CYCLE AROUND JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS


#101: "Nagano"
Australian Paul Salisbury takes on the challenge of a 2,000-meter peak in Nagano Prefecture. The Japan Alps mountain pass provides breathtaking views to inspire him onward and upward. Off the bike, Salisbury experiences traditions such as the harvesting of wasabi plants in pristine waters and the making of baskets from wild bamboo. All in all, he travels 300 kilometers across the verdant ridges and valleys of Nagano, finding new encounters around every bend.

#102: "Ehime"
Ehime Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku. We will start our spring journey from the prefectural capital Matsuyama, which is best known for its castle and Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs. Facing the Bungo Channel that separates Kyushu from Shikoku, the coastline offers great scenery such as the Danbata terraced field. Uwajima, one of the coastal cities is known for the traditional bull fight events that it stages 5 times a year. We will visit the spring bull fight fest. Our final destination is Shikoku Karst, the mountain plateau on the border of Ehime Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture with an altitude of around 1,400 meters.

#103: “Akita
In this episode we will take you to northern country, Akita Prefecture in Tohoku region. We will start our journey from Kakunodate, the town is famous for its samurai tradition and its hundreds of weeping cherry trees, Shidare-zakura. Spring in Akita is marked by the melting of winter snows, feeding the hills and fields with moisture. The people of Akita have discovered many ways to take advantage of the region's bountiful nature. Our journey will bring us in contact with the unique cultural traditions borne from that nature and world-famous dog breed, the Akita Inu. It will be a 330-kilometer ride through a northern land emerging from its long winter and feeling the first breath of spring.

#104: "Wakayama"
This trip takes us to the southern part of Honshu, Wakayama Prefecture, a mountainous area filled with natural beauty. The landscape stimulates the senses with lush greenery and pristine streams. Our traveler rides through sacred sites steeped in history, such as the mountaintop town of Koyasan and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Wakayama is also Japan's top producer of premium fruit, including sweet persimmons and pickled plums, which will have your mouth watering on this 3-day bicycle journey.

#105: "Shimane"
Shimane Prefecture along Japan's western coastline has spectacular views of mountains ranging from east to west. Our traveler's journey begins at Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most famous shrines. At Lake Shinji, he meets a clam fisherman who uses a unique tool. Later he encounters a veteran blacksmith and learns about traditional ironmaking and enjoys kagura, a spiritual dance performed by locals wearing masks. Join us on a 4-day trip to Shimane, where traditions are a vibrant part of daily life.

#106: “Hokkaido”
Hokkaido Prefecture's vast open spaces have always been a cyclist's dream! Through the Tokachi plain and Kushiro wetlands, our rider enjoys a journey through wilderness. He meets younger generations who find opportunities in fertile farming land. Around huge Lake Kussharo, he finds an open-air hot spring bath. Nothing beats bathing after a long ride! He also discovers the traditional culture of the Ainu, indigenous people and meets an Ainu artist. Join us on a 470km trip in the land of opportunity!

#107: "Yamaguchi"
This trip will take you to the westernmost part of the island of Honshu, Yamaguchi Prefecture that is surrounded on 3 sides by the sea. Our rider will enjoy cycling along a beautiful coastline. On the road, he will meet a family that has grown Japanese pears in the orchard for generations. Finally, he'll visit Hagi City, the old castle town that has a historical atmosphere. You'll experience its unique culture born in the samurai society. Let's join the 3-day bicycle journey.

#108: "Aichi"
In this episode, our traveler visits Aichi Prefecture in central Japan. He starts in Nagoya, one of Japan's biggest cities and makes his way to idyllic views along the Pacific Coast. His goal is to catch a glimpse of distant mountains covered in blossoming plum trees. He discovers locally grown cabbage, and a fermented soybean seasoning called hama natto. He comes across unique goods like traditional tokoname-yaki teapots made from rich soil and inkstones carved from mountain rocks. Join our 3-day journey and experience traditional craftsmanship and locally grown food!

#109: "Autumn World Heritage Sites Tomioka to Nikko"
This time, we'll cycle through the mountains of Gunma and Tochigi Prefectures, meeting people living the traditional way. We'll visit 2 World Heritage Sites. The first is Tomioka Silk Mill, a landmark in the modernization of Japanese industry. Close by this monument to industrial history, we'll see silk making by hand, the traditional way. We'll visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, nestling deep in a mountain forest. Lovingly restored and repaired throughout the ages, the art of these incredible buildings shines as brightly as it did 400 years ago. We'll meet the people who work in these forests, people still in touch with the old ways of nature. Join us on a 260-kilometer cycle ride through Japan's autumn mountains.

#110: "Miyazaki"
We begin our journey on the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, in southeastern Kyushu, an area blessed with a warm, tropical atmosphere. On his way, our traveler enjoys Hyuganatsu, a citrus fruit that grows well in abundant sunlight. He discovers a folk craft workshop, where he observes skilled craftsman making go boards for the traditional, Japanese game. Finally, he arrives at Takachiho, an area known in Japanese mythology as the birthplace of Japan. Join us on our 3-day trip and soak in the rich nature and culture of Miyazaki!

#111: "Shizuoka"
In this episode, we feature Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its lush nature and Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, a major attraction for tourists from Japan and abroad. Our traveler takes the old Tokaido road which connects Edo and Kyoto, a route used for over 400 years since the Edo era. Today, locals welcome him with hospitality and local favorites. He enjoys a hot stew called "Oden" and delicious green tea, and discovers traditional dyed handicrafts. Join us on this 3-day journey in Shizuoka!

#112: "Shimanami"
Our journey takes us to Shimanami in the Seto Inland Sea, an area dense with islands. In 1999, the Shimanami Kaido was opened, consisting of 70 kilometers of highways and bridges linking the islands. Until then ferries had been the main means of transportation. Today, cyclists from all over the world have discovered the delights of the area. Here one can experience the slow but satisfying way of living and cultural highlights such as growing mikan oranges and drying fish. Join us on a 4-day ride, island-hopping through the Seto Inland Sea.

#113: "Izu-Oshima"
In this episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling from Tokyo, the Japanese capital. We will take you to the popular towns such as Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone. And our final destination will be Izu-Oshima, a volcanic island under the administration of Tokyo. Izu-Oshima is located about 100 kilometers south of the metropolitan Tokyo. The island is a popular tourist destination, especially for those in Tokyo seeking a cycle ride. At the heart of Izu-Oshima is the Mount Mihara (758m), an active volcano which is the source of several interesting sites and various hot springs on the island. Izu-Oshima is also known for its Tsubaki, camellia flowers, which can be spotted almost everywhere from around January through March. Oil extracts from Tsubaki seeds are used in popular hair and skin products that have become famous nationwide under the Oshima Tsubaki brand. Please join us a cycle ride to the volcanic island "One Step from Tokyo"!