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, […]
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 […]
Ayaka, a Brisbane local, took part in the Brisbane Cycling Festival with her partner Yoshi.She reports on the main ride event, Tour de Brisbane 2025, from the perspective of a local cyclist. Table of Contents 1 What Is the Tour de Brisbane?2 Overview of Each Ride Category and Course3 A Surreal Experience on Fully Closed Highways and Bus Lanes4 Cyclists from 15 Countries Join the Event5 A New Starting Point and Growing Excitement 1 What Is the Tour de Brisbane? The Tour de Brisbane, held in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, is a large-scale urban cycling event that features full road closures, allowing everyone from beginners to serious cyclists to enjoy the ride. Held annuall […]
As early summer vibes start to make their way across Japan, I can’t help but think of Hawaii—especially after covering the Honolulu Century Ride.There’s just something about that place… Don’t you think Hawaii has a way of resetting you, just by being there? Sure, fancy restaurants and lively shopping can be fun, but one of Hawaii’s greatest charms is how simply spending a day there can lift your spirits and make you feel light and free. That said, I want to hike up mountains, swim in the ocean, go on a fun ride, and eat at delicious restaurants too.I mean, it is Hawaii, after all! (Can’t have it both ways, huh?) Registration is now open for the Honolulu Century Ride, which takes you through […]
After 15 instalments, my column CYCLE MUSIC, where I’ve written about cycling and the music I love, has come to an end.Starting from this issue, I’m launching a new series titled Music Cycles Around The World. With the theme of “cities and music”, the idea is to explore the world through both cycling and sound. We begin with New York, where the Five Boro Bike Tour—a ride event that takes in all five boroughs including Brooklyn and Queens—is scheduled for 4th May. The title speaks for itself, so let’s kick things off with “Brooklyn-Queens” by 3rd Bass. 3rd Bass were a mixed-race hip-hop trio formed in Queens in 1987, made up of MC Serch, Prime Minister Pete Nice, and DJ Richie Ric […]
With so little information available, The Japanese Odyssey (hereafter TJO) remains an ultra-distance cycling event that’s quietly—but intensely—beloved.This marks the final installment of the column series by photographer Eigo Shimojo, who set out to explore the riders who take on this mysterious event.And during the course of this series, the enigmatic TJO has unveiled details for its 2025 edition.This year’s tagline? “The Forgotten Tōge”—forgotten mountain passes!For full details, please check the official website, but here’s a quick overview for now. Schedule: October 3, 2025 (Friday) – 13 days and 12 hours (324 hours) A pre-event is scheduled for October 2 (Thursday) in Fukuoka.Start […]
Hello, I’m Ontama Negitoro.This time, I’d like to introduce a short cycling trip to the “Town of Shinobi” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, a place famous for ninjas. When asked about famous historical spots in the Kansai region, most people would mention the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The “Town of Shinobi” is located along the route connecting these historic cities and major urban centers like Osaka to Mie Prefecture, home to the Ise Grand Shrine. Quite fitting for a place known for its stealth, don’t you think? Table of Contents 1. Onto the Iga Kaido, Where Ninjas Once Raced Through2. A Castle Fit for a Shinobi – Admiring Hakuho Castle3. That’s a Ninja House!4. […]
