Japan: Volcanoes & Hot Springs Bike, Hike (2025-2026)

Waves kon’nichiwa, welcome to Japan! Your journey begins at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, where you’ll meet your legendary Tour Leader and the small group you’ll be sharing this adventure with. After you’ve immediately forgotten everyone’s names (don’t worry there will be ample opportunity to learn them along the way), we’ll get you set up on your bike to make sure you’re safe, comfy and confident on the road.

Our first ride takes us through Hakata, a coastal gem blending ancient traditions with a modern buzz. Pedal past Japan’s oldest Zen temple, soak in the energy of its lively streets, and get a taste of local life in this lively port town.

Your Tour Leader knows where to find the best bites! We’ll pause for a traditional lunch — think steaming bowls of Hakata ramen, mentaiko (salty pollock roe), or perhaps gyoza (juicy Japanese dumplings).

From here, it’s a quick express train ride to Kai Beppu, Japan’s renowned hot spring haven. Why the fame? Beppu boasts thousands (and we mean THOUSANDS) of onsen that range from soothing mineral baths to dramatic “hells” with bubbling mud and steaming, colorful ponds.

Once we’ve checked into our hotel for the next two nights, it’s time to unwind. Gaze out at breathtaking ocean views, soak away your travel fatigue in a piping hot onsen, and let that blissful calm settle in. Later, we’ll meet for an included dinner to get to know the group better (and finally commit names to memory!)

Enjoyed your breakfast? Sāikō! It’s time to jump on our bikes and pedal through Japan’s steamiest town — literally. We’ll glide along gentle roads with coastal views on one side as steam curls lazily from hidden vents in the ground, a gentle reminder of the bubbling world beneath.

Tuck into a true local spread before taking a dip in one of Beppu’s rarest treats: a mud onsen. Imagine sinking into warm, velvety mud that feels like a full-body hug from the Earth. It’s messy, it’s rejuvenating, and it’s one of those “only-in-Japan” moments you’ll rave about for years. What’s on the agenda tonight? A traditional Japanese feast served with a side of toe-tapping tunes from the Toji Jug Band.

Delight in an authentic local lunch and unwind in the unique mud onsen, one of Beppu’s most rare and exciting hot springs. As the day winds down, we’ll join together to savor a traditional Japanese dinner, and afterward, let the melodious tunes of the Toji Jug Band serenade us.

You were promised volcanoes. So, allow us to introduce majestic Mount Yufu, standing proud at 5,194 ft (1,583 m). It’ll take us around three hours to make the round trip up to the summit and back again, with a smorgasbord of mountains and hot springs to feast our eyes on along the way. En route, we’ll dig into a spread of local goodies for lunch — because who needs a table when you’ve got an active volcano to dine on?

When we finish up in the delightful town of Yufuin, kick off your hiking boots and steam away the day in a toasty onsen. Then wind down in your ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn with woven-mat floors) and wave goodnight to Mt. Yufu before you turn out the light.

After fueling up with fresh fruit, irresistible miso soup and robust coffee — we’re ready to seize the day! Keeping our hiking boots on, we’ll hop in our R&R vehicle to the Kuju Visitor Center, where our adventure through the stunningly beautiful Kuju Mountain Range begins.

This range is a bit of a show-off, with its rolling hills and panoramic views — it’s no surprise it’s one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. Fun fact: this volcano erupted 130,000 years ago, and now the volcanic soil and gases have created a VIP plant club of species that only thrive here.

Today’s hike is 10km of pure beauty. It’ll take about 5 hours, but don’t worry, it’s an easy-paced walk with plenty of scenic stops along the way. The highlight? A picnic lunch right on the mountain. In spring, we’ve got the Miyama Kirishima flowers, painting the hillsides in vibrant colors. Come autumn, the mountain comes alive with fifty shades of amber and gold.

We’re strolling into our hotel like the true explorers we are! Adventuring is hungry work, so feasting is necessary. We’ll dine Japanese-style with delicious bowls of steaming ramen, perfectly grilled yakitori, fresh sashimi, and maybe a side of tempura.

Today, we’re back in the saddle for a loop ride through Daikanbo. The scenery? Perfection. We’ll coast along the rim of Aso’s caldera, where the views are so jaw-dropping you’ll be reaching for your camera at every turn. One minute, it’s lush green fields stretching as far as the eye can see, and the next, it’s mountains popping out of the mist like nature’s grand reveal. The only sounds you’ll hear is the sweet hum of your wheels and, if you’re lucky, the occasional clip-clop of a horse living its best life.

Back at the hotel, the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Gather the Hoppers for a low-key card game, relax your muscles in the steamy onsen, or retreat into a quiet corner with a glass of local sake or umeshu (plum wine).

Ahoy, welcome aboard! We’re kicking things off with a transfer to Kumamoto, then hop on the ferry for a breezy cruise to Shimabara. Once we hit the ground in Shimabara, we’re back on our bikes! Riding along the coastline, the breeze in your hair, the ocean waves crashing in the distance. Can you say, “cycling bliss”?

We’ll pedal through the Mt. Unzen eruption preservation park, a place where volcanic fury from the past still lingers in the air (hello, steam vents!). You’ll feel the earth’s pulse beneath your tires as we ride through this rugged, raw landscape.

Next, it’s time for the climb up to the heights of Unzen National Park. Don’t worry — while this ascent may have you working a bit harder, the views waiting for you at the top are absolutely worth it! You’ll want to take a moment, breathe in that crisp, earthy air, and snap a selfie or two because you’re going to want proof that you were here.

We’re convinced there’s no better way to soothe weary muscles than soaking in an onsen. And today is no different! Kick off your trainers and sink into the warm embrace of a volcanic onsen (yes, you’re literally soaking in an active volcano!).

What’s on the menu tonight? Unzen nabe (hot pot)? Perhaps rich, creamy clam chowder? Or droolinducing beef skewers?

This morning = history. We’re kicking things off with a ride in our R&R vehicle to Nagasaki. Once a bustling port during Japan’s period of isolation, Nagasaki was one of the only windows to the outside world — and boy, does it have stories to tell! But, let’s be clear: it’s not just about the past. Today, it’s a city full of life and spirit, even with its serious history as one of the atomic bomb targets in WWII.

We’ll kick things off by paddling along the Nakashima River. Glide through the calm waters, with lush greenery on one side and total zen on the other. Then, we’ll set foot on Dejima Island, which may be small, but it’s packed with history. In the 1600s, it was the only place foreigners could enter Japan.

Today, it’s an open-air museum where you’ll get to see how those first foreign exchanges shaped the country. (Hint: it’s more than just tea and silk!)

Feeling peckish? Good! Our Tour Leader has lunch sorted today (meaning the best local bites!) We’ll wander through Chinatown, where the streets are buzzing with energy, colorful markets, and delicious smells that’ll have you eyeing a Castella cake (or five). With a satisfied sweet tooth, we’ll pop by Oura Church, one of Japan’s oldest Western-style churches.

With all that history in the bag, it’s time to feast — our last dinner together in Nagasaki! Will you dive into a hearty bowl of champon (noodles with pork, seafood, and veggies), melt-in-yourmouth kakuni (braised pork belly), or indulge in a sasebo burger? Choices, choices!

All good things must come to an end… and today’s our last morning in Nagasaki! Not quite ready to pack it in? Don your explorer hat and head over to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum for some thought provoking history, or take a stroll through Peace Park, where resilience and peace share a quiet handshake.

After lunch, give a big bear hug to your amazing Tour Leader and your stellar cycling crew to say goodbye. Or maybe it’s mataauhimade (until we meet again!) Not ready to say goodbye to Japan? Neither are we! Keep the adventure rolling with our “Kyoto Spotlight”! Ask us for details.