Gone riding: Norikura challenge
Highlighting some of the best landscapes and epic cycling routes in Gifu and Nagano prefectures
3 days / 2 nights ・ fall 2020 (cancelled)
CANCELLED
25-27 September, 2020
¥39,000 – ¥47,500
per person
see “Fees” below for more info
Available
max. capacity 12
(minimum 6)
early fall
24 – 15°C
76 – 59°F
Norikura | Nagano | Gifu | Hirayu Onsen | Takayama | Shinhotaka | Tatamidaira
about the trip
The mountains are calling…and you should go. Considered a rite of passage for cyclists in Japan, the Norikura Sky Line presents the ultimate hill climb cycling challenge!
On the border of Gifu and Nagano Prefectures, the Sky Line features about 1,600 meters of climbing (from Hirayu No Mori Onsen) in under 21km or about 5,250 feet in under 13 miles. Reaching a little over 2,700 meters above sea level, the Norikura Sky Line route is the highest road in the country – even the roads up Mt. Fuji top out at 2,300 meters.
Sometimes considered Japan’s version of the famed Alpe d’Huez, the route features plenty of switchbacks with an average gradient of 6%. Private vehicles are not permitted on the Sky Line route – only bicycles, taxis, and official buses – making the route to the top (and bottom) easier to attack with focus. Even in the height of summer, you’ll ride amidst stunning alpine scenery in nature’s vibrant shades. High enough to ensure snow remains year-round, as you get closer to the summit, the air thins, the temperatures drop, and your legs feel heavier!
We may only have the weekend but It’s not all about cycling! Discover the northern Japan Alps and take a leisurely ride aboard a two-storied gondola on the Shinhotaka Ropeway to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the rugged mountains from more than 2,000 meters above sea level. Wrap up the weekend with an exploration of Takayama, a town bursting with vintage charm. We’ll hand-grill our own senbei rice crackers, experiment with the art of tabe-aruki, and sample local sake before going our separate ways.
Important
・The Norikura Sky Line is currently closed (since July 23) due to landslides on the route. If the Sky Line does not reopen by Friday, September 11, the bike trip is cancelled. All registrants will receive a full refund (less 4% for online transaction fees).
・Currently (as of August 6), residents of Tokyo are not eligible for the Go To Travel campaign. Consequently, if you only have an address in Tokyo, we cannot in good faith recommend signing up for this bike trip until residents of Tokyo are disbarred. For more details, scroll down to “Itinerary”. If you have questions, please contact Samurai Sports at info@samuraisports.co.jp.
Option A.
¥44,400
includes
Transport: scheduled round trip bus between Nagoya station and Hirayu
Accommodation: 2 nights at Hotel Hirayu No Mori
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Other: 2 tickets for entry to Hirayu No Mori onsen, 2 cycling guides, 1 bilingual support leader
Single Supplement: +¥3,100
E-Bike Rental: +¥5,000
excludes 4% online transaction fee
Option B.
¥39,000
includes
Accommodation: 2 nights at Hotel Hirayu No Mori
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Other: 2 tickets for entry to Hirayu No Mori onsen, 2 cycling guides, 1 bilingual support leader
Single Supplement: +¥3,100
E-Bike Rental: +¥5,000
excludes 4% online transaction fee
suitability and cycling conditions
This bike trip is open to cyclists and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Generally speaking, we practice WATT (Wait At The Top); however, the weather and temperatures at the summit are fickle and it is not always reasonable nor logical to wait for everyone. At the briefing, we will inform athletes of cut off times, meaning cyclists must turn around at a certain time, regardless of proximity to the summit. For most mortals, summiting Norikura by bike is a challenge. While all levels of athletes are welcome, please take note of the following:
・The Norikura Sky Line features long, technical climbs and tight switchbacks combined with steep descents.
・The distance covered is minimal but considerable climbing is involved. In addition, the air is thin in the mountains. Our weekend will be spent at an elevation between 1,200 to 2,700 meters. Cycling the Sky Line in thin air involves significant physical exertion and demands stamina.
・Traffic is a part of cycling in Nagano; however, the routes we ride feature very little traffic and most vehicles are very considerate towards cyclists.
・Roads are always paved asphalt and tarmac roads in excellent to average condition. The rough surfaces on the Abo Pass East route require a higher level of bike handling skills.
・Cyclists are encouraged to ride and complete the full distance. Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips and at times, routes may change at the guide’s discretion to improve the trip experience.
・We strongly recommend bringing your own road bike. However, rental e-bikes are available for an additional fee.
norikura sky line
40km / +1,600m
abo pass
up to 30km / +1,020m
trip highlights
- Conquer Japan’s toughest hill climb challenge via the Norikura Sky Line, home to Japan’s highest paved roads - closed to private vehicles! Climb approximately 1,600 meters over 40km.
- Ride aboard Japan's only two-storied gondola and treat yourself to spectacular views of the Northern Alps at over 2,000 meters above sea level.
- Visit Takayama, a nostalgia-inducing town with traditional streetscapes showcasing the lingering vintage charms of a Japan from bygone days
- Seriously relax at Hirayu No Mori, a large hot spring resort with 16 outdoor hot spring baths (tattoo friendly)
food highlights
- Sample hiyaoroshi, a limited edition, seasonal yuzu-flavored sake and a variety of sakes to find your favorite sake style at a local brewery
- Treat yourself to Hida-gyu or Hida beef, a type of high quality wague known for its exquisite marbling, color, and texture.
- Master the art of tabe-aruki (eating while walking)! Try a little bit of everything and discover all the local delicacies that Takayama offers.
- Grill your own senbei rice crackers - and take home your handmade snacks for a souvenir!
itinerary
All athletes should check in at the Hotel Hirayu No Mori by Friday, 17:00 PM. While dependent on place of departure, athletes traveling at their own leisure should allot the estimated travel time plus 1 to 2 hours to allow for greater flexibility and a stress-free journey.
If your Friday plans or departure location don’t allow for Option A, we’ve listed below our recommendations to help you plan your arrival to Hirayu:
From Tokyo
Shinjuku Bus Terminal <-> Hirayu (about 3.5 hours; ¥11,400 RT)
Bus Timetable https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/shinjuku/#timetable
Take a train or bus to Matsumoto and the bus from Matsumoto to Hirayu (bus is about 1.5 hours; ¥4,800 RT)
Bus Timetable https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/matsumoto/#timetable
From Nagoya
Save ¥3,200 by selecting Option A when compared to booking privately.
Nagoya Station <-> Takayama Bus Terminal (about 3 hours; ¥5,400 RT)
Bus Timetable https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/nagoya/#timetable
Takayama Bus Terminal <-> Hirayu (about 1 hour; ¥3,200 RT)
Bus Timetable https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/shinhotaka-line/#timetable
Everywhere Else
Take a train or bus to Matsumoto, then the bus from Matsumoto to Hirayu (bus is about 1.5 hours; ¥4,800 RT)
Bus Timetable https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/matsumoto/#timetable
Bikes must be packed in rinko bags to be stored in the bus undercarriage.
If you need assistance, please contact Samurai Sports.
Whether you opt for Option A or Option B, we’ll meet on Friday. For those selecting Option A, we’ll check in at Hotel Hirayu No Mori in the afternoon, just before 1400.
While optional and weather-dependent, we strongly recommend joining our mid-afternoon trip to Shinhotaka for awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the Japanese Alps aboard a two-storied gondola.
Upon our return to Hirayu, we’ll gather for a mandatory weekend briefing before a scrumptious dinner just a short, scenic walk from the hotel.
Option A Schedule
0845 Meet at Nagoya station
0915 bus departs Nagoya
1150 bus arrives Takayama
1240 bus departs Takayama
1338 bus arrives Hirayu
+++ optional +++
1440 bus departs Hirayu
1525 bus arrives Shinhotaka
1655 bus departs Shinhotaka
1728 bus arrives Hirayu
+++
1800 mandatory briefing at Hotel Hirayu No Mori
1830 dinner
Option B Schedule
1800 mandatory briefing at Hotel Hirayu No Mori
1830 dinner
・Hotel Hirayu No Mori
・Dinner
Rise and shine! Grab breakfast and get ready to spend the first half of the day on the saddle. Hop on your bikes to begin the highlight of our trip – a hill climb up to the summit of Mt. Norikura at Tatamidaira!
Depending on individual levels and preferences, we’ll all WATT (Wait At The Top), allow small groups to descend together, and/or implement cut off times, i.e. once it is 1030, turn around regardless of whether or not you have reached the summit. We’ll come back down the same way on the Sky Line.
Back at the hotel, we’ll have enough time to freshen up before lunch. The rest of the day is free time. Some ideas include a leisurely walk to Hirayu Waterfalls, a mid-afternoon snoozle, or simply relaxing at Hirayu No Mori Onsen.
Alternatively, those who were unable to visit Shinhotaka yesterday – or want to revisit for further exploration, may consider making the (free) trip using their bus pass. Those with personal vehicles can drive over to Kamikochi, Shirahone hot springs, or any of the nearby mountains of the Japan Alps.
Seeking an afternoon session? Feel free to ride over to the Sky Line for seconds or get in a shake-out run. Those with personal vehicles can also drive over to the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center for a go at the Norikura Echo Line.
Whatever you decide to do, just be sure to make it for dinner!
0730-1200 Norikura Sky Line ride (approximate ETA)
1230-1330 lunch
1800 dinner
* onsen at Hirayu No Mori closes at 2100
・about 40km (25mi) | +1,600m (5,249ft)
・Hotel Hirayu No Mori
・Breakfast, Dinner
Note: We will reach the summit at Tatamidaira (2,702 meters | 8,865 feet) by bike. From Hirayu Onsen and back, this ride is approximately 40km with about 1,600 meters of climbing. The trip should take between 3 to 4 hours. We will not hike the 60 to 90 minutes to reach Kengamine Peak, the highest point of Mt. Norikura (3,026 meters | 9,928 feet).
Ohayou! We’ll start a little later on our last day, so feel free to take it easy in the morning. Depending on interest, we can arrange an exploratory shake-out run in the area.
After checking out, we’ll board the bus to Takayama. If you’re driving, we’ll meet you at a predetermined location in Takayama.
At Takayama, we’ll bake our own senbei rice crackers by hand, sample a variety of sake at a local brewery, and refine our skills in tabe-aruki or eating while walking. Following the activities, we’ll wrap up the weekend and go our separate ways.
0700-1000 Abo Pass ride
1130 bus departs Hirayu
1231 bus arrives Takayama
1700 bus departs Takayama
1935 bus arrives Nagoya station
・up to 30km (18.6mi) | up to +1,020m (3,346ft)
・Breakfast, Lunch
Hanging around? Hirayu bus terminal is the gateway to a lot of unique places! Nagano and Gifu prefectures offer a wide array of sightseeing destinations and activities.
Recommended Day Trips
Kamikochi
Matsumoto
Azumino
Shirahone hot springs
Shirakawa-go
Kanazawa
Currently (as of August 6), residents of Tokyo are not eligible for the Go To Travel campaign. Consequently, if you only have an address in Tokyo, we cannot in good faith recommend signing up for this bike trip. If you have questions, please contact Samurai Sports at info@samuraisports.co.jp
Due to daily changes with the Go To Travel campaign, there is a likelihood that residents of Tokyo will become eligible for the Go To Travel campaign. If and when Tokyo residents are disbarred, we welcome Tokyoites to join us.
Please note this bike trip is only sold in conjunction with the Go To Travel campaign.
Hotel Hirayu No Mori
Meet Friday 1700
Bus from Nagoya or Find Your Own Way
Bring your own bike or rent an e-bike
more information
ABOUT HIRAYU NO MORI ONSEN
One of the most popular hot spring resorts in the region, Hirayu No Mori features 16 open-air baths (rotenburo), large retro indoor baths, and a lounge in a traditional Japanese Gassho-style with exposed wooden beams and a steep, thatched roof.
Hirayu No Mori onsen is tattoo-friendly and open to those with tattoos.
Rental towels are available for a nominal fee. We recommend athletes to bring your towel(s) from Hotel Hirayu No Mori (make sure to return them!) or bring your own from home.
Hirayu No Mori onsen is open daily 1000-2100.
ABOUT HOTEL HIRAYU NO MORI
Our prices are per person based on twin occupancy – two people sharing a room. If you’re joining as a solo traveler or traveling with others but wish to have your own room, you must pay a single supplement fee.
All rooms at the Hotel Hirayu No Mori have wi-fi, a toilet and washroom.
Toiletries include a hand towel, bath towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and free rental of room wear (lightweight, two-piece Japanese-style pajamas).
The public bath at the Hotel Hirayu No Mori is open 24 hours.
A simple breakfast (bread, hard boiled eggs, coffee, etc.) is served on a grab-and-go basis from 0700 to 0900. Breakfast must be eaten in your rooms. Samurai Sports will make arrangements for breakfast to be available earlier on Sunday.
Hotel Hirayu No Mori, the Hirayu bus terminal, and the Hirayu No Mori onsen are all within five minutes by foot.
Please note that at times, the accommodation listed may change at the discretion of the trip guides and/or Samurai Sports to improve the trip experience.
Each trip with Taste of Japan combines a cycling journey with a culinary experience. From learning to navigate the ubiquitous Japanese chain restaurants to sampling regional cuisine and savoring seasonal harvests, we’re proud of the smorgasbord of flavors that make each bike tour so unique.
Dietary restrictions can be difficult to accommodate regularly or consistently in Japan, where knowledge and awareness in the food and beverage industry about specific dietary restrictions is less common. It is imperative that you let us know in advance if you have food allergies and/or have strict dietary restrictions. Dietary preferences will be catered to the best extent possible.
Temperatures may fluctuate throughout the day and your trip, so it’s best to be prepared with all-weather gear and layers to keep you warm on the chilly mornings and atop mountains and cool under the afternoon sun.
Again, climate varies greatly by location, so please check the weather before you depart – we want you to have the right gear and be prepared for all weather scenarios.
Please note that we will ride as scheduled, rain or shine. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, i.e. due to heavy rains, strong winds, and severe weather.
If you’re bringing your bike:
Bike
Helmet
Rinko bag
Emergency kit (spare tube, CO2, patch kit, multi-tool, etc.)
Cycling shoes
2 sets of cycling clothes
Water bottle (at least 1)
Comfortable shoes and/or running shoes
Comfortable clothes (two sets should do)
Rain gear
Sweater and/or jacket
Mask(s) or Buff
Also consider:
Bike computer, i.e. Garmin Edge
Socks
Sunglasses (UV rays are strong when sunny in the mountains)
Chamois cream
Sunscreen
* Lightweight windbreaker or jacket or arm sleeves / arm warmers
* Cycling gloves
* it is very cold at the summit and on the way down
If you’re not bringing your bike:
2 sets of cycling clothes
Water bottle (at least 1)
Comfortable shoes and/or running shoes
Comfortable clothes (two sets should do)
Rain gear
Sweater and/or jacket
Mask(s) or Buff
Also consider:
Helmet
Socks
Sunglasses (UV rays are strong when sunny in the mountains)
Chamois cream
Sunscreen
* Lightweight windbreaker or jacket or arm sleeves / arm warmers
* Cycling gloves
* it is very cold at the summit and on the way down
Other Items
Camera and/or cellphone
Charging Devices
Toiletries and personal items
Personal identification
Cash (at least ¥10,000 – ATMs are rare)
Credit/debit cards
NHI card or proof of medical insurance coverage
Spare masks
This bike trip is only sold in conjunction with the Go To Travel campaign. The prices presented are made possible because of travel subsidies from the Go To Travel campaign meant to encourage and promote domestic travel.
Single supplement: ¥3,100
Go To Travel Campaign Fee Schedule
* This tour is legally obligated to display this information.
About the Trip
Our Pledge to Participants
・During the trip, staff will diligently wash his/her hands, gargle, and thoroughly manage his/her physical condition.
・Staff will wear a mask or buff throughout the duration of the trip. Though the mask may be unsightly and inhibit participants from hearing staff clearly, we ask for your patience and understanding. Please note that depending on the weather and intensity of physical exercise, staff may opt to wear no mask and instead, practice social distancing.
・Participants may learn about COVID-19 measures at our accommodation, Hotel Hirayu No Mori here.
・Participants who understand Japanese are encouraged to view the Japan Travel Associations guide to travel etiquette in the midst of COVID-19 here.
Request to Participants
・Due to COVID-19 measures, solo travelers will not be paired to a shared room. If you are participating as an individual, you are responsible for the single supplement fee.
Upon Check In
・Staff are required to take each participant’s temperature with a non-contact thermometer.
・Participants with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher will be asked to leave and will not be refunded their trip payment (“Go To Travel Actual Payment”); transportation expenses must be borne by the participant.
On Day 2-3
・Staff are required to take each participant’s temperature before breakfast.
・Participants with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher after the trip starts MUST leave. In such instances, there will be no refund for the trip payment and all transportation expenses and related travel fees must be borne by the participant.
During the Trip
・Make liberal use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands and fingers throughout the trip.
・Wear a mask at all times during the trip, including to and from the destination. Participants must bring their own mask(s).
・Please note that according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s Heat Stroke Countermeasure Leaflet (Japanese only), masks are not recommended during strenuous physical exercise. In principle, this trip follows these guidelines pertaining to mask usage. However, if you cannot maintain your social distance during cycling, you may be asked to wear your mask.
Will I get a refund if the minimum number of registrants is not reached?
This bike trip requires 6 or more registrants. If less than 6 register, the bike trip will be cancelled. All registrants will receive a full refund less 4% to account for online transaction fees.
I can’t go all of a sudden for whatever reason, can I transfer my entry?
Yes, you can transfer your bike trip entry to another individual, please use the self-edit function available here. Transfers are free and can be completed up until three days before departure (September 22).
Will I get a refund if I have to cancel my entry?
If you cancel your entry, you may be eligible for a partial refund depending on when you cancel. Please view the refund schedule below for details:
100% of your total amount (less 4% for processing fees) will be refunded if you notify us of cancellation no later than 2359 on September 4, 2020
80% of your total amount (less 4% for processing fees) will be refunded if you notify us of cancellation between September 5 and September 17, 2020
70% of your total amount (less 4% for processing fees) will be refunded if you notify us of cancellation between September 18 and September 23, 2020
60% of your total amount (less 4% for processing fees) will be refunded if you notify us of cancellation no later than 2359 on September 24, 2020
50% of your total amount (less 4% for processing fees) will be refunded if you notify us of cancellation no later than 2359 on September 25 , 2020
0% of your total amount will be refunded if you notify us of cancellation after September 25, 2020, do not notify us of cancellation and/or are a no show
Subject to an official emergency declaration, the bike trip may need be cancelled less than two weeks before departure. In such instances, all participants will receive a full refund (less 4% for online transaction fees).
If the safety of participants, team members, and/or partners appear compromised, Taste of Japan Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel the bike trip at our discretion. Refunds are not granted once the bike trip has commenced. Samurai Sports and Taste of Japan Bike Tours are not responsible for any losses incurred for non-refundable travel costs.
Do I have to bring my own bike? Can I rent a bike?
We strongly recommend you bring your own road bike. Triathlon and TT bikes are permitted but not ideal for the weekend. Bikes in rinko bags are permitted in the undercarriage storage of the highway buses indicated in the itinerary (between Nagoya-Takayama-Hirayu).
Rental e-bikes (electric assist bicycle) are available for the weekend and must be booked in advance. Rental e-bikes come with a helmet. Please bring your own water bottle(s). Please select this option, along with size (by height range) upon registering. We do not have road bikes available for rent.
Is there a maximum number of participants on a single Taste of Japan bike tour? What about a minimum?
Yes, we cap our trips at 12 guests. This allows us to ensure each guest (cyclist or not) the personal attention and support they deserve throughout the journey.
For this bike trip, the minimum number of participants is 6. If less than 6 participants register, the bike trip will be cancelled. All registrants will receive a full refund less 4% to account for online transaction fees.
Can non-cyclists join Taste of Japan Bike Tours? What will non-riders do?
Taste of Japan Bike Tours welcome those who do not or cannot ride. However, we do not arrange alternate activities for non-riders while the group is cycling. All of our tours are priced per person, double occupancy, whether you ride or not.
Can children join? Is there an age requirement?
This bike trip is designed for adults 18 and older. All guests should be 18 years old by September 25, 2020. If you have questions, please complete the inquiry form.
What does “double occupancy” or “twin occupancy” mean? What is a “single supplement” fee?
Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. If you’re joining as a solo traveler, you must pay a single supplement fee. Solo travelers will have his or her own room. The single supplement fee varies by bike tour.
Is gratuity included? Who do I tip?
If you believe the Samurai Sports and Taste of Japan Bike Tours team has gone above and beyond, please tip our guides at your discretion.
How much should I put aside for incidentals? What personal expenses should I anticipate? Do I need cash or is my credit/debit card ok?
Most people find that ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 per day is enough to cover incidentals. Guests typically spend money on souvenirs and snacks. There are very few ATMs in the area. To avoid any potential mishaps, we recommend carrying at least ¥10,000 in cash at all times and tucking away another ¥10,000 just in case.
Should I enroll in bicycle insurance?
Yes, you should be enrolled in bicycle/cyclist insurance if you ride a bike at all! We won’t verify but for peace of mind, please enroll. Rental e-bikes include basic insurance coverage.
What about accident insurance and medical coverage? What if I get hurt?
Please bring your NHI card and/or private health insurance card.
