Cycle Around Japan

A series of 15-minute episodes showcasing the stunning landscapes featured in Cycle Around Japan. This time: the rustic scenery of Akita and the dynamic coastlines of Aomori.

A series showcasing the stunning landscapes featured in Cycle Around Japan. This time: the beautiful islands of Yamaguchi, and the historical scenery of the Izumo Highway.

A series showcasing the stunning landscapes featured in Cycle Around Japan. This time: Awajishima, in the Seto Inland Sea, plus Niijima and Hachijojima, Pacific islands with a tropical feel.

In this edition of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we take you on a trip through the Izu Peninsula in spring, when the mountains are a brilliant green and the flowers are in full bloom. Our destination is the site of the World Heritage of Mount Fuji. We will tell you about the charm of Mount Fuji and spring in Japan. Located southwest of Tokyo. Izu Peninsula is a resort tourism destination in a natural setting surrounded by mountains and ocean. It is a hot spring area which is well known in Japan. It has a number of the fishing ports, visited by tourists for its mercenary fresh seafood and hot springs.

Zac Reynolds, a bicycle specialist, visits Hokkaido. His two-wheeled adventures include a ride through the stunning lavender fields of Furano, experiencing the unique Ainu culture, and tasting some of the wonderful local food. Zac also offers practical tips on bike touring.

Due to Japan's immensely varied landscape and climate, this island nation developed unique cultural traditions. Many of these are world renowned, but many more remain hidden away deep in the countryside. The best way to discover these secret places - the real Japan - is to go exploring by bicycle. This time, we'll cycle through the mountains of Gunma and Tochigi Prefecture, meeting people living the traditional way, close to nature. We'll visit 2 World Heritage Sites. The first is Tomioka Silk Mill, a landmark in the modernization of Japanese industry. Close by this monument to industrial history, we'll see silk making by hand, the traditional way. We'll visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, nestling deep in a mountain forest. Lovingly restored and repaired throughout the ages, the art of these incredible buildings shines as brightly as it did 400 years ago. We'll meet the people who work in these forests, people still in touch with the old ways of nature.

In this episode, we will take you a winter journey through Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan, to Kyoto. In the ancient capital, we will celebrate "Setsubun", one of the spring festivals. Lake Biwa serves as a reservoir for the cities such as Kyoto and Osaka. It provides drinking water for about 15 million people in the Kansai region. On the lakeside people have been enjoying unique lifestyle with abundant body of water. Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan. We will visit an old temple in Kyoto, and join a special ritual to cleanse away all the evil of the former year and drive away disease-bringing evil spirits for the year to come.

In this episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will take you to a spring journey of Noto Peninsula. The Noto Peninsula makes up the northern half of Ishikawa Prefecture, extending about 100 kilometers into the Sea of Japan. The peninsula is known for its coastal scenery, particularly along the Okunoto coast, as well as for its rural atmosphere. We will start our trip from Kanazawa where people enjoying cherry blossom, to Rokko Saki, the northernmost point of the peninsula. Because the area's public transportation is limited, a bicycle is the best way to explore the peninsula, and it allows visitors much more freedom in exploring the region's attractions such as the lacquer-making town of Wajima.

Our summer trip this year takes us on a 290km-tour of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan's former entrance to the Asian Continent since ancient times. During the Sakoku Era, when a strict nationwide policy of isolation was in place, the city thrived as a gateway to the so-called Southern barbarian trade era. This led to the blossoming of unique crafts and culture born from exposure and fusion with foreign culture. Now, 70 years after the end of World WarⅡ, we see the Nagasaki residents continuing to pray. After enduring the horrific suffering caused by the atomic bomb in 1945, the city made a remarkable recovery. This show focuses on the locals who work hard to keep those memories alive. At the end of the trip, we visit Ikitsukishima, home to some of the Christianity-related artifacts which Japan is applying to register as a World Heritage Site.

We take you to a place where you will not find in major guidebooks of Japan. It is 1,300km away from Tokyo. Amami-Oshima is an island situated in the sea between Kyushu and Okinawa Prefecture. The sea around the islands, designated as the National Park, is blessed with transparent waters, bright colored coral reefs and tropical fish, and is known as a fantastic diving spot. This subtropical island is home to several rare or endangered endemic animals and plants. In addition to that, it is warm during winter. We will start our cycle trip from the northern part of the island where the Amami Airport is located. You will meet the people inherit original island's culture, such as island songs, and Oshima Tsumugi, the traditional high-quality hand-craft. Please join us, on this 330km journey around southern wonder island, Amami-Oshima!

In this new episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling as soon as you arrived at Japan. Our destination of this episode is Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Chiba Prefecture is located directly east of Tokyo. A large part of the prefecture is made up of the Boso Peninsula which shields Tokyo Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Actually, Narita International Airport is located northern part of this peninsula, so we will start our trip from this airport. Chiba is known as the bed-town-area for Tokyo, but once you get past the cities and watch the sharp descent into rural countryside of sprawling rice fields, rolling hills and striking coastlines, you will realize why Boso Peninsula has been variously called "Tokyo's Breadbasket" for long time. Then, we will ride along the Pacific coast line where is dotted with many traditional fishing villages, and young surfers from Tokyo are attracted by the waves.

This time, CYCLE AROUND JAPAN takes us to Iwate, a large prefecture on the Pacific coast in the Tohoku region.

In this new episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling from Tokyo, the Japanese capital. We will take you to the popular towns such as Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone. And our final destination will be Izu-Oshima, a volcanic island under the administration of Tokyo. Izu-Oshima is located about 100 kilometers south of the metropolitan Tokyo. The island is a popular tourist destination, especially for those in Tokyo seeking a cycle ride. At the heart of Izu-Oshima is the Mount Mihara (758m), an active volcano which is the source of several interesting sites and various hot springs on the island. Izu-Oshima is also known for its Tsubaki, camellia flowers, which can be spotted almost everywhere from around January through March. Oil extracts from Tsubaki seeds are used in popular hair and skin products that have become famous nationwide under the Oshima Tsubaki brand. Please join us a cycle ride to the volcanic island "One Step from Tokyo"!

Kumamoto Prefecture is the stage for cycling this time. The area, in the center of the island of Kyushu, is recovering from an earthquake last year. The program starts in the city of Kumamoto and works its way around the Amakusa island chain. It then heads for Mount Aso, where one of the world's largest volcanic craters is located. Meet the people and see the sights of this 4-day, 300km bicycle journey.

Ehime Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku. We will start our spring journey from the prefectural capital Matsuyama, which is best known for its castle and Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs. Facing the Bungo Channel that separates Kyushu from Shikoku, the coastline offers great scenery such as the Danbata terraced field. Uwajima, one of the coastal cities is known for the traditional bull fight events that it stages 5 times a year. We will visit the spring bull fight fest. Our final destination is Shikoku Karst, the mountain plateau on the border of Ehime Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture with an altitude of around 1,400 meters.

In this episode, we feature Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its lush nature and Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, a major attraction for tourists from Japan and abroad. Our traveler takes the old Tokaido road which connects Edo and Kyoto, a route used for over 400 years since the Edo era. Today, locals welcome him with hospitality and local favorites. He enjoys a hot stew called "Oden" and delicious green tea, and discovers traditional dyed handicrafts. Join us on this 3-day journey in Shizuoka!

Our journey takes us to Shimanami in the Seto Inland Sea, an area dense with islands. In 1999, the Shimanami Kaido was opened, consisting of 70 kilometers of highways and bridges linking the islands. Until then ferries had been the main means of transportation. Today, cyclists from all over the world have discovered the delights of the area. Here one can experience the slow but satisfying way of living and cultural highlights such as growing mikan oranges and drying fish. Join us on a 4-day ride, island-hopping through the Seto Inland Sea.

Miyazaki in southeastern Kyushu is famous for its warm climate year round. Our rider enjoys a scenic coastline and lush forest on his way to Takachiho, an area featured in Japanese mythology.

Take in the tropical breeze and blue ocean while cycling around Miyako, a group of 8 islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Our cyclist explores the biggest one and samples local specialties including Shima-dofu, a kind of tofu made with seawater. San-shin, a traditional instrument made from the ebony tree is a key tool for playing folk songs loved by locals. This adventure features island-hopping by crossing numerous bridges and walking through a mangrove forest in low tide. Join us on this beautiful journey!

Kagoshima Prefecture, known as the land of brave samurai, was called Satsuma in ancient days. Our cyclist takes in scenic views on his ride along the sea and an active volcano. He discovers jars filled with a local specialty, fermented black vinegar, which make a tart and powerful beverage. In the mountains, he meets a craftswoman who revives old, beautiful buttons. He then finds a secret martial art inherited from samurai. Discover the spirit of this historic land on our 290km ride through Satsuma.

Take in the crisp air as we make our way around Mt. Fuji and surrounding lakes for a perfect winter bike ride. Our cyclist Michael picks the best trails on this challenging journey, which includes crossing a steep mountain to get scenic views of Japan's tallest peak. He also takes a fat bike tour through snowy mountains. Finally, he is rewarded with local lessons on the importance of preserving old ways and the environment. Join us on this 230-kilometer winter ride.

Our New Zealand cyclist begins his ride through Tottori Prefecture with a fat bike tour of its spectacular 16-km long sand dunes. In the mountains, he drops in to a high school calligraphy club where he is hugely impressed by the way these young girls have created a powerful performance using traditional brush calligraphy and music. Returning to the coast, he's amazed by hearing from farmers how their ancestors' hard work and inventiveness produced techniques for growing food in sand. Join us, and discover this unique part of Japan.

Our ironman cyclist Michael sets off from Osaka. Leaving the giant city, he tackles the challenge of Japan's steepest road on his way to historic Nara, site of the capital 1,300 years ago. As he rides through this tranquil countryside, he dives into a world of myth -- from Nara's sacred forest, brilliant with the colors of fall, he travels south to a land teeming with prehistoric burial mounds. Here, where ancient rulers slept for millennia, the old wisdom still shows us how to live in harmony with nature.

This 400km winter cycle trip takes us through Ibaraki Prefecture. At Lake Kasumigaura, our cyclist plunges into freezing water to help a husband and wife harvest lotus roots. After hill climbing on Mt. Tsukuba, he visits a historic kendo hall and a workshop where 2 brothers make fine armor the traditional way. Whether it's an old couple crafting heirloom brooms, or hotel brothers experimenting with fishermen's cuisine, Ibaraki families know the value of working together.

The mountain ranges known as the Japanese Alps are a spectacular backdrop to our ride across Nagano Prefecture, its forests glowing with the late autumn colors. With many 3,000m peaks, Nagano is popular with climbers and we're given a brief taste by a world-class mountain guide. We'll meet people drawn to live here by the forests, including a man who left a top cabinet making career in Tokyo to craft uniquely distinctive furniture from these wild trees, and a group of friends who devote their spare time to caring for the woods.

In the city of Hiroshima we visit a community where the families who survived the devastation of the atomic bomb in the Second World War managed to revive their traditional farming specialty. In the islands to the south, we meet a potter uniquely making glazes from cast-off oyster shells, and in the mountains, a farmer tells of his passion for making animals happy. The last individual we encounter who has stuck to his own path in life is a carver of traditional instruments seeking the perfect sound.

After 30 years in Japan, Michael Rice recently settled in Odawara, where he runs a cycling cafe. He shows us Odawara Castle, and introduces artisans making traditional local specialties such as Kamaboko fish paste and paper lanterns. After Yabitsu Pass, a popular day trip for Tokyo cyclists, Michael explores nearby places he has yet to visit, including Manazuru, a small town on this beautiful coast known for its easy-going lifestyle and commitment to guarding the surrounding unspoiled nature.

The late autumn gingko trees are a brilliant yellow in Tokyo's neighboring prefecture of Saitama. Surprisingly unexplored, this is an area of great natural beauty with its own distinct traditions. We learn how a family of dollmakers breathes life into their creations, treasured for generations. In Kawagoe, a town with the atmosphere of centuries past, we marvel at the speed and skill of an old-style candy maker. And we discover how Saitama's special climate is the secret behind a world-class whisky.

James Hobbs, living in Japan for 30 years, teaches at a medical university in Iwate Prefecture. He takes us along on some hard weekend training with cycling friends and on a camping trip with his wife to enjoy the famous evening views of Mt. Hayachine, where they show their skill at cooking local Iwate ingredients. After riding along the Sanriku coastline, James tackles a tough hill climb with a friend who describes how cycling gave him the strength to recover from the devastating tsunami of 2011.

On this winter ride through sun and snow from northern Tokyo into neighboring Chiba Prefecture, our New Zealand cyclist Paul Imperatrice encounters a variety of artists. He meets an artisan with 55 years of experience in traditional Edo embroidery who now creates his own groundbreaking designs, another who uses local rice and seaweed to craft astonishingly complex sushi rolls, and in the old castle town of Sakura, he visits a dojo where the martial arts of the samurai are taught in all their original depth.

In our second episode on Japan's pre-modern highway system, we follow the Nagasaki Kaido. During the Edo period (1603–1868) when the Shogunate prohibited external trade, they allowed one exception – the port of Nagasaki Prefecture. Ideas, technology, culture and goods flowed from this port along the Nagasaki Kaido to the rest of Japan. Named the "Sugar Road" after one of the most important trade goods, the old highway and those who traveled it had a lasting influence on the communities along its route.

From sea to mountains, nature in Akita Prefecture is spectacular. As we ride through the gales of late fall, we see people preparing for the long snows of winter with pickles and preserves. We visit a village where an 800-year-old lacquerware tradition uses timber made fine-grained and strong by the harsh winters. Among the rice paddies we find farmers crafting a huge straw guardian deity, and in a mountain village we meet a man living the ancient way, where everything in life is a gift from the nature gods.

A cycle tour of two remote islands that lie within Tokyo's city limits. On Niijima, we see homes built with a hard volcanic rock called Koga stone, which is also used to make glass art. Locals still carefully tend the graves of exiles banished here during samurai times, who brought education to the island. On Hachijojima, an ancient textile tradition creates complex, subtle patterns using only three colors of plant-dyed yarn. We also sample island food and learn about a much loved local newspaper.

Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its food, some unique to late autumn and certain localities. Our gourmet cyclist explores the regional cuisine, from edible chrysanthemums to Japanese taro, turnips and salmon.

The Sanriku Coast was the area hardest hit by the massive earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Its restored communities are rediscovering their local traditions and the unique beauty of this landscape.

On Awajishima and Ieshima in the Seto Inland Sea, islanders utilize the strong winter winds and waves to enhance local specialties like sweet onions, handmade noodles, incense sticks and seaweed.

Shiga Prefecture, site of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, is home to centuries-old crafts like Shigaraki ware and Wana velvet. We explore an island in the lake by tricycle before climbing into the mountains.

In Ibaraki Prefecture, we explore how local wisdom has been passed down to the present day. We visit a town famous for organic farming, see how traditional silk fabric is made, and experience catching icefish.

On the islands and coast of the Yamaguchi end of the Seto Inland Sea, we experience a warm welcome in these hard-working small communities, poor in amenities but rich in happiness and human kindness.

We visit the Goto Islands on Japan's western tip, meeting people with hospitality, like a couple passing on the history of hidden Christians and islanders trying to preserve their small community.

On our special about cycling for beginners, we showcase rides in Kanagawa, featuring Japanese culture with an American twist; Izu, with a steep pass; and Fukushima, which has a special riding event.

We travel Okayama in spring, visiting unique places like a city famous for horseshoe crabs, an island with a historical stone quarry, and a temple featuring hundreds of woodblock prints.

There's no better way to see the world than bicycle touring. We head for the Izu Peninsula to enjoy relaxing onsen hot springs, breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the blossoming charms of spring.

We head for Hokkaido, to enjoy breathtaking views in Furano, the hills covered with various flowers. We encounter Ainu, indigenous culture.

In this autumn edition, we will take you to the World Heritage Sites, Tomioka silk mill and Nikko Toshogu shrine. Along the journey, we will encounter the traditional life of deep mountain region.

In this edition, we will take you to a winter journey through Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan, to Kyoto. You will find the traditional winter life on lakeside, and "Setsu-bun" festival in Kyoto.

This time we're cycling up the Noto Peninsula. We'll meet the people who live on this land, fishing its seas and farming its hills. We'll see a distinctive Noto craft, deeply rooted local tradition.

Our summer trip this year takes us on a 290km-tour of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan's former entrance to the Asian Continent since ancient times. During the Sakoku Era, when a strict nationwide policy of isolation was in place, the city thrived as a gateway to the so-called Southern barbarian trade era. This led to the blossoming of unique crafts and culture born from exposure and fusion with foreign culture. Now, 70 years after the end of World War II, we see the Nagasaki residents continuing to pray. After enduring the horrific suffering caused by the atomic bomb in 1945, the city made a remarkable recovery. This show focuses on the locals who work hard to keep those memories alive. At the end of the trip, we visit Ikitsukishima, home to some of the Christianity-related artifacts which Japan is applying to register as a World Heritage Site. There, we meet locals who continue to believe in Christianity, for which their ancestors were punished during an infamous oppression against Christians. What are those people praying for now? What are they hoping for? This tour also features breathtaking views of Mt. Unzen and seashores of Genkainada, and introduces ways to use trains during a cycling trip.

In this episode, we will take you to Amami-Oshima. This subtropical island is 1,300km away from Tokyo and blessed with transparent waters, bright colored coral reefs. We explore the local lifestyles.

We'll ride along the Pacific coast around Boso Peninsula, which is located directly east of Tokyo. We come across Spring festivals for harvest and meet the people living in tradition.

This time, Cycle Around Japan takes us to Iwate. We'll see unique traditions, still thriving in remote mountain villages. And the beauty of a coast preserved through so many natural disasters.

In this episode, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling from Tokyo, the Japanese capital. We will take you to the popular towns such as Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone. And our final destination will be Izu-Oshima, a volcanic island under the administration of Tokyo.Izu-Oshima is located about 100 kilometers south of the metropolitan Tokyo. The island is a popular tourist destination, especially for those in Tokyo seeking a cycle ride. At the heart of Izu-Oshima is the Mount Mihara (758m), an active volcano which is the source of several interesting sites and various hot springs on the island. Izu-Oshima is also known for its Tsubaki, camellia flowers, which can be spotted almost everywhere from around January through March.

Kumamoto Prefecture is the stage for cycling this time. The area, in the center of the island of Kyushu, is recovering from an earthquake in 2016. The program starts in the city of Kumamoto and works its way around the Amakusa island chain. It then heads for Mount Aso, where one of the world's largest volcanic craters is located. Meet the people and see the sights of this 4-day, 300km bicycle journey.

Ehime Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku. We will start our spring journey from the prefectural capital Matsuyama, which is best known for its castle and Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs. Facing the Bungo Channel that separates Kyushu from Shikoku, the coastline offers great scenery such as the Danbata terraced field. Uwajima, one of the coastal cities is known for the traditional bull fight events that it stages 5 times a year. We will visit the spring bull fight fest. Our final destination is Shikoku Karst, the mountain plateau on the border of Ehime Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture with an altitude of around 1,400 meters.

Shizuoka Prefecture where Mt. Fuji lies is filled with lush nature. Our traveler hits the ancient Tokaido trail and discovers tasty Oden and traditional dyed handicrafts.

This journey takes us to Shimanami in the Seto Inland Sea, an area dense with islands. We see the distinctive ways of living in these beautiful islands. Slow but fulfilling, life is simple there.

Miyazaki in southeastern Kyushu is famous for its warm climate year round. Our rider enjoys a scenic coastline and lush forest on his way to Takachiho, an area featured in Japanese mythology.

Take in the tropical breeze and blue ocean while cycling around Miyako, a group of 8 islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Our cyclist explores the biggest one and samples local specialties including Shima-dofu, a kind of tofu made with seawater. San-shin, a traditional instrument made from the ebony tree is a key tool for playing folk songs loved by locals. This adventure features island-hopping by crossing numerous bridges and walking through a mangrove forest in low tide. Join us on this beautiful journey!

Kagoshima Prefecture, known as the land of brave samurai, was called Satsuma in ancient days. Our cyclist takes in scenic views on his ride along the sea and an active volcano. He discovers jars filled with a local specialty, fermented black vinegar, which make a tart and powerful beverage. In the mountains, he meets a craftswoman who revives old, beautiful buttons. He then finds a secret martial art inherited from samurai. Discover the spirit of this historic land on our 290km ride through Satsuma.

Take in the crisp air as we make our way around Mt. Fuji and surrounding lakes for a perfect winter bike ride. Our cyclist Michael picks the best trails on this challenging journey, which includes crossing a steep mountain to get scenic views of Japan's tallest peak. He also takes a fat bike tour through snowy mountains. Finally, he is rewarded with local lessons on the importance of preserving old ways and the environment. Join us on this 230-kilometer winter ride.