Seasons & Episodes
Spring: Through Izu to Mt. Fuji
In this edition of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we take you on a trip through the Izu Peninsula in spring, when the mountains are
Summer: A Journey Across Hokkaido
Zac Reynolds, a bicycle specialist, visits Hokkaido. His two-wheeled adventures include a ride through the stunning lave
Autumn: World Heritage Sites: Tomioka to Nikko
Due to Japan's immensely varied landscape and climate, this island nation developed unique cultural traditions. Many of
Winter - To Lake Biwa and Kyoto
In this episode, we will take you a winter journey through Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan, to Kyoto. In the ancien
Spring in the Noto Peninsula
In this episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will take you to a spring journey of Noto Peninsula. The Noto Peninsula makes
Summer - A Nagasaki Pilgrimage
Our summer trip this year takes us on a 290km-tour of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan's former entrance to the Asian Continen
Winter - The Southern Island of Amami-Oshima
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
Spring - A Journey through Boso Peninsula
In this new episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling as soon as you arrived
Summer - The Coast and Mountains of Iwate
This time, CYCLE AROUND JAPAN takes us to Iwate, a large prefecture on the Pacific coast in the Tohoku region.
Okinawa - The Tropical Yaeyama Islands
This episode features the Yaeyama islands in Okinawa Prefecture, where the lifestyle that has existed since ancient time
Autumn - Riding with the Wind in Toyama
This time we visit Toyama Prefecture in the Hokuriku region. Toyama is about 2 hours from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
From Tokyo to Izu-Oshima
In this new episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will recommend a journey that you may start cycling from Tokyo, the Japane
Kumamoto - Discovering a Land of Volcanoes
Kumamoto Prefecture is the stage for cycling this time. The area, in the center of the island of Kyushu, is recovering f
From Sea to Mountains, Spring in Ehime
Ehime Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku. We will start our spring journey from the prefectural capital Mats
Akita - Discovering the Traditions of the North
In this episode we will take you to northern country, Akita Prefecture in Tohoku region. We will start our journey from
Nagano - Life Deep in the Mountains
Australian Paul Salisbury takes on the challenge of a 2,000-meter peak in Nagano Prefecture. The Japan Alps mountain pas
Autumn - Amidst Mother Nature in Hokkaido
In this episode of CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, we will take you amidst the autumn colors in Hokkaido. Starting from Asahikawa, t
An Autumn Ride through Yamaguchi
This trip will take you to the westernmost part of the island of Honshu, Yamaguchi Prefecture that is surrounded on 3 si
Southern Hokkaido: A Perfect Summer Ride
Come along on a 550-kilometer bike ride through the grand scenery of Japan's northernmost prefecture. The city of Hakoda
Wakayama - Journey Through a Sacred Landscape
This trip takes us to the southern part of Honshu, Wakayama Prefecture, a mountainous area filled with natural beauty. T
Shizuoka - A Ride through History
In this episode, we feature Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its lush nature and Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, a major a
Shimanami - Life on the Islands
Our journey takes us to Shimanami in the Seto Inland Sea, an area dense with islands. In 1999, the Shimanami Kaido was o
Miyazaki - Through a Sunlit Land
Miyazaki in southeastern Kyushu is famous for its warm climate year round. Our rider enjoys a scenic coastline and lush
Aichi - Heartland of Japan's Craft Traditions
In this episode, our traveler visits Aichi Prefecture in central Japan. He starts in Nagoya, one of Japan's biggest citi
Shimane - Land of Legends
Shimane Prefecture along Japan's western coastline has spectacular views of mountains ranging from east to west. Our tra
Aomori - A Spirit of Fortitude
Aomori Prefecture in northern Honshu is where our traveler navigates lush mountain trails along a clear blue lake in lat
Mie - A Summer Dream
The area around "Jingu", the Grand Shrine of Ise was lively even during the Edo period, bustling with activity and enter
Kochi - Beneath Blue Skies
Blue skies, tranquil sea and warm people, these are what our rider experiences as he travels through Kochi Prefecture on
Hokkaido: Boundless Horizons
Hokkaido Prefecture's vast open spaces have always been a cyclist's dream! Through the Tokachi Plain and Kushiro Wetland
Aizu - A Tapestry of Tradition
Our rider heads to Aizu, which is high in the Fukushima mountains and where autumn has arrived. He steps back in time wh
Miyako Islands - Riding the Ocean Breeze
Take in the tropical breeze and blue ocean while cycling around Miyako, a group of 8 islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Our
Kagoshima - Legacy of Determination
Kagoshima Prefecture, known as the land of brave samurai, was called Satsuma in ancient days. Our cyclist takes in sceni
Fuji and the Highlands - A Winter Ride
Take in the crisp air as we make our way around Mt. Fuji and surrounding lakes for a perfect winter bike ride. Our cycli
Gifu - The Joys of Mountain Life
This three-day, 360km trip takes us from lowland Gifu Prefecture and its blossoming cherry trees north into the snow-cov
Yamagata - Call of The Wild
A 360km ride through the high mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, with a cyclist on his first long road trip. An interest
Oita - Land of Plenty
Oita Prefecture was known since ancient times as the "Land of Plenty." But why? English cyclist James Hobbs looks for an
Oki Islands - A Legacy of Pride
In a 150-km summer cycle ride, Michael Rice explores the remote Oki Islands, deeply forested and surrounded by the cryst
Niigata - The Deep Green of Summer
A 250-km ride through Niigata Prefecture, its green rice fields shimmering under the summer sun. From an artisan in hamm
Miyagi: An Unshaken Spirit
Miyagi Prefecture is a beautiful part of Japan, and in autumn its seas and mountains are at their most scenic. Towns alo
Hyogo - A Legacy for the Future
This 300-km autumn ride starts from the great international port of Kobe. Cycling across the mountains to explore Hyogo
Tottori - Grit and Grace
Our New Zealand cyclist begins his ride through Tottori Prefecture with a fat bike tour of its spectacular 16-km long sa
Nara - Discovering Ancient Ways
Our ironman cyclist Michael sets off from Osaka. Leaving the giant city, he tackles the challenge of Japan's steepest ro
Ibaraki - Where Family Matters
This 400km winter cycle trip takes us through Ibaraki Prefecture. At Lake Kasumigaura, our cyclist plunges into freezing
Tanegashima and Yakushima - Inspired by Nature
Riding up Tanegashima's western coast with its sandy beaches, our cyclist visits a scissor craftsman, last of a 500-year
Memories from the Road - Life on the Islands
Selected moments from past trips to Japan's smaller islands, exploring their unique cultures and ways of life. Riding a
Memories from the Road - Spirit of the North
Selected moments from rides in the north country, cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in fall. In Aomori Prefecture
Kagawa - The Pursuit of Excellence
Facing the Seto Inland Sea, sunny Kagawa Prefecture historically overcame a lack of natural resources and water through
The Road Goes On
14,000km. That's how far our cyclists have ridden around Japan. We've chosen the most invigorating scenes as well as new
Overcoming Adversity
On these rides, we've often met people who battled hard times to emerge stronger than before. We've heard stories of ove
A Deeper Side to Tokyo
From Shibuya's newest skyscraper to nearby Shinjuku, where a man in a tiger mask cycles the city streets. Why did he cho
Cycle Bingo - Tokyo
In this episode, we send 2 cyclists to explore some lesser known parts of Tokyo as they compete in our special bingo gam
Nagano - Life in the Mountains
The mountain ranges known as the Japanese Alps are a spectacular backdrop to our ride across Nagano Prefecture, its fore
Hiroshima - Going it Alone
In the city of Hiroshima we visit a community where the families who survived the devastation of the atomic bomb in the
Kanagawa Selfie Ride
After 30 years in Japan, Michael Rice recently settled in Odawara, where he runs a cycling cafe. He shows us Odawara Cas
Best Picks - Your Favorites #1
Our cyclists picked 10 of their favorite scenes, and viewers voted on our website for the ones they most wanted to see a
Best Picks - Your Favorites #2
Our cyclists picked 10 of their personal favorite scenes, and viewers voted on our website for the ones they most wanted
Saitama Traditions - Tokyo's Scenic Neighbor
The late autumn gingko trees are a brilliant yellow in Tokyo's neighboring prefecture of Saitama. Surprisingly unexplore
Selfie Ride in Iwate: A Home Away From Home
James Hobbs, living in Japan for 30 years, teaches at a medical university in Iwate Prefecture. He takes us along on som
Tokyo to Chiba - Finding Art along the Way
On this winter ride through sun and snow from northern Tokyo into neighboring Chiba Prefecture, our New Zealand cyclist
Mie – A Cultural Crossroads
Zac Reynolds has lived in Japan for over 20 years, and now works for a bicycle maker in Mie Prefecture. As a crossroads
Tokushima - Where Teamwork Runs Deep
As the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, our cyclist Bobby rides through Tokushima Prefecture from the coast to its hidde
Gunma - An Unstoppable Energy
In early spring, Australian cyclist Zac Reynolds rides through Gunma Prefecture. Starting from the capital Maebashi, he
Fukui: The Strength to Succeed
We set off under the bright summer sun to the coast of Fukui Prefecture. After a night with a fishing family, it's out b
Okayama - Sunshine and Smiles
Okayama Prefecture, known as the Land of Sunshine, is a fertile farming region. At the coastal town of Kurashiki, we mee
Into the Kyoto Countryside
A 400km ride through Kyoto - the prefecture, not the city. Farms in this lush countryside supported the ancient capital'
Fukushima - Taking Life Day by Day
Fukushima Prefecture, with its beautiful mountains and coastline, is home to people who have survived disaster and come
The Old Hokuriku Kaido: Exploring a Forgotten Highway
Japan's pre-modern network of highways, the Kaido, is now largely forgotten. In the first of a new series, we explore th
The Nagasaki Kaido: Japan's Sugar Road
In our second episode on Japan's pre-modern highway system, we follow the Nagasaki Kaido. During the Edo period (1603–
Akita: The Wisdom of Nature
From sea to mountains, nature in Akita Prefecture is spectacular. As we ride through the gales of late fall, we see peop
Tokyo's Islands Niijima and Hachijojima
A cycle tour of two remote islands that lie within Tokyo's city limits. On Niijima, we see homes built with a hard volca
Okinawa: A Unique Island Culture
The subtropical island of Okinawa Prefecture has an environment, climate and culture very different to mainland Japan. A
Tochigi - The Cycle of Life
Tochigi is a lush green inland prefecture on the Kanto Plain, north of Tokyo. It's the height of spring, fields glisteni
Southern Nagano - Exploring Its Hidden Valleys
From Shiojiri, 2.5 hrs by train from Tokyo, we'll ride the 400-year-old Nakasendo highway that linked Edo and Kyoto. Aft
Sado - Island of Hidden Treasures
Historically Japan was famous for gold, much of it mined on Sado. The prosperity this created left the island with uniqu
Fukuoka - Always Thinking Ahead
Historically the nation's gateway to Asia, Fukuoka Prefecture is where Japan's rice-growing culture began. We meet a cou
Kochi - Land of Rivers
Kochi Prefecture is known for mountains, forests and above all, rivers. On the Niyodo River, we learn a special techniqu
Nagasaki - Free to Enjoy Life
The prefecture of Nagasaki, historically Japan's gateway to the west, has a culture influenced by centuries of foreign t
Yamagata - Seeking the Flavors of Autumn
Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its food, some unique to late autumn and certain localities. Our gourmet cyclist explo
Sanriku - A Coast Reborn
The Sanriku Coast was the area hardest hit by the massive earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Its restored communities are r
Awajishima and Ieshima - An Island Journey
On Awajishima and Ieshima in the Seto Inland Sea, islanders utilize the strong winter winds and waves to enhance local s
Kiso Three Rivers - Going with the Flow
Our cyclist travels three large rivers in central Japan: the Kiso, the Nagara and the Ibi. He explores unique cultures r
Kii Mountains - Climbing Uphill with a Smile
Our cyclist climbs the Kii Mountains in western Japan, and encounters the culture that developed on the secluded slopes.
Aomori - Cold Winds, Warm Hearts
Aomori Prefecture is beautiful, but its northern climate can be harsh. Our cyclist enjoys the warmest of welcomes in com
Hokkaido - Crossing the Summer Plains
A ride through Hokkaido Prefecture in early summer. We meet an artisan teaching handicrafts of the indigenous Ainu to th
Yatsugatake - Riding High
Each of the Yatsugatake highlands has a unique character. We see kids discover themselves on horseback, eat prehistoric
Shizuoka - Energy of the Forest
Shizuoka Prefecture has everything from beaches to mountains, but this time our road takes us through its deep forests,
Best of the Best - Our Most Scenic Rides
We picked our 10 favorite rides from previous episodes and asked our viewers to rank them. These are the results, with c
Niigata - An Older, Simpler Way of Life
In northern Niigata Prefecture, we'll see the old ways of living as we try spicy daikon radish rolls and fluffy manju bu
Shiga - From Lake to Mountains
Shiga Prefecture, site of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, is home to centuries-old crafts like Shigaraki ware and Wana
Ibaraki - Passion for Tradition
In Ibaraki Prefecture, we explore how local wisdom has been passed down to the present day. We visit a town famous for o
Yamaguchi - Where Kindness is King
On the islands and coast of the Yamaguchi end of the Seto Inland Sea, we experience a warm welcome in these hard-working
Japan's Northern Alps - Life-Giving Mountains
On an early spring ride around the base of this extensive mountain range, we meet an artisan making traditional snowshoe
Kumamoto - Blessings of Ancestry and Nature
In Kumamoto, we meet people who cherish their ancestry and nature, such as a traditional inlay artisan, a group passing
Izumo Highway – A Road That Builds Bonds
We travel the Izumo Highway, which has been used since ages past, and meet people who value human connection, such as a
Osaka - Boundless Passion for Life
We explore Osaka, a prefecture known for its great cuisine. We meet a couple who fish for daggertooth pike conger (hamo)
CYCLE AROUND TAIWAN - Colorful Cultural Charms
In this special series, we cycle Taiwan! In episode one, we visit Taipei and the west coast and explore cultural feature
CYCLE AROUND TAIWAN - A World of Indigenous Wonders
The second episode of our Taiwan series features indigenous cultures in the south and on the east coast. We meet a Rukai
CYCLE AROUND TAIWAN - Into the Future, Together
In the third episode of our Taiwan series, we travel to Taiwan's south to meet vibrant, energetic families, like one tha
Noto – A Resilient Peninsula
We cycle the Noto Peninsula, hit by a major earthquake in 2024. We visit a temporary morning market where people who los
Goto Islands - Chain of Hospitality
We visit the Goto Islands on Japan's western tip, meeting people with hospitality, like a couple passing on the history
Beginners' Rides
On our special about cycling for beginners, we showcase rides in Kanagawa, featuring Japanese culture with an American t
Okayama - Charming Rustic Warmth
We travel Okayama in spring, visiting unique places like a city famous for horseshoe crabs, an island with a historical
Oita - Warming Body and Soul
We visit Oita, famous for its hot springs, and meet many warm-hearted people, like a wrangler who entertains visitors wi
Ibaraki & Tochigi - The Bounties of Spring
We ride in Ibaraki and Tochigi, looking for the bounties of spring. We meet a farming couple growing sweet bell peppers
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