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 […]

As January nears its end, bringing up stories from the holiday season might feel a bit stale, but how did you all ring in the New Year?Some may have spent the time tidying up for a fresh start. Others might have wrapped up the year with one final ride and taken a well-deserved breather. There are countless ways to spend the year’s end.Meanwhile, at Cape Soya, the northernmost tip of Hokkaido, travelers from all over Japan—by car, motorcycle, bicycle, and even on foot—gathered, braving the biting cold and huddling together, eagerly awaiting the New Year.Just thinking about it gives me chills… This time, I’ll share a glimpse of the unique way people welcome the New Year at Japan’s […]