Deep in the valley of Yuzawa, cycle to Lake Daigenta.
A refreshing ride in the summer months, with stunning views of vibrant, colorful mountains during the Koyo (紅葉) season.
Tour Description
Join me for a guided e-bike tour of Daigenta in Yuzawa.
We’ll start at Echigo Yuzawa Station, just 70 minutes from Tokyo Station, and cycle through Yuzawa village and Japanese parks. With the help of our electric assist bikes, we’ll effortlessly head up towards Daigenta Canyon, where we’ll enjoy views of rice paddies and mountain peaks, take a break by the lake, and then ride downhill through the forest and an old village.
The tour begins at 09:30 and covers approximately 15 kilometers. We’ll return to the station by 13:00, giving you some time to explore Yuzawa’s onsen town.
Details
- Cost:: ¥10000 / person
- Distance: ~15km (~9mi)
- Duration: 09:30 ~ 13:00
- Group: 2-5 people
- Meeting Point: Echigo Yuzawa Station East Side
- Payment: Cash only
- Included: Road Legal Bicycle, Helmet, Guide Fee, Domestic Travel Insurance
- Not Included: Lunch
Options
- Lunch Break: We can stop for a lunch break at a local restaurant at no extra cost, provided that everyone in the group agrees (Please note that the cost of lunch is not included). The end time of the tour will be delayed accordingly.
Private Tour
- Cost:: ¥45000
- Participants: 5 max
Itinerary
Tour times are approximate and may vary based on the pace and energy of the participants.
The tour includes plenty of time and breaks for taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
- Meeting: 09h30 Echigo Yuzawa Train Station East Exit.
- Start: 10H00 The tour will start with some cycling through Yuzawa town.
- Japanese Park: Exploring Hyotan Pond and enjoy a traditonal four seasons Japanese park.
- Daigenta Canyon: Cycle through the fields and mountains of Daigenta Valley.
- Daigenta Lake: 11H30 Stop to enjoy the view of the lake.
- Koi fish: We may be able to see some Koi fish.
- Waterfall: There are some beautiful waterfall to enjoy.
- Refreshing downhill: A long and mellow downhill covered by the forest to refresh ourselves.
- Foot Onsen: Relaxing by a foot onsen if time allow.
- End: 13h00 We will end the tour at the train station where we started. You will be free to enjoy a local meal and explore more of Yuzawa for the afternoon.
The estimated finish time is also subject to change.
Gallery
Best Times to Visit
- April: Mid to late April is typically the Sakura (cherry blossom) season in the valley. During this time, you can enjoy the contrast of the snowy peaks against the backdrop of the pink cherry blossoms.
- May-June: Although these months fall within the rainy season, we often experience many beautiful days, and the temperature is cooler than in the major cities.
- July-August: During Japan’s hot and humid summer months, there’s no better place to escape than nature, where you can enjoy the shade and cool valley breezes.
- September: The golden season! The rice is ripe for harvest, and the valley is bathed in golden yellow hues, creating a stunning contrast with the still-green mountains surrounding the fields.
- October: Even after the rice fields are harvested, they retain their yellow hue. By the end of the month, autumn colors begin to descend from the mountaintops into the valley.
- November: In early November, the valley remains vibrant, with many colorful trees on display.
What To Bring
- ID (driver’s license, passport, residence card etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Sun cream
- Comfortable clothes (no skirts or pants with wide hems)
- Athletic or sturdy shoes (no sandals or high heels)
- Backpack, Small to carry water
- Rain wear (in case of sudden rain)
- Insect repellent
- Small towel to dry feet after the foot onsen
Questions / Answers
Do I need prior biking experience?
Previous experience with electric bikes is not required, but you should be comfortable riding a regular bicycle.
Our tours are designed to accommodate riders with varying levels of experience.
What fitness level do I need?
The electric assist bicycle make it very easy to go uphill with minimum effort.
If you are uncertain about your fitness level, feel free to contact me in advance.
Can children participate in your tours?
Children cannot participate in the tours if they are less than 150cm in height.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not have or offer infants/child bicycle or seats.
Can solo traveller join?
Group tours require a minimum of two people to operate.
If you’re a solo traveler, please get in touch with me, and I’ll see if we can arrange a spot for you.
How far in advance should I book the tour?
You can book from two days before. During the busy period, spots may fill quickly.
Yuzawa’s Premium Rice
Yuzawa, located in Niigata Prefecture, has always been the gateway to the region from the more populated Tokyo area. It started as an onsen road stop on the Mikuni road and naturally grew to host rice paddies nourished by nutrient-rich soils and ample snowmelt from the surrounding mountains.
The region is famous for its premium Koshihikari rice, distinguished by its plump grains and delicate flavor. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this rice variety is highly prized among chefs and connoisseurs worldwide.
Daigenta lake
Surrounded by nature, including Mt. Daigenta, the lake is famous for its beautiful seasonal scenery, ranging from verdant greens to autumn reds.
The lake’s surface resembles a painting, reflecting the surrounding scenery. In the summer, you can enjoy activities like canoeing and stand-up paddling.
Known as Daigenta Canyon, this narrow valley is home to stunning rice terraces and delicious soba.
Tokyo Day Trip Example
The tour is designed to facilitate a day trip from Tokyo if you want to visit the countryside of Japan while being based in Tokyo.
If you have access to the JR Rail Pass, JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass or JR East Nagano / Niigata Area Pass then your travel cost should be covered by them. Making the day trip from Tokyo extremly easy!
- 07h48 Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
- 09h05 Arrival at Echigo Yuzawa Station after 1h17 of travel.
- 09h30 Meeting with the guide on the east exit. Plenty of time, no need to rush.
- 10h00 Enjoy the Daigenta Lake tour with me.
- 13h00 Back from the tour, you can enjoy a meal in one of the amazing restaurants in and around the station.
- Afternoon Relax at an onsen, visit Yuzawa kogen, explore Yukiguni Museum, there are plenty of experience to enjoy.
- 17h41 Joetsu Shinasen from Echigo Yuzawa.
- 19h00 Arrival at Tokyo Station.
This example is based on the current train timetable. Please make sure to check the latest train schedules yourself, as you are responsible for arranging your own travel to Yuzawa.
I would still highly recomend to stay overnight to fully experience the joy of taking an onsen just before going to bed. Tasting the delicious local food and sake and enjoy a relaxing quiet night in the Japanese country side.
Book Tour: Daigenta Lake
