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 […]

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 […]

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, […]