Cycling across the western islands on the Japan Highlights ride was a unique journey experiencing:
The scenery- mountains, steaming volcano craters and sea views, cycling bikeways and minor roads absent of traffic;
The cuisine – an amazing variety far exceeding anything I have eaten in western Japanese restaurants;
The people- friendly and helpful, even though English was an alien tongue;
The culture- from Shogun castles, Shinto animist shrines and Buddhist temples to Onsen bath houses, topiary gardens, ladies in traditional Kimono; it was a delight.
Thomas the cycle leader was an excellent host, both humble and intelligent leading us through the complexities of group cycle travel, and cycle maintenance. His wife, Yuko, a kimono wearing cycling dynamo was an excellent coordinator of our accommodation in a variety of Ong Seng ( bath house accommodation), meal choices ( I am glad we paid in advance as I wouldn’t like to wash and dry all the plates and dishes involved in the splendid assortment of dishes served at every meal), all done with a friendly and cheerful demeanor.
I highly recommend this ride with Japan Biking as an enjoyable cycling experience.
Roger H October 2012.
