Who has cycled the JCN Tokaido Route, from Tokyo to Kyoto?

[ruthyk]

While I'm waiting for suggestions on cycling in Kansai area, I have another question!

Who has cycled the JCN route Tokaido, from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Did you start in Tokyo? Is it do-able in 6 days or did you take more time?
How difficult was the first day's ride from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, as far as elevation gain?

What were the highlights and most scenic spots of this route? How about the difficulty level, such as the 112km days? Is the ferry from Irago to Toba still running?
Also, where did you stay? Any recommended inexpensive ryokan?
I'd like to try riding this route in October.

Thanks for your insights!

[katakanadian]

Hi!

I've done parts of this route. Our group took Rt1 up to Hakone which I don't recommend. The JCN route north of Fuji sounds much better but I haven't been in that area.

Six days is enough if you are used to cycling long distances but it might be a bit much if you haven't trained. For me the hardest days were when we had a headwind.

I can't recommend accommodations because we stealth camped every night except one homestay. Try looking into CouchSurfing.org to find homestays (just don't expect to get a host every night). Japanese youth hostels are also relatively cheap just make sure you have a membership (international is fine).