DIFFICULY
★★☆☆☆
Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes
2-6 people
From
132,000 yen and up (tax included)
E-bike, サイクリング, 多摩川, 森林浴
OVERVIEW
[Tracing the memories of the earth over 20 million years, and experiencing the "lifestyle" nurtured by pristine streams]
"Deep within Tokyo, there is another road story woven by water and land."
--.
Stepping out of Okutama Station, you find yourself in a V-shaped canyon, formed by the uplift of Paleozoic strata dating back 20 million years, completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The "Old Ome Road," which stretches along this rugged valley, was once a vital artery for logistics connecting Edo (Tokyo) with Koshu and Shinshu (present-day Nagano Prefecture), carrying the wisdom and culture of the people who lived amidst the harsh natural environment.
As you straddle the e-bike and start pedaling while listening to the gentle murmur of the Tama River, you can feel the powerful pulse of the earth through the tires.
As you pass through the sheer cliffs of the Hikawa Gorge and gaze upon the deep blue of Lake Shiromaru, which seems to draw you in, you will truly understand how the topography and abundant water sources of this land have shaped the lives of the people who have lived here.
The stone tunnels and terraced rice paddies that remain along the route are the culmination of "survival skills" accumulated over time to live a rich life on limited land.
The second half of the journey delves into the profound depths of culture shaped by the blessings of water.
At Sawai's sake brewery, where renowned sake is produced, you are enveloped in the aroma of a fermentation culture intertwined with clear streams, and learn about the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity from the words of the craftsmen.
And finally, the last stop on the journey: Ome-juku, a place that still retains the atmosphere of Edo.
Interacting with local residents who continue to preserve the historic townscape will go beyond mere sightseeing and become a warm experience that allows you to touch upon the very "life" that thrives there.
Move your body, explore the terrain, and savor the culture. This day trip, traversing from the headwaters of Okutama to Ome, will be a moving and sustainable journey where nature, culture, and activities come together as one.
How about taking a trip along the old highway beside the Tama River, from Okutama to Ome?
Experience the unique rural culture nurtured by the V-shaped canyon topography and clear streams formed by Paleozoic strata approximately 20 million years ago.
Through the fermentation culture of Sawai, a renowned sake brewery, and interactions with local residents in Ome-juku, a town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, you will gain a deep understanding of "local life" that goes beyond mere sightseeing.
We offer a sustainable experience where the story of the earth and human activities are seamlessly connected while you move your body.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cycling through a V-shaped canyon, traversing the 20-million-year-old memory of the earth.
Enjoy an exhilarating ride on an e-bike along a V-shaped canyon formed by the uplift of Paleozoic strata approximately 20 million years ago. The experience is captivating, allowing you to feel the dynamic changes in terrain, such as the sheer cliffs of Hikawa Gorge and the deep blue waters of Shiromaru Lake. Listening to explanations of the geology and topography from your guide will change the meaning of the scenery you usually take for granted, allowing you to experience a profound sense of connection between the story of the earth and the path you are cycling.
The "Blessings of Water" Brought by the Clear Stream and Sawai's Traditional Fermentation Culture
Experience firsthand how the abundant water resources of the Tama River have supported the lives of people in this region. In particular, at Sawai's sake brewery (Sawanai), which uses pure mountain water to produce renowned sake, you can learn about the deep connection between water and fermentation culture. You'll also have the opportunity to hear directly from the brewery's artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of how natural conditions such as topography and water quality determine the region's food culture and industries (brewing, forestry, etc.).
A journey to experience the remnants of the old highway, interact with local residents, and connect with the local community—a "journey to touch the way of life" where history breathes.
Follow the old Ome Highway, a vital artery for logistics connecting Edo (Tokyo) with Koshu and Shinshu (present-day Nagano Prefecture), and observe the accumulated life skills preserved in old houses, stone walls, and terraced rice paddy remains. Towards the end of the journey, in Ome-juku, you'll interact with members of the townscape preservation society and witness how historical buildings are still carefully preserved and integrated into daily life. This is not just a sightseeing tour; it's a high-value, sustainable tourism experience where you can feel the "lifestyle" and "warmth of the people" rooted in the land.
ITINERARY
A riverside cycling trip exploring rural culture from Okutama to Ome
Time schedule
This tour is designed to provide an integrated experience of the topography, waterways, and road culture along the old Ome Road and rural settlements that run along the Tama River.
■Time Schedule
09:00 Meet at the front of Okutama Station. We will take part in registration, E-bike size adjustment, and a briefing on safe riding.
09:20 Fieldwork 1 (Okutama Station to Hikawa Valley) We will receive an explanation about the culture of the source of the Tama River and the history of the Ome Kaido road that connected Edo with Koshu and Shinshu.
10:00 Cycling begins. We'll take a leisurely ride along the rural mountain roads that lead from Hikawa to Shiromaru and Hatonosu.
10:30 Fieldwork 2 (around Shiromaru Lake) We will learn about the V-shaped canyon topography formed by the uplift of Paleozoic strata approximately 20 million years ago, as well as the water culture and forestry of the satoyama (traditional rural landscape).
11:10 Cultural Observation (Hatonosu Area) We will visit historical sites that preserve accumulated life skills, such as stone tunnels, old farmhouses, and the remains of terraced rice paddies.
12:00 Lunch: Enjoy local soba noodles.
13:00 Activity 2 (Walking along the old highway) We will take a walk through an area that retains the atmosphere of the old highway.
14:00 Cycling resumes (Sawai to Ome-juku) We will head towards Ome-juku (old town) via Sawai, where a fermentation culture that produces famous sake thrives.
14:40 Fieldwork 3 (Ome-juku) We will take a stroll through the historic townscape while listening to a presentation from a member of the Ome-juku Townscape Preservation Society.
15:10 Reflection (in front of Ome Station) We will share the insights gained from the experience and fill out a questionnaire.
15:30 Dismissal
DETAILS
■1. Clothing: Since the tour involves both cycling and walking around town, please choose clothing that prioritizes ease of movement and safety.
• Suitable clothing for cycling: Layering is recommended to allow for easy temperature regulation.
• Shoes: In addition to cycling, the tour includes walks along old roads and hikes through rural areas, so comfortable, non-slip athletic shoes are essential.
• Rain gear: Mountain weather is unpredictable, so we recommend bringing separate-type rainwear.
■2. What to bring: Camera, smartphone. There are many photo spots, including the beauty of the gorge, the deep blue of Lake Shiromaru, and the historical townscape.
• Drinks: Please bring drinks to stay hydrated during your cycling trip.
• Cash: You may need it for lunch at a local soba restaurant or for personal purchases along the way (souvenirs, etc.).
*Maps, elevation data, and bicycle operation manuals will be provided by the organizers.
■3. Important Notes To ensure a safe and smooth tour, we ask for your cooperation with the following points.
・Safe Driving: There are narrow sections of road along the gorge, so please follow the guide's instructions and observe all prior warnings while driving. Also, when stopping near the water, please adhere to the designated guide's location.
• Bicycle operation: For beginners, the guide will explain how to operate the gears before departure, so please don't worry.
• Health Management: We will check your health condition at registration on the day of the event. Please enjoy the activities within your limits.
• Consideration for the local community: This tour is made possible through the cooperation of sake brewery artisans and members of the townscape preservation society. When interacting with local residents, please behave respectfully and with good manners.
Get in touch with our team for quotes and advice,
including tour content not included on this site.