Just 70 minutes from Tokyo, escape the crowds and discover the authentic beauty of rural Japan.
My guided E-bike tours take you through the picturesque valleys of Minamiuonuma and Yuzawa in Niigata, where you’ll experience traditional landscapes, local culture, and a way of life that feels worlds away from the busy tourist spots.
With breathtaking views year-round and fresh mountain air, you’ll see Japan through a completely different lens.
Authentic Japan With a Bike
Wander through lesser-known Japan, where age-old traditions shape the lives of its people.
Postcard-perfect photos without a person in sight! Shops offering local products from the land’s seasonal harvests! Authentic craftsmanship and arts with centuries of history! Conveniently accessible from Tokyo!
This is the Japan I love and want to share with you on my guided e-bike tours. Cycle through peaceful rice terraces, take in the stunning mountain landscapes, and learn how the locals have lived in harmony with nature, embracing its changing offerings through the seasons.
Join Me for a Ride
Easy Access
Perfect for a day trip from Tokyo, with 70min train only.
Surrounded by mountains and filled with rice terraces, each month from April to November offers a unique blend of vibrant colors and stunning scenery.
The natural hot springs (温泉) have long been a key reason Yuzawa became an important stop on the ancient Mikuni Route (三国街道). You can still enjoy public baths that are over a century old, offering a glimpse into Japan’s bathing tradition.
In winter, the heavy snowfall creates a dramatic shift in the landscape for anyone traveling through the tunnel between Gunma and Niigata. This striking change has inspired countless artists, including Yasunari Kawabata’s novel Snow Country (雪国) and painter Soichiro Tomioka, known for his iconic “Tomiyoka White”.
Minamiuonuma : Climate for Gastronomy
As the snow melts in spring, the mountain vegetables (山菜) begin to emerge. Locals, even while skiing, carry bags to take brief stops on their descent, foraging nature’s fresh gifts.
By the time the flowers bloom, bees get to work, creating a unique blend of honey from the diverse range of local plants.
The warm days of summer, combined with cool nights, nurture sweet fruits like watermelon and blueberries, thriving in this perfect climate.
In September, the sight of golden Koshihikari (越光) rice fields, nourished by pristine spring water, is a true testament to the region’s agricultural abundance.
Autumn arrives with vibrant, multi-colored mountains, the trees heavy with Japanese persimmons (柿). It’s the perfect time to enjoy the local sake, savoring the flavors before winter’s chill sets in.
