In our new series Music Cycles Around The World, inspired by the idea of travelling the globe with a bicycle and a soundtrack, we explore the theme of “cities and music”. This is the third instalment. This time, in connection with the Honolulu Century Ride – held every year on the fourth Sunday in September and regarded as Hawaii’s second-biggest sporting event after the Honolulu Marathon, with many riders travelling from Japan to take part – I’ll be writing about some of my favourite music from Hawaii (though not the traditional Hawaiian kind). The first thing that sprang to mind was the Macky Feary Band’s self-titled debut album from 1978 – a record I still treasure. Over thirty summers ag […]
The Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji was created by Katsushika Hokusai, a ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period. As many will know, it is an ambitious series of woodblock prints capturing Mount Fuji in its myriad expressions, which change dramatically depending on the viewpoint and the time of day. In addition to the thirty-six prints indicated by the title, a further ten were later added—likely inspired by the popular Fuji worship (Fujikō) movements among the common people—bringing the total to forty-six works. In August 2025, I am in the midst of a journey to visit all forty-six of these landscapes under my own power.In this installment, I focus on three of them—The New Fields at Ōno in Suru […]
The Sparkle Oita Racing Team, a professional cycling team based in Oita Prefecture, is proud to announce the third Bungo Ono Sauna & Run/Cycling. Designed to promote wellness, community, and the charm of rural Japan, this event offers a unique opportunity for a deeply enriching experience. Event Overview Event Name: Bungo Ono Sauna & Run/CyclingVenue: Lodge Kiyokawa in Bungo OnoAddress: 158 Utaeda, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungo-Ono City, Oita, JAPANDate & Time: Sunday, November 23, 2025 (Reception: 9:00~, Opening ceremony: 9:30~, Start: 10:00)Registration Deadline: Friday, November 3, 2025Capacity: 30 participantsEvent Type: Cycling / Running or WalkingRegistration & Contact Detai […]
On the second day of our ride exploring Wakayama’s sea and mountains, we chose an early departure at 6:30 a.m., taking into account the ferry schedule for our return trip. It was a ride to be enjoyed only during the cool morning hours before the sun unleashed its full intensity. In contrast to the deep greens of Day 1, today awaited an encounter with Wakayama’s proud azure seascapes. Text_Ryuji IsePhoto_Tatz Shimizu Day 2: Spectacular Coastal Route — Along the Ria Coastline and to the White Limestone Cliffs Route OverviewStarting Point: Haman no IeRoute: Head north along the coastline toward Shirasaki → descend inland southward toward Mihama Town → Kii Hinomisaki Lighthouse → follow the coas […]
I live in Ehime, and Kojima-kun lives in Kochi. We’re both married and often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. “Let’s take a little break for once”—this casual remark sparked the beginning of our 3-day, 2-night cycling adventure. Our destination of choice was Wakayama Prefecture, known for both its easy access from Shikoku and its stunning natural landscapes on the Kii Peninsula. On Day 1, we planned a mountainous route from Aridagawa Town up to the cool Oishi Highlands. Day 2 would take us along the spectacular ria coastline of Hidaka and Shirasaki. It was an ambitious itinerary, packed with the best of Wakayama’s mountains and sea. Thanks to the Nank […]
From Long Rides to Off-Road—and Sometimes Even Casual Ride?Hi, I’m Ontama Negitoro.While most of my posts focus on off-road adventures and long-distance rides, I also have a soft spot for leisurely pottering around town, blending in with the cityscape on two wheels. This time, I’m heading to the Osaka-Kansai Expo—happening right in my hometown—by share bike!Believe it or not, you can actually access the Expo venue by bicycle. Fellow cyclists, after reading this article, you’ll be all set to ride there too! I’m planning to ride my bike all the way to Yumeshima, the site of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.(Please note: If you’re using your own bike, you’ll need to reserve a parking space by […]
A tour of forest path, Shrine & Temple trails and Kamo riverside roads in southern and eastern Kyoto Days: 4hoursDistance:20km Itinerary Eastern Kyoto is the most tourist-dense area, and is also known as hell. However, that is only the famous spots. Just 500m away, there are quiet, historical paths. Unlike the “commercial” Kyoto where 99% of the people gather, the real history of Kyoto remains there. The only tool to access it is an E-Bike.Of course, we will visit the famous spots. But the real value of this tour is to experience with all five senses the beautiful roads that many foreigners don’t know about, but really want to see.＊This feature is presented in collabora […]
The Tour de France, a 23-day journey that circles France by bike in the peak of summer, is finally heading into its decisive final stages. This is the second part of a two-part series reporting on cycling in France directly from the ground. This time, we dive into a hands-on investigation of renting a performance road bike—seriously planning as if we were going to ride ourselves.Is it easy and reliable to arrange a rental? How much does it actually cost? And what should you keep in mind if you really end up riding in France? The route I planned is the finish of Stage 16: Mont Ventoux. There’s no doubt this mountain will play a major role in determining the overall winner. Let’s take on this […]
Days: 3daysDistance: 180kmElevation gain: 1260m Itinerary This is a three-day model cycling course that is the most beautiful and typical of Japan and is suitable for cyclists with some experience.＊This feature is presented in collaboration with “Kyoto by the Sea e-Bikes.” Day1Kamo River Like the Seine in Paris and the Tiber in Rome, the Kamo River is a river with 1,500 years of history that flows through the center of the capital.Its greatest feature is its beauty, which has earned it the nickname “urban river with the best water quality in the world.” Despite the strict landscape ordinances and sewage regulations, the Kamo River flows through a city of one million people, yet i […]
The Tour de France, a race that circles around France by bicycle over the course of 23 days in the peak of summer, is in full swing from July 5 to 27. The country and people that gave rise to such a grand sporting event share a deep love for cycling. In recent years, France has rapidly developed cycling infrastructure to promote eco-friendly transportation. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the nation is now fully committed to advancing cycle tourism. A journalist with 30 years of experience covering the Tour de France witnesses this dedication firsthand. In this two-part series, Part 1 offers a preview of the 2025 Tour de France and essential tips for cycling in France. Table […]
