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 […]

When cycling in France, let’s consider what arrangements are needed locally and how to plan your trip. You have two options: bring your own bike or rent one on-site. Table of Contents 1. Tips for Checking Your Bike on International Flights2. Renting a Quality Bicycle in France 1. Tips for Checking Your Bike on International Flights First, consider the case of bringing your bike on the plane to France. I asked Action Sports Corp, a company that handles the “Bike Porter” bike transport cases for airlines, about the latest situation. Q: What size bikes can be checked on international flights? Is it free or are there additional fees? A: Policies vary depending on the airline for international fl […]

Experience the origin and pinnacle of Japanese tea culture with your whole body Uji tea in Kyoto is the origin of Japanese tea culture and the best brand. Uji is truly a “tea town” where all kinds of tea cultures come together. And the largest tea producing area is Wazuka, where the beautiful tea fields that spread as far as the eye can see give a unique feeling of the world. This tour starts or finishes in Nara and Kyoto with transportation included, and cycles between Uji and Wazuka on an E-Bike. Enjoy tea and sweets while looking at the tea fields. An optional tea ceremony in a teahouse is also available. Days: 1 day *Standard hours are from 9am to 3pmDistance: 43kmElevation g […]

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 […]

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, […]