Get a 'Zukudashi' insiders perspective into life in the Japanese countryside. Guided Cycling and Walking tours are available daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Both tours are approx. 2.5 hours long and include eating ice cream while enjoying an onsen footbath at the end. The Zukudashi Cycling Tours start at the Zukudashi office in the center of Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen and covers approx. 8 kilometers, including one moderately steep hill. The tour passes through residential neighborhoods where the guide will explain interesting details about Japanese houses. Then it continues to an ancient thatched-roof temple while passing through apple and grape orchards. After crossing over a wide expanse of rice fields with picturesque views of the surrounding hills and mountains, the tour reaches Chikaraishi, a historical neighborhood with a fascinating past (and present) before returning on the Chikuma River Cycling Path back to the onsen town. Along the way are a slew of local legends and samurai stories, as well as interaction with the local farmers and residents. The Zukudashi Walking Tour is a leisurely stroll through Onsen Town Togura-Kamiyamada, covering approx. 1.5 kilometers. The tour will take you into many of the local shops and historical inns to meet the owners and see up-close how they work and live. With advance notice, an activity is included such as a lesson on the proper way to pour Japanese tea by a certified instructor, or learning how to make miso soup by the owner of our town's miso factory. "Zukudashi" is a local Nagano phrase meaning to steadfastly do the most burdensome tasks. Both tours introduce several examples of the zukudashi spirit of the people here in Togura-Kamiyamada. Bicycles are available for rent as well. Choose from road or mountain bikes. A tandem bicycle and trailers for children are available as well. Prices are 1000 yen for 2 hours, 1500 yen for 1/2 day, 2000 yen for full day. Use the bicycles to explore the onsen town at your own pace taking in the sights and sounds and seeing how the locals live. Or, take a ride along the Chikuma River Cycling Path, perhaps to the historical district of Inariyama, enjoying the mountain and river scenery along the way.
09:00-18:00 (-17:00 in winter)
Irregularly
080-4660-0736
http://http://www.zukudashi.com/
Tours are approx. 2.5 hours. Rental is from 2 hours to full day.
4,000 yen per person for tours. (Family Discount available)
1-12
RSVP Recommended
English and Japanese
The cycles are the simple "Mama-Chari" type, suitable for the relatively flat onsen town and bike path.
