Cycle Around Japan

Zac Reynolds, a bicycle specialist, visits Hokkaido. His two-wheeled adventures include a ride through the stunning lavender fields of Furano, experiencing the unique Ainu culture, and tasting some of the wonderful local food. Zac also offers practical tips on bike touring.

Due to Japan's immensely varied landscape and climate, this island nation developed unique cultural traditions. Many of these are world renowned, but many more remain hidden away deep in the countryside. The best way to discover these secret places - the real Japan - is to go exploring by bicycle. This time, we'll cycle through the mountains of Gunma and Tochigi Prefecture, meeting people living the traditional way, close to nature. We'll visit 2 World Heritage Sites. The first is Tomioka Silk Mill, a landmark in the modernization of Japanese industry. Close by this monument to industrial history, we'll see silk making by hand, the traditional way. We'll visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, nestling deep in a mountain forest. Lovingly restored and repaired throughout the ages, the art of these incredible buildings shines as brightly as it did 400 years ago. We'll meet the people who work in these forests, people still in touch with the old ways of nature.