I have often found, on a trip, that it is not the perfectly scripted moment that endures in the memory, but that juncture where something has gone awry. Something that might require a touch of fortitude, of inventiveness—of halting conversation with locals—to resolve. Something that momentarily takes us out of our comfort zone. “Only through shadows can we see the beauty of a lighted room,” writes Junichiro Tanizaki in his classic In Praise of Shadows. Something of that spirit exists in RAID Cycling, the outfitter with which I have booked an eight-day expedition, by bike, from Tokyo to Kyoto.  - Tom Vanderbuilt RAID JAPAN FEATURED IN CONDE NAST-May 2024

Sometimes, it feels like there's a trend to travel for the sake of traveling, to visit a place merely because it's far away and exotic. Japan could be a place like that, but it isn't. The riding in Japan can go toe to toe with any region around the world. The terrain is perfect for cycling – undulating with a lean toward mountainous. Roads are tiny, nearly overgrown, plentiful in selection, and generally bereft of cars. And that certain magic that makes a place special? Japan has it in spades.

Starting in Tokyo, the megalopolis of Japan, the RAID  heads south on challenging roads dotted with climbs through verdant, dense forests on perfect pavement, barely wide enough for a car – a theme for most of the trip.

Over the first three days, the rider will be treated to a mountainous buffet of perfection – deserted, unused roads, through dense forests, peppered with broad views. The climbs grow, the elevation soars, the roads grow ever twistier.

After reaching the outskirts of Kaga on the coast, the route heads south away from the Japanese Alps. At this point, it is hard to imagine much better, but that's exactly what lies ahead.

On the other side, the Sea of Japan coast, the landscape opens up and welcomes the water and the beautiful autumn skies. We ply a path south along the coast with never ending views of the water, before heading inland, to small roads that climb and climb and seem barely able to hold off nature's onslaught. Grass, trees, bushes, and vines are all barely held at bay at the side of the road.

During the day, the rider will be treated to the best that Japan has to offer. That theme will continue in the evenings, with the chance to explore all things uniquely and wonderfully Japanese: hot-springs, food, lodging and people.

We finish after an unforgettable parcours in the stylish city of Kyoto, Japan's former capital, and by all accounts Japan's city of cities, renowned for its temples, shrines, and vibrant geisha culture.

Our departures are all-inclusive. All prices 
include hotel accommodation on a double-occupancy basis (single-occupancy is available on most trips for an additional fee), professionally guided rides, on-road
 vehicle support, limited laundry & recovery, all meals (excluding alcohol), and ride nutrition/food (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants are also included.  

Airfare is not included and gratuities for our trip leaders and personal expenses. Bicycles are not included on this departures but can be rented. *For all Japan departures, airport transfers are not inclusive. There are many affordable and convenient transportation options from airport to city centers in Tokyo and Kyoto. 

RAID strives to ensure our guests have the most flexibility when signing up for a cycling adventure. Deposits: Deposits are fully refundable up to 90 days before the trip start date. Within 90 days of the trip, deposits are no longer refundable. Refunds: You can request a refund up to 90 days before trip start. Once within 60 days from the start of the trip, there are no refunds of any kind. Trip Transfers: You may transfer 100% of your payment or deposit to another trip 60-90 days before your trip departure. Once inside of 60 days of trip start, 50% of your trip fee is eligible for transfer. This allows you to credit your payment towards a future trip with RAID.    

*A cancellation administration fee of $75 applies to all cancellations from 60-120 days prior trip departure.
This cancellation policy applies to all trips, as well as all other additional services.
The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received.

Note: Cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these tours. Our Group cancellation policies vary.  Also, please review our Terms and Conditions. We stress the importance of purchasing a travel protection plan to protect yourself from fees in the event you need to cancel your reservation.  

IN THE EVENT THAT WE CANCEL YOUR TRIP

We will provide you with a $150 credit to use on another RAID trip departing over the proceeding two years. You will also be entitled to: (a) book any other available trip; or (b) receive a full refund of all monies paid; and we will not be liable for any flight or insurance costs you have incurred (it is for this reason that we recommend you delay booking flights and arranging insurance until your trip is confirmed). We reserve the right to stop you from participating on your trip if you: behave in an abusive and/or threatening manner; or engage in illegal activities.

TRANSFERRING YOUR TRIP

Should a business or personal emergency cause you to not be able to go on your trip, you may transfer to any other trip, which: has space available on it; and is scheduled to depart within two years of the trip you originally signed up for. There is no charge for transferring all of your payments to another trip. Transfers made 60 days or fewer in advance will be considered a cancellation, and our standard cancellation policy will apply.

Vaccination and COVID-19 Testing Requirements

RAID Cycling is actively monitoring and implementing guidelines recommended by health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as local authorities where applicable.

RAID Cycling will require all guests to be fully vaccinated prior to the trip start.

*Our policies may change as new information becomes available. Any updates to our itineraries will be communicated promptly via our website and email.

Vaccination: RAID Cycling will require all guests to be fully vaccinated and to carry proof of their vaccination with them for 2022 departures*. (*If you qualify for a medical exemption, please contact our team.)

• A hard copy, digital copy, or picture of your vaccination certificate will be accepted. We’ll also accept a medical certificate confirming recovery from COVID-19 dated no more than 90 days before departure.
• Please note that many regions (including most international destinations) have additional requirements and/or documents needed for entry. See details on Japan entry requirements HERE. 
• Your guides will check your documents at the start of the trip. For the health and safety of the group, if you are unable to show proof of vaccination, you will be unable to join the trip and our standard cancellation policy applies.
• You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. See  HERE for CDC vaccine guidance.
• We encourage those who are eligible to get a booster dose. At this time we are not requiring it for travel with us but are closely monitoring what the CDC considers “fully vaccinated.”

COVID-19 Testing: As of June 12, 2022, the United States stopped requiring a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country. The CDC is still recommending testing before all air travel, however. Trek Travel currently does not require a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test to join our trips.

• Guides can help facilitate getting tested locally if guests become symptomatic while on trip with us. In Japan, guides will also facilitate testing in accordance with current and local regulations.
• Please note that many regions (including most international destinations) have additional requirements and/or documents needed for entry.