Bike Vacations in Japan

[nodachi]

I've recently gotten the idea in my head that it would be fun to do one of those biking vacations where you bike across a country, staying at random hostels, parks (camping), or small inns and such as you trek through the country for a week or two (or longer if I want to get in over my head).

Does anyone have any good agencies or websites for setting up a bike tour (guided or not) through Japan?

Clarification: pedaling bike and not motorcycle type thing

[Kenzan]

With THOSE hills?
Are you insane..?
No, wait...You're one of those people who get their yoo-hoos getting hit, aren't you.
Admit it!

:D

Here's a good place to start (http://www.google.com/search?q=japan+bike+tours&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a)...

Just let us know where to find the body.

[ClanLee]

Hill? Easy... with a proper geared bicycle, you can tackle almost any hill, with your bike loaded with clothes and necessary items. Take a look here for journals covering touring on bicycles (specifically in Japan).

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/locales/?geoname_id=109&doctype=journal

One day (in the distant future), I'm going to cycle from Los Angeles to East Coast. One day... :)

[Kenshi]

I've recently gotten the idea in my head that it would be fun to do one of those biking vacations where you bike across a country, staying at random hostels, parks (camping), or small inns and such as you trek through the country for a week or two (or longer if I want to get in over my head).

Does anyone have any good agencies or websites for setting up a bike tour (guided or not) through Japan?

Clarification: pedaling bike and not motorcycle type thing

Sounds great. Ive seen a few tv programs with young people doing just this, or even hiking through Japan (take a guitar with you!).

First thing I thought of when I saw your post was the 88 temple pilgrimage in Shikoku (hachijūhakkasho-meguri). Do a websearch on it. Ive heard of people doing it on bike.... might be tough though. At the right time of year you could easily sleep outside without problems (except maybe bears).