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Nikko ‘SATOYAMA’
cycling
Satoyama Cycling: Enjoy the charm of Nikko's satoyama landscape

About Nikko
Satoyama Area

Although Nikko has a strong image of being home to several famous tourist attractions such as Toshogu Shrine and Kinugawa Hot Springs, it is also an area where many beautiful satoyama landscapes remain and many people are still engaged in agriculture and living in the satoyama landscapes.

Nikko's satoyama landscape was further enriched by the development of the Nikko Shinryo area, which had fallen into disrepair, by the famous Kinjiro Ninomiya and his son Yataro, who developed the fields and irrigation canals (Ninomiya moat). We invite you to experience the charm of this satoyama landscape by cycling.

Nikko Satoyama
Recommended
Spots

Here are some of the best places to visit in the Nikko Satoyama area.

  • Imaicahi
    NikkoSugi Namiki Trail
    It is the "world's longest avenue of cedar trees", with the only dual designation in Japan as a special historic site and a special natural monument. You can view the historic and breathtaking avenue of cedar trees.
    more information
  • Imaicahi
    Ninomiya Sontoku Memorial Hall
    This memorial hall stands on the site of the "Houtoku Office" where Sontoku (Kinjiro) Ninomiya was posted. The museum introduces Sontoku's achievements and philosophy through exhibits and videos.
    more information
  • Kobyaku
    Hattando
    A traditional cedar incense stick factory certified as a "Traditional Craft of Tochigi" whose business was created by the development of Ninomiya moat. You can tour the factory and experience making your own original incense bags.
    more information
  • Kobyaku
    Yagisawa Farm
    This farmhouse is run by the warm Yagisawa family, who grow delicious rice including the exquisite Nikko terraced rice "Yudai 21". At the newly opened "Hyakusho" restaurant, you can experience rice cooking and enjoy farmer's meals.
    more information
  • Okuwa
    Nikko-Hozoji
    This is a historic temple located on a hilltop in the impressive Okuwa area, with its red gate, a symbol of the Tokugawa family's connection to the temple. You can experience various temple activities such as sutra copying, Buddhist prayer, and sermon practice with the kind and courteous priest.
    more information
  • Kuragasaki
    Kuragasaki SL Flower Garden
    The SL Flower Garden, maintained by local residents, offers beautiful seasonal flowers and illumination in winter.
    more information

Nikko Satoyama
Cycling Model Course(Approx. 5 hours / Distance : approx. 19 km)

Here are some courses and tours that will allow you to fully enjoy the charms of Nikko Satoyama.
This course allows you to visit various satoyama areas and experiences
from the town of Imaichi to Okuwa, Kuragasaki, and Kobyaku.

  • Start
    Rent electric bicycles at Nikko Tourist Association

    Inside Roadside Station Nikko Nikko Kaido Nico Nico Honjin Sightseeing Information Center

    • Electric bicycle rental service will begin in April 2023.
  • Cycling at Suginamiki trail (approx. 15 min.)
    Cycling to Suginamiki trai

    approx. 15 min.

  • Cycling at Ninomiya Sontoku Memorial Hall
    (approx. 5 min.)
    Ninomiya Sontoku Memorial Hall

    approx 30 min.

  • Cycling to Hattando, in Kobyaku area
    (approx. 30 min.)
    Visit Hattando Sugi Incense Factory and experience making incense bags

    approx. 60 minutes. reservation required

  • Cycling to Hozo-ji Temple (Okuwa Area)
    (approx. 15 min.)
    Visit Hozoji Temple

    approx. 60 min. reservation required

  • Cycling to Kuragasaki SL Flower Field
    (Kuragasaki area)
    (approx. 15 min.)
    Visit Kuragasaki SL Flower Garden

    approx 15 min. free to visit

  • Cycling to Michi no Eki Nikko (Roadside Station)
    (approx. 15 min.)
    Return the electric bicycles at Nikko Tourist Association

Google Map※This route is made for walking

Nikko Satoyama
Cycling Tour

In the basic course introduced in the model course, Enjoy a day's view of the countryside in Nikko
It's a guided tour that arrives at and departs from Kinugawa Hot Springs.
We can also arrange optional tours such as a cedar tree-lined stroll, farmer's lunch, and other original tours. Please feel free to consult us.
(available in Japanese, English and Spanish)

Tour fare

The basic charge starts from 22,000 yen (tax included).
What is included in the fee.
Rental bicycle, helmet, insurance, lunch, bike train tickets.

Estimated time required

About 6 hours /mileage: About 18 kilometers *Times are approximate.

Basic travel

9:00
Start at Kinugawa Onsen Station
↓ (visit terraced rice fields and Tokoname in the Kobyaku area)
11:00 - 12:00
Yagisawa Farm (lunch)
12:30 - 13:30
Hozo-ji Temple (experience of copying Buddhist sutras) OR Hattando (factory tour, etc.)
14:10
Arrive at Shimo-Imaichi Station
↓ (Take the cycle train departing at 14:32 to Kinugawa Onsen)
14:59
Arrive at Kinugawa Onsen Station and disband

Registration Method

Please send an e-mail with the following information: participants (representative(s)), number of participants, desired date of participation, e-mail address, telephone number, and address.

Terms and Conditions

  • Please note that the number of participants must be between 2 and 4.
  • Due to the nature of the bicycles, participants must be 15 years of age or older.
  • In case of rain, the tour will be cancelled.

Others

  • Please note that we may not be able to accommodate some participants due to reservations or other reasons.
  • Please understand that we may not be able to accept your reservation.

Sightseeing Spots

  • 9:00 Start
    Start at Kinugawa Onsen Station
  • Kobyaku area
  • 11:00 - 12:00
    Yagisawa Farm (lunch)
  • 12:30 - 13:30
    Hozo-ji Temple (experience of copying Buddhist sutras) OR Hattando (factory tour, etc.)
  • 14:32
    Take the cycle train

About the "Cycle Train" by Tobu Railway(Website in Japanese)

A service that allows you to bring your bicycle directly into the train on some trains between Tobu Nikko Station, Shimo-Imaichi Station, and Kinugawa Onsen Station.

more information

Activity introduction

Nikko offers a variety of other activity tours.

more information
NAOC