Bike tour through rural Japan

5.0 (8 reviews) 5–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

8 reviews

5.0

Bike tour through rural Japan — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Bike tour through rural Japan, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Cycling through Ikuno, a mining town with a history spanning over 1200 years. The ore road is the remains of the railway line along which trolleys carried ore in those days. You can follow this road by bicycle or walk part of it. Enjoy the rivers, shrines, and beautiful natural scenery along the way.

Leaving Ikuno, with its old traditional Japanese houses, the tour continues along a nature-rich mountain path, stopping at the oldest cast-iron bridge in Japan, built by French engineers over 170 years ago. It is a popular photo spot for tour participants!

Further along the winding road, as you approach Mikobata, you will come across the ruins of the huge Mikobata Ore Dressing Plant. You will marvel at the size of the site. Learn about the history of the ore dressing plant from the locals and have the opportunity to buy locally made souvenirs.

Here we enjoy lunch. Afterwards, you will be free to explore the area.

We end the tour at Nii Station.

Day Trips Mountain Bike Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours E-Bike Tours

At a glance

Duration: 5–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: Roots & Routes

Ages: Youth (14–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: We provide a locally prepared lunchbox meal
Included: Rainwear (incase of light rainfall, or cold)

Itinerary

Old Official Residence of Ikuno Mine

30 min Admission included

We visit one of the oldest remaining official residence and company housing in Japan. Situated within the historic silver mining town of Ikuno has been designated as a nationally important cultural landscape. These "Koushataku" houses were built by the Mitsubishi Corporation around 1876 and are now designated cultural properties of Asago City. In such a historic building, you can experience booking accommodation while thinking about the life of the past.
Stop 2

30 min

As you cycle through the town of Ikuno, you will experience a mining town with more than 1200 years of history. Take a moment and walk along the tracks of the mine carts that carried the ore at the time and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the rivers, shrines and nature. Learn how French engineers were involved in the development of the industrialization of the mining town and the first step towards the modernization of Japan.
Stop 3

10 min

After passing through the local residencies and exiting Ikuno town we go towards Habuchi town along the Road of Ores route. We make a check stop at one of the oldest remaining cast-iron bridges built in Japan where you can get up and close and walk on top of it. It is a great photo spot during Cherry Blossom season.
Mikobata Cast Iron Bridge

20 min

Located in the deeper valley, we make a stop at Japan's oldest cast-iron bridge built by French engineers over 170 years. The river offers spectacular photographic opportunities. It is a special place our guests often like to spent time at.
Mikobata Senkojo Mine

2 hours Admission included

As we approach Mikobata, be ready to be in awe of the sheer size of the ruins that reveal themselves. You will learn more about the history of the ruins and have the opportunity to purchase locally-made souvenirs. We'll enjoy lunch together here and free time to roam around.
Roots & Routes - Delve into the Heart of Japan, One Journey at a Time.

30 min

We stop at our dedicated Cyclist Station and base of operations. Enjoy a complimentary drink and unwind with us in a comfortable setting before your departure.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet in front of the station. You will see a convenience store across the road. We will be waiting with your E-Bikes for the day by the parking area.

End point

From here the Bantan train stops. If you are taking the train, this is where the tour will end.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers who are unable to cycle on a bicycle
Not recommended for travelers who are unfamiliar with the basic workings of a bicycle