As spring approaches in Hokkaido, why not set out on a ride from Asahikawa through the rolling hills of Biei to Furano? With the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range as your backdrop, this cycling route takes you past expansive fields and flower farms, with stops at popular sights along the way. It’s a luxurious experience where ever-changing landscapes and local food culture can be enjoyed all at once. Visit iconic spots such as the Seven Stars Tree and Shikisai no Oka, sample regional sweets en route, and make your way toward the final destination of Furano. This is a ride that fully immerses you in both the scenery and flavors of Hokkaido—an ideal way to experience the region by bike. Table of […]

The other day, I attended the Hokkaido Tourism Information Exchange Meeting held in Hamamatsucho, Tokyo. The theme was recommended highlights for spring to early summer and the night-time economy—how to enjoy the evening hours. This destination is currently bustling with snow sports visitors, but once the snow melts, it also offers many excellent locations for cycling. That said, it’s surprisingly hard to find detailed cycling information for such a vast region as Hokkaido. This time, we’re featuring a cycling report from Hokokara, an experienced rider who has completed a bicycle trip around Japan and climbed many of the country’s notable peaks. The report covers a ride around Lake Toya in H […]

On August 3, 2025, strong and seasoned cyclists from 50 countries around the world began turning their pedals in London, setting out toward Edinburgh, Scotland. London–Edinburgh–London (LEL) is a long-distance cycling event running roughly 1,500 km: riders travel north from London across Great Britain, turn around in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and return to the start. Participants are required to complete the course within five and a half days.Broadly speaking, it falls into the category of brevets, long-distance events that have been gaining popularity in Japan as well.LEL is held once every four years and is organized by Audax UK. Alongside Paris–Brest–Paris (PBP, France) , 1001 Miglia […]

The cycling journey tracing Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji reaches its grand finale. In this final chapter, we’ll visit cycling spots where you can admire South Wind, Clear Sky and Rainstorm Beneath the Summit—two of the most iconic works alongside The Great Wave off Kanagawa.We’ll also explore Lake Suwa in Shinano Province and conclude the series with Groups of Mountain Climbers, the only work in the collection painted from within the mountain itself.Join us as we discover the modern landscapes that echo Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji in this concluding chapter. Top artwork: Katsushika Hokusai, “South Wind, Clear Sky”All Hokusai images courtesy of the Tokyo Fuji Art Muse […]

While Japan has been enduring days of heat that feel hotter than midsummer, far to the west on the European continent, France too is under an intense heatwave. And just recently, the grand festival no cycling lover can ignore — the Tour de France — had been in full swing there. Watching the riders circle the country under the blazing summer sun, who wouldn’t feel the urge to ride in France themselves? However, the vast farmlands blooming with sunflowers are scorching, and the legendary Mont Ventoux is known as “The Mountain of Death.” For beginners, such rides may seem a bit too demanding. Yet, there’s no need to give up so soon — France is full of cycling routes made for leisurely rides. Am […]

Are you familiar with “Rail Trails”?A Rail Trail is a path developed on the former tracks of disused railways, designed for cycling, walking, jogging, horseback riding, and other recreational activities. There are said to be thousands of such trails worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America. In Japan, a few examples exist, such as the remnants of the Ioki Forest Railway that once ran between Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures. However, their number and length are nothing compared to those in Western countries, where railways played a major role in opening up the land. The concept of Rail Trails began in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. Following World War II, as air travel ex […]

The second installment of a cycling journey tracing the landscapes of Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (in fact, forty-six works in total) by one of Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo-e artists. In the previous article, we introduced a cycling route around Fuji City in Shizuoka Prefecture, located at the very foot of Mount Fuji. This time, our journey skips over Kanagawa and Tokyo from Shizuoka, landing in Chiba Prefecture.The main highlight is “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” the iconic face of “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.” To capture both the seas off Kanagawa and Mount Fuji together, the perspective must come either from above Tokyo Bay or from the Chiba side. In this cycl […]

The Ororon Line is a breathtaking coastal route in northern Hokkaido along the Sea of Japan. Stretching all the way from Otaru to Wakkanai, its highlight lies in Route 106 between Teshio and Wakkanai. To the left, Mt. Rishiri rises majestically from the sea; to the right, the vast Sarobetsu Plain extends endlessly. With few sharp bends, the road runs straight toward the horizon, offering an exhilarating ride. This time, we’ll take on that very core section by bicycle. Text&Photo_Hokokara Table of Contents 1. Horonobe Station on the Sōya Main Line, reached from JR Asahikawa Station2. The starting point of the cycling route: Teshio Town3. The Monument of the 45th Parallel North4. Parking s […]