Japan in the Details

Japan is a long country with considerable differences in climate, so the best time depends partly on where you are going. Spring and fall generally bring comfortable temperatures across much of the country, while summer can be hot and humid in central and southern Japan. Winter ranges from relatively mild conditions in the south to deep snow in the mountains and northern regions.

Very much so. Japan combines mountains, coastlines, farming regions, historic routes and an extensive network of smaller towns and villages. Traveling on foot or by bicycle also takes you beyond the cities and famous sights, into the rural landscapes and everyday communities that make up much of the country.

No, but English becomes considerably less common once you leave the major cities and heavily visited tourist areas. On a Pedalers trip, we provide the support needed to handle language and cultural differences along the way. You will probably still pick up a few useful Japanese words before the trip is over.

Ryokans and minshukus are traditional Japanese inns and can be quite different from Western-style hotels. Rooms may have tatami floors and futon bedding, shoes are removed before entering certain areas, and meals are often an important part of the stay. Bathrooms may be shared rather than private. The experience can feel unfamiliar at first, but these small inns are one of the best ways to experience rural Japanese hospitality.

An onsen is a Japanese hot-spring bath and is part of everyday life at many traditional inns. Bathers wash thoroughly before entering the bath, and bathing suits are not worn. Baths are commonly separated by gender or used by men and women at different times, although arrangements vary by property. Using an onsen is optional on a Pedalers trip, and most accommodations provide another option for showering or bathing.

Tattoos can require a little planning because of their longstanding association in Japan with organized crime. If a tattoo can be covered, doing so is advisable, while individual properties may have their own rules. Guests with extensive tattoos should contact us before booking so we can explain what to expect.

Japanese cooking varies enormously by region and season. Rice, noodles, fish, vegetables, tofu, pickles, grilled foods and soups may all appear, but rural meals can be quite different from the sushi and ramen most visitors already know. Traditional inns often serve multi-course dinners and Japanese breakfasts using local and seasonal ingredients.

This can be difficult, particularly in rural areas and traditional inns. Fish-based dashi is widely used in soups, sauces and vegetable dishes, and ryokans and minshukus often serve fixed meals that cannot be substantially changed. Strict vegetarian and vegan meals may not be possible on some Pedalers itineraries. If you have dietary restrictions, please discuss them with us before booking so we can give you realistic guidance for the particular trip.

Courtesy and consideration for others are important parts of everyday Japanese life. Remove shoes when requested and never wear footwear on tatami mats. Keep voices relatively quiet in shared spaces, follow local rules at temples and shrines, and learn the basic etiquette before using an onsen. You do not need to know every custom before arriving, and we will help with the finer points along the way.

Those places deserve their reputation, but rural Japan offers a very different experience. Small fishing ports, farming villages, mountain towns, old post roads, family-run inns and quiet country landscapes reveal a side of Japan that can be difficult to appreciate when traveling only between the major cities.