Nestled in the lush countryside of Hiroshima lies a unique cycling tour that offers more than just a scenic ride. The Hiroshima Country Cycling experience includes a delightful Herb Garden Lunch, where visitors can savor locally-sourced ingredients in a picturesque setting. This farm-to-table feast not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides an immersive glimpse into the region’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re a foodie, cyclist, or simply someone seeking an authentic Japanese adventure, this tour promises to leave you…
Key Points
- The cycling tour offers a farm-to-table herb garden lunch as an alternative to the sushi-making experience, featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
- The herb garden lunch provides an immersive dining experience that complements the rural cycling adventure through Hiroshima’s picturesque countryside.
- Vegan-friendly meals are available upon request for the herb garden lunch, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
- The herb garden lunch costs between 900-1,250 JPY per person, payable in cash, offering a budget-friendly option for participants.
- The herb garden lunch experience allows participants to gain a deeper appreciation for local culinary traditions and the connection between the countryside and the table.
Tour Overview
This 4-hour e-bike tour allows visitors to experience rural Japan.
Departing from the Oasa I.C. Bus Stop in Kakeyama, the small group size is limited to 8 participants. The tour is available in both English and Japanese.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, the tour is priced from $65.79 per person.
Guests will explore Hiroshima’s countryside, connect with locals, and enjoy traditional rural experiences.
Depending on the day, the tour may include hands-on sushi-making or a farm-to-table lunch at a herb garden, both with vegan-friendly options available.
Exploring the Countryside on E-Bikes
Guests embark on a cycling adventure through Hiroshima’s picturesque countryside, exploring the region’s rural charm aboard high-quality e-bikes.
The electric-assisted bicycles make navigating the rolling hills and scenic routes an effortless experience, allowing participants to take in the sights and sounds of traditional Japanese villages.
The tour offers:
- Interaction with friendly locals
- Glimpses into rural daily life
- Visits to historic landmarks
- Opportunities to capture stunning countryside vistas
With the guidance of knowledgeable local hosts, guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Hiroshima’s rural landscapes, creating lasting memories of their cycling exploration.
Connecting With Local Culture
The cycling tour offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to connect with local culture.
Visitors can interact with friendly villagers and learn about their traditional way of life. They’ll explore quaint streets, visit a family-run restaurant, and even enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a scenic herb garden.
This immersive experience allows travelers to step off the beaten path and gain a deeper appreciation for rural Japan.
Whether it’s learning sushi-making techniques or chatting with locals, the tour provides genuine cultural insights that hotels and museums simply can’t replicate.
Hands-on Sushi-Making
On Thursdays and Fridays, the cycling tour offers participants a unique opportunity to learn the art of sushi-making.
After exploring the picturesque countryside, guests are welcomed into a traditional farmhouse where a local chef leads an interactive sushi-making class.
Here, they’ll learn:
- Proper knife techniques
- How to prepare sushi rice
- Artful rolling and presentation
- Pairing sushi with traditional accompaniments
This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the meticulous craft of sushi-making, allowing travelers to deepen their appreciation for Japanese culinary traditions.
Participants then enjoy their homemade sushi creations for a memorable farm-to-table lunch.
Farm-to-Table Herb Garden Lunch
An alternative to the sushi-making experience, the cycling tour also offers a farm-to-table herb garden lunch on other days.
Participants can savor locally sourced, seasonal ingredients prepared with care at the on-site herb garden. The cost for this option ranges from 900-1,250 JPY per person, payable in cash on the day.
Vegan-friendly meals are available upon request. This immersive dining experience allows cyclists to further connect with the rural landscape and community, complementing the cycling adventure through Hiroshima’s picturesque countryside.
Personalized Experiences
Depending on the interests and preferences of the small group, the cycling tour offers personalized experiences tailored to their needs.
This means the itinerary can be adjusted to include:
- Deeper interactions with local residents to learn about traditional rural life
- More time exploring the scenic countryside and taking in the natural surroundings
- Opportunities to participate in hands-on cultural activities like sushi-making or visiting a local herb garden
- Customized lunch options to accommodate dietary requirements or preferences
The guide works closely with participants to ensure the experience aligns with their desired expectations and interests.
Inclusions and Transportation
The tour includes the use of high-quality e-bikes, helmets, and an experienced guide who’ll lead the group throughout the countryside.
Accident insurance and water refill stations are also provided.
Participants can choose between two lunch options – sushi-making at an old farmhouse for 2,000 JPY per person or a farm-to-table meal at a herb garden for 900-1,250 JPY per person.
The round-trip highway bus fare from Hiroshima to the starting point in Oasa is 3,340 JPY.
Guests will meet at the JR highway bus stop, departing Hiroshima at 9:00 AM or 9:15 AM.
Important Considerations
This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, those who can’t ride a bicycle, wheelchair users, people under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) or over 243 lbs (110 kg).
Participants must bring comfortable shoes and clothes, as well as cash for the optional sushi-making or herb garden lunch. Intoxication isn’t allowed.
The tour is weather-dependent, so cancellations due to poor conditions will result in a different date or full refund.
To ensure a pleasant experience, guests are advised to:
- Wear appropriate attire
- Bring sufficient cash
- Refrain from intoxication
- Check weather conditions
Things To Know
Can I Bring My Own Bicycle on the Tour?
No, participants cannot bring their own bicycles on the tour. The tour provides high-quality e-bikes for the group to use during the 4-hour cycling experience through Hiroshima’s countryside.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
There’s no specific child or senior discount mentioned. The tour has a maximum weight limit of 243 lbs, which may impact participation for some. Pricing is the same per person regardless of age or size.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Preference for the Lunch?
Yes, you can request a specific dietary preference for the lunch. The tour provides vegan-friendly meal options, and you’ll need to pay for the lunch separately in cash at the local restaurant.
Are the E-Bikes Easy to Operate for Inexperienced Riders?
The e-bikes are designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, even for inexperienced riders. They provide pedal-assist capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of cycling abilities on the rural Japan tour.
What Happens if I Get Tired During the Cycling Portion?
If a rider gets tired during the cycling portion, they can simply throttle up the e-bike’s electric motor to assist with pedaling. The guide is also available to provide support and ensure participants feel comfortable throughout the tour.
Sum Up
The Hiroshima Country Cycling tour’s Herb Garden Lunch Experience offers a unique opportunity to savor locally sourced, seasonal flavors in a scenic, rural setting. This immersive dining option complements the cycling adventure, providing guests with a chance to connect with Japanese culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a vegan or have other dietary preferences, the tour caters to diverse tastes, ensuring a memorable farm-to-table experience.