Orientation at Iiyama Station. Meet at Iiyama Station (Shinkansen hub, ~2 hours from Tokyo).Orientation includes bicycle and helmet fitting, optional rain gear/GPS setup, and luggage handoff before setting out. We will take this time to give an overview of the region, showing where we will be going. Maps, pamphlets and reference materials about the region are available to browse. If something outside the planned itinerary catches your interest, we can discuss the possibility of fitting it in to the adventure.

Explore Iiyama’s historic temple district, sometimes called the “Kyoto of Northern Nagano” for its concentration of temples in a small area. Cycle or walk between quiet temple grounds and appreciate their traditional wooden architecture and seasonal atmosphere. The area is home to Butsudan Street, lined with workshops producing elaborately crafted Buddhist household altars. Iiyama is one of a handful of places in Japan renowned for butsudan craftsmanship, a tradition passed down through generations. The altars, decorated with lacquer and gold leaf, are an essential part of family religious practice. Step inside the shops, meet craftspeople, ask questions, and, if time allows, try a short hands-on demonstration of the craft. For a different perspective, we’ll visit the Iiyama Ski Jump site, a training ground for local athletes with sweeping views open over the Chikuma River valley and surrounding countryside.

Discover the artistry of Takahashi Mayumi, a celebrated doll maker whose work captures the spirit of rural Japan. What began as a hobby has become one of Iiyama’s most beloved attractions, drawing visitors from across the country. Her handcrafted dolls are arranged in detailed dioramas showing everyday countryside life - children at play, families gathered around the hearth, farmers working the land, and neighbors enjoying local festivals. Their expressive faces carry humor, warmth, and nostalgia, often moving Japanese visitors to tears as they recall a slower way of life that is disappearing. Exhibits also introduce the artist’s inspiration and creative process, giving context to the stories behind each scene. Though small, the museum offers a rare and emotional glimpse into the heart of the Snow Country. Note: the museum is closed on Wednesdays; if your tour date falls on that day, we’ll arrange an alternative activity.

Cycle through quiet farmland and small hamlets on a plateau overlooking the Chikuma River valley. The route passes rice fields, apple orchards, and village lanes, with vast mountain and valley views opening up below. The ride is relatively level and distance can be adjusted to suit the group. For those seeking a little extra challenge, an optional extension continues uphill toward the day's final destination at Nozawa Onsen.

Arrive in Nozawa Onsen, a historic hot-spring town with a tradition stretching back to the 13th century. Check into your Japanese-style inn, change into yukata robes, and enjoy tea before heading out to explore. Walk the narrow streets, stop at the Ogama hot-spring where locals still cook vegetables and eggs, and browse small shops and shrines. In the evening, experience one of the town’s 13 traditional public bathhouses, an important part of community life, or, if available, the bath inside your inn. Bathing here is as much about mingling with locals as it is about relaxing after the day’s ride.

Japanese Inn & Kaiseki Diner End the day at a family-run inn or ryokan in Nozawa Onsen. After exploring the town’s public bathhouses, settle into your tatami room and enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner featuring mountain vegetables and regional specialties. Inns vary in style - some with their own onsen, others without - but all offer authentic countryside hospitality. During dinner, your guide is there to explain the dishes, answer questions, and share insights about rural life in Japan. Accommodation and meals are not included in the tour price but will be arranged for you as part of your experience.