan does not have tandems.

Cost & Administration: The total tour cost is $5700, which includes a $150 tip for the guides.  (On the night before the end of the tour at our last dinner, tour, you are free to add more to the tip.)  A deposit of $2900 is required upon registration and a second payment of $2800.00 will be due on February 1, 2026. The total tour cost is based on a currency exchange rate of one Yen equals 0.0077 dollars or 130 Yen per dollars.  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.                                                                   

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 February  1, 2026, 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 67000 Yen (approx. $516.00) 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 $516.00 is due by February 1, 2026, 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 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.

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 620,00,000 Yen (about $4,800) 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 determineits coverage and limitations.

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 of $150 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.