In the midst of Japan’s Golden Week. This year, the “FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR 2024” once again took over the streets of New York City.Unlike the blessed clear skies of 2023, temperatures hovered around 10°C. Near Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, where bike rentals were available in the early morning, the sea breeze made it feel even colder. Five Boro Bike TOur 20245th May 2023／64km Table of Contents 1. Packet pick up2. The starting point3. Fun ride around the five islands of New York.4. The finish line, and back to Manhattan. 1. Packet pick up 2. The starting point 3. Fun ride around the five islands of New York. 4. The finish line, and back to Manhattan.

An Extraordinary Experience: Racing Through Manhattan The “FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR,” commonly known as Bike New York, is held every May in New York City. It’s the largest event of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere, drawing cycling enthusiasts from around the world. About 30,000 people gathered with smiles on their faces, and of course, I was one of them. I wondered what kinds of bicycles everyone would be riding and what sights I would see as the morning of the event arrived. Around 5:30 a.m., in the dim light, I first rented a bicycle. They helped me choose a bike that fit my size and even adjusted the saddle, giving me a sense of security right from the start. It’s am […]

When it comes to cycling across Japan, Ehime prefecture should be part of anybody’s bucket list. From mountain to inland sea, there is plenty to see and do while cruising along one of the multitudes of well-planned routes crisscrossing the island of Shikoku’s northwestern side. First let’s take a ride through one of the most sought-after destinations for cyclists across the world over, the Shimanami Kaido. For hardcore folk, the entire ride is about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) but for the purposes of this article we’ll only be going as far as the border to Hiroshima prefecture on the Honshu-side of the Setouchi sea, split between two relatively leisurely afternoons. Table of Contents 　1 […]

Aomori Prefecture, located at the northernmost tip of Honshu(the main island of Japan), offers food of the sea and mountains, and rich nature throughout the year. Its cherry blossom spots come alive in spring. This cherry blossom ride explores Hirosaki City, a castle town that flourished since the Edo period. Enjoy the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle, soothe your soul, and conclude the ride at the 800-year-old Owani Onsen for a relaxing finale. Indulge in the rich culinary offerings of spring in Aomori, from fruits and vegetables to seafood. Embark on a journey through spring in Aomori, where nature, culture, and cuisine blend harmoniously. Table of Contents 　1. Starting from Aomori Airpo […]

Have you ever been to Ehime Prefecture? It’s a place known as a cycling paradise. Ehime is blessed with a mild climate overlooking the Seto Inland Sea with a rich natural environment. There are many cycling routes, through sea and mountain, including the Shimanami Kaido, which was selected by CNN as one of the seven best cycling routes in the world. Ehime Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Shikoku on the Seto Inland Sea side and has the largest population of the four prefectures in Shikoku. It is famous for its production of “mikan” oranges and is surrounded by nature, both ocean and mountain. There are also many historical sites such as Matsuyama Castle and Dogo H […]

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 […]