Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and cycling around the lake is very popular.It’s very close to Kyoto, and an e-bike can take you to the western end of the lake in 15km (1 hour).You can cycle along the canal from Kyoto to Lake Biwa, or take a short loop to Omihachiman, the old center of Lake Biwa, and back, or even cycle 200km around the lake over three days. We will introduce some model courses from the perspective of local cyclists. Days: 3~4daysDistance: 220kmElevation gain: 970m Itinerary This route starts from Kyoto and goes along the Lake Biwa Canal Path, then along the Lake Biwa Cycling Road to Wani, crosses Mt. Hiei, and returns to Ohara via the Kamogawa Cycling Road. Th […]

In this second instalment of our new series Music Cycles Around The World, themed around “cities and music” and inspired by the idea of travelling the world through music on two wheels, we turn our attention to France — in celebration of the 2025 Tour de France, which kicks off on 5 July from the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Though it’s been nearly 20 years since my last visit, I travelled to France many times throughout the 1990s and 2000s. My first trip to Paris was 33 years ago, when I spent every waking hour scouring the city for records — especially French cinema soundtracks. That trip played a key role in inspiring me to open my own shop, Café Après-midi. Later, in early summer 1999, I ret […]

Hi, I’m Ontama Negitoro, an avid cyclist mainly active in the Kansai region. I just love to ride—whether it’s a quick spin around my hometown, a full tour around Shikoku, or a Japan-crossing brevet. After countless journeys, I’ve come to truly appreciate the saying, “Where there’s a road, there’s a scenic view.”This time, I set out on a ride that’s both niche and deeply rewarding—rich in natural beauty and historical intrigue. It’s a route that will also appeal to architecture enthusiasts. Let’s head to Tojo Town in Shobara City, eastern Hiroshima Prefecture! Table of Contents 1. Traces of an Ancient Trade Route2. The Taste of Manjū Passed Down Since the Edo Period3. Sanrakusō: A Modern Japa […]

Born and raised in Kanda, Tokyo, I go by the name Shitamachi Kombu. It’s been nearly half a century since I came into this world. Today, I took a ride through the Kanda Matsuri—Kanda area’s largest festival, held once every two years—using a docomo share bike. This festival is one of the three great festivals of Edo, dating back to the Edo period, and is sometimes counted among Japan’s three major festivals. The sky today is a perfect May blue—ideal weather for cycling. If you have a moment, come along with me for the ride. Table of Contents Charging up that Edo spirit in NihonbashiSoaking in Meiji Era vibes at Tokyo StationA detour to Akihabara, the mecca of otaku cultureKanda, […]

トレンドはどんな業界やカテゴリにも存在している。中でもファッション業界は顕著で、トレンドなくして商品を語ることはできない。ムードや地域といった大きなパートから、カラーやテキスタイルなど細かい部分まで流行が及ぶ範囲は広い。

Hello, this is Ontama Negitoro.This time, I rode the Saba Kaido from Kyoto with my father, who’s now in his 50s.My love for cycling probably comes from the “early training” I received from him—he’s a cyclist himself.The Saba Kaido is one of the routes we used to ride together several times when I was in elementary school.Thinking back, we rode pretty far for a kid, didn’t we?This time, we made the trip again as a parent-child ride, heading all the way to Wakasa Bay in Obama, Fukui Prefecture, for some mackerel! Table of Contents 1. What is the Saba Kaido?2. Accessing the Saba Kaido (From Kyoto)3. Crossing the Oldest Saba Kaido Route: Harihatagoe4. Remnants of Spring Snow5. To Kumagawa-juku: […]

There are people who say, “If you haven’t seen that movie, you’re missing out on life.” Of course, everyone has different tastes, and it’s entirely up to each person what kind of films they choose to watch. But when it comes to those who haven’t yet seen the It’s Tough Being a Man series, I can’t help but want to gently encourage them: “Why not give it a try, just once?”That series is packed with the very essence of Japanese comedy. The protagonist is Tora-san (played by Kiyoshi Atsumi), born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika. He’s rough around the edges, but deeply compassionate—someone who can’t turn a blind eye to those in trouble. He makes a living as a traveling peddler, a kind of car […]

Here is the second part of Brisbane-based cyclist Ayaka’s ride report on the 2025 Tour de Brisbane. Last year, Ayaka and Yoshi, her partner, challenged the 80km course; this year, they enjoyed the 50km fun ride. From a local cyclist’s perspective, Ayaka shares her experience of this large-scale Australian cycling event, which takes over public roads and bus lanes usually used for everyday transport. Read the first part here: Table of Contents6  Riding Through Rain-Washed Brisbane7  Highlights of the 50km Course8  Atrractions of the 80km Course9  Diverse Participants and Their Unique Ways of Enjoying the Ride10  A Relaxed and Festive Atmosphere at the Finish11  Participating from Japan12  Att […]