In Japan, there are numerous shrines and temples. Among them, Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture holds significant importance. This time, we will introduce a route of about 20 kilometers that revolves around Ise Grand Shrine, deeply intertwined with history and culture. Starting from Chubu Centrair International Airport, we’ll cross to Mie Prefecture by ferry, pass through Ise Grand Shrine, and reach the goal at Toba Station. Ise is often called the Land of the Gods. Along the way, you’ll encounter several torii gates. Torii gates signify the boundary between the world of gods and humans. When passing through a torii gate, stop just before and bow in reverence. Now, let’s e […]

I used to live in New York for about 25 years. There was no more efficient means of transportation than a bicycle for getting around museums and art galleries for my art-related work. As we all know, New York City has long been known as a city with many world-famous art museums, and I like to suggest a recommended route for exploring contemporary art by bicycle. First, head to 5th Avenue and 89th Street along Central Park, commonly known as the “Museum Mile.” Among them, the one that catches the eye with its white exterior that resembles a giant snail is the Guggenheim Museum. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most famous architects. As you can imagine from […]

Would you like to explore New York City? Before the “BIKE NEW YORK 2024” event on May 5th, we’ll bring you content to enjoy the city of New York.When you hear New York, what comes to mind first is probably the cityscape of Manhattan, isn’t it?This time, we’ll introduce you to architecture around the city by bicycle, presented by art writer Taka Kawachi,who has lived in New York for about 25 years and led a life inseparable from cycling.The scale is truly impressive, as expected of NYC! When you think of New York’s famous buildings, the Empire State Building immediately comes to mind, but I recommend the 77-story Chrysler Building that stands near Grand Cen […]

Hello. Following the HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE 2023, we are pleased to present the second edition of the “INFOGRAPHIC(*) GUIDE.”*INFOGRAPHIC – A means of conveying information using illustration This time, we’ll be discussing the upcoming “BIKE NEW YORK,” scheduled for May 5th this year (Sunday). This event is known as the largest cycling event in the Northern Hemisphere, held in New York City, USA. Officially named the “TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR” (with “TD” representing the main sponsor, TD Bank), it involves cycling through the five boroughs of New York City and is eagerly anticipated by riders from across the United States. The inaugural even […]

Hello. I’m Yoshiki Nagahama, an Uchinanchu rider and writer. I sing while playing the sanshin*. This is the third time this project has been held, and the destination is “U.S. Army Kadena Air Base”. Kadena Air Base, which spans one city and two towns of Kadena Town, Chatan Town, and Okinawa City, is known as this Kadena base.If this happens, the plan is to go around by bicycle with the strong feeling that it will be a kind of tourist resource. The circumference is about 20 km. I think it’s easy and good for those who want to go here and there on a trip to Okinawa. If the circumnavigation of Lake Biwa is “Biwaichi” and the circumnavigation of Shikoku is &#8 […]

Tracing the footsteps of Katsushika Hokusai by bicycle – Part 2 of the short series. This time, we will start with Hokusai in his twenties, when he entered the Katsukawa school and plunged into the world of ukiyo-e. Table of Contents 　1. In the Sumo Town (Ages 20~)　2. Man of the North Star (Ages 30~)　3. Becoming Hokusai, Katsushika Hokusai (Ages 40~) 1. In the Sumo Town (Ages 20~) Hokusai was allowed to use the name Katsukawa Shunro within just one year of entering the Katsukawa school, where he produced ukiyo-e prints (note that he changed his art name over 30 times in his lifetime, but this column will consistently use “Hokusai”).At that time, the motifs of ukiyo-e prints […]

In 1856, the young French printmaker Bracquemond was shown a collection of ceramics by an acquaintance. These ceramics, imported from Japan, a country then closed to foreign relations, would likely have been rare in Western Europe. However, what captured his attention was not the ceramics themselves but their wrapping paper. It was a page from Katsushika Hokusai’s “Hokusai Manga.(Hokusai Sketch)” Impressed by the artwork, Bracquemond went on to obtain a copy of “Hokusai Manga” through great effort and introduced it to his painter friends in Paris, eventually leading to Hokusai becoming widely known across Europe from France. …Unfortunately, the story is sa […]

“Cherry blossoms” symbolize spring in Japan, displaying various expressions by the sea, in the mountains, and throughout the cities. Introducing a cycling course to enjoy the cherry blossoms, starting with Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots in Miyagi Prefecture. Departing from Sendai Airport, the goal is Zuiganji, a national treasure. It’s about a 50-kilometer journey along the coast. We look forward to seeing what colors the cherry blossoms will paint in Matsushima. And of course, there will be delicious food to enjoy as well!