The word awesome is overused these days, but I had to choose one word to describe the Japan: River Valleys & Heritage tour it would be…awesome. Cycling though remote towns and villages that most tourists never see; taking a scenic ride along a road overlooking the Pacific Ocean with waves crashing below; listening to our cheerful and experienced guides as they imparted insights into Japanese culture during visits to historical sites, Shinto shrines a d Buddhist temples; feasting on a veritable cornucopia of Japanese cuisine; staying at authentic Japanese ryokans complete with onsens (geothermal spring baths); having the freedom to challenge yourself by setting a rigorous pace, or, if you prefer, pedaling along more leisurely. These are just a small sampling of what made this trip…awesome.