Hello, this is my first bikepacking trip outside of France and I don't know Japan.
I'm hesitating between these two routes:
A: mostly flat coastal / B: more bumpy forested
If you had to choose, or if you've already been to these places, which would you choose?
I just want to sleep more possible on camping, and have two or three days (no bike) on Osaka/Kyoto and maybe Nagoya.
Thank you.
by THS-GVRN
5 Comments
Why not both? One way A, return B 😉
Commenting because I’m planning a similar trip starting in Hokkaido
2 years ago I did the A route with my good friend. Great stops along the way and plenty of campsites to sleep at.
We chose that route as the forest and hills might have been too challenging, but if you’re up for it I’m sure it’s worth it!
Good luck and kick some ass on that ride it’s life changing
Did about 75% of B (going up to Hiroshima) starting around this time of year in Tokyo. It was borderline ok weatherwise (cold/snow) on mainly Shikoku. Did a lot of A on the way back and preferred B, because of the variation in the route as a whole. Route A involves a lot of urban areas. Liked Shikoku very much.
Do B. Take Mt. Aso with you, wonderful. Both routes include the Shimanami Kaido, which is great aswell. I’d also recommend taking a little bit of Lake Biwa aswell. It seems like you go to Lake Biwa and leave it instand, enjoy a tiny bit of the Lake. Near the end youll be also visiting Hakkone and Lake Ashi. Overall a good route. Try to google the “Pacific Cycling Route” in Japan. You will be following it at the last 1/3rd of the route. No need to use Kamoot at this part.
Edit: I’d also recommend instead of going the coast again to Osaka, try to follow the Kinokawa or Yoshino River trough the mountains right of Wakayama and then sharp up north towards Kyoto/Nara. It has a blue line marked aswell through this strech mostly to promote bicycle tourism and no need to use GPS for more then 100km. More Details: [https://wabisabicycling.com/keinawa-cycling-road/](https://wabisabicycling.com/keinawa-cycling-road/)
Once you decided and updated your route through my recommendation, I can also give you awesome places to visit! I have marked down over 500 spots in JP for my upcoming 3-month trip this year, so I could help you with that aswell !