Cycle Around Japan — Season 11

Yamagata Prefecture boasts a culinary landscape marked by seasonal specialties and ingredients unique to specific regions. Our gourmand cyclist journeys through this gastronomic territory, discovering delights ranging from edible chrysanthe…

The Sanriku Coast bore the brunt of the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Now, as communities rebuild, they are finding renewed strength in their heritage and the distinctive beauty of their homeland.

The inhabitants of Awajishima and Ieshima, islands nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, harness the robust winter winds and waves to cultivate distinctive local products: sweet onions, handcrafted noodles, fragrant incense, and verdant seaweed.

The cyclist journeys along three significant rivers of central Japan: the Kiso, the Nagara, and the Ibi. Along their banks, he encounters distinct cultures interwoven with the waterways – traditions such as cormorant fishing and a vibrant r…

The cyclist ascends the Kii Mountains in western Japan, drawn into a world of traditions forged on these isolated slopes. Here, artisans ply their craft with rare black bamboo, employing ancient techniques to create vibrant pigments.

The landscapes of Aomori Prefecture possess a striking beauty, though the northern climate can be unforgiving. Our cyclist finds the warmest of welcomes in the communities here, places forged by a history of close cooperation essential for …

Early summer in Hokkaido offered a journey into a world of quiet encounters. We found ourselves with an artisan, diligently passing on the ancient crafts of the Ainu people to younger generations. And then, a meeting with a legendary traine…

The Yatsugatake highlands offer a distinct charm at every turn. Here, children find a sense of self while riding horses, savoring meals prepared in ancient ways, gazing at the cosmos with a seasoned astronomer, or wandering through the tran…

Shizuoka Prefecture offers a diverse landscape, encompassing both coast and peaks; our journey, however, leads us into its dense forests. We'll navigate rugged timber trails and discover a vibrant culinary tradition in the very place where …

Drawing from our earlier explorations, we presented ten rides to our audience and invited them to cast their votes. Here are the results, accompanied by insights from our cyclists, a simulated race, and a wealth of additional content for yo…

In northern Niigata Prefecture, a glimpse into traditional life awaits: the taste of fiery daikon radish rolls, the soft sweetness of manju buns, the quiet pursuit of gill fishing, the charming sight of cat houses woven from rice straw, and…

