Creation/Filed
Tono Mysteries Cycling Tour
Meeting Place:
Tabinokura Tourist Information Center (Located in front of Tono station)
Date:
Mid-April to early November. New tour dates are updated regularly. We also accept applications for private tours at any time.
Time:
13:00~17:00
Price:
9,000 yen per person (tax included)
To Know guided cycling tours are designed to take visitors on a journey of discovery through the celebrated lifestyle and cultural traditions that make Tono so unique and special.
Folk legends of Japanese spirits, gods, and mysterious creatures - from the kappa to the zashiki warashi and more - have been passed down in Tono over generations. The stories of these fabulous entities and the ancient traditions surrounding them are still very much alive and vividly shared throughout the local community to this day.
In Tono you’re able to visit beautiful and peculiar locations where people have encountered these otherworldly beings, retracing the legends that have become synonymous with the village over generations.
Together with a local guide you’ll explore the scenes of three of most widely shared folk tales in Tono: Kappa no Komahiki, visiting the pond where the mischievous kappa’s shenanigans put his own life in danger, Zashiki Warashi, reliving the legends of the child-like house spirits that make themselves at home in unsuspecting residences, and Oshirasama, the tragic love story of a young woman’s unwavering attachment to her horse
Surrounded by mountains, the picturesque Tono countryside stretching out before you serves as the backdrop for this 12 km cycling course through the breathtaking landscape considered to be the eternal hometown of Japan.
After cycling through the captivating world of Tono we’ll stop to visit a local hop field, offering a first-hand look at the essential ingredient for crafting amazing beer, of which Tono happens to be one of Japan’s leading producers. Following the tour you’ll have a chance to finish off your day with locally brewed Tono craft beer.
Dates:
Tour dates for 2022 will be posted and updated regularly. Check back or feel free to contact us for information about scheduling other dates.
*Individual registrations welcome, however please note that the tour operates at a minimum of 4 participants. Note that the tour will be cancelled in the event that the tour doesn’t receive the minimum number of bookings.
Private tours are available at any time. Please let us know your desired date and number of participants at least 3 weeks before your scheduled visit. If the guide can make arrangements, the tour will be scheduled.
Bikes:
- Electric assisted mountain bikes are available, making the journey manageable for those not used to spending extended time or traveling long distances on a bicycle.
- There is no drink holder on the bicycle. We recommend bringing a small bag that you can wear on you during the ride.
- Helmets are provided. We request that all riders wear their helmets during the tour.
Additional Info:
In cases of excessive rain or poor weather conditions deemed unsuitable for conducting the tour we may stop cycling for safety reasons. In such an event participants can choose between a refund or an original gift from the operators at To Know. Additional details will be provided upon registration.
About the Tour Provider: to know
An organization based in Tono dedicated to, "Re-weaving the local story into the lives of today’s people," and sharing the appeal and rich culture associated with “The Legend of Tono”.
Schedule:
Meeting Place:Tabinokura Tourist Information Center (Located in front of Tono station)
13: 00 Meet at Tourist Information Center
13: 10 Orientation
13: 30 Departing from Tono Station and cycling the fields of the Tono basin
14: 15 The world of Oshirasama and Zashiki Warashi at Densho-en
15: 15 Seeking Kappa at Kappabuchi Pool and taking photos
15: 35 Rest at Kappa Chaya Cafe
16: 05 Visit to hop field (*peak season from early July to late August)
16: 30 Cycling
16: 50 Return to Tourist Information Center
17: 00 Wrap up
Tour Capacity: 8
Minimum Participants: 4
Price: 9,000 yen per person (tax included)
*For private tours:
2 people: 26,000 yen (13,000 yen per person)
3 people: 28,500 yen (9,500 yen per person)
If there are more than 4 people, the price will be fixed at 8,500 yen per person.
Application and Inquiries:
Please use the "Contact/Apply" form at the bottom of this page to contact us with the following information.
1. First preferred tour date
2. Second preferred tour date
3. Third preferred tour date
4. Representative Name
5. Participant name, age and height
*Note that bicycles are for those ages 12 and up, or at least 150cm tall.
6. Phone Number
7. Email
8. Additional questions or details
Be sure to bring:
1. Water
2. Small towel
Additional items may be suggested depending upon the season. We’ll notify you of any other items you may want to prepare upon receiving your registration.
Clothing:
1. Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for the season.
2. Shoes suitable for cycling that you don’t mind getting dirty.
3. A small backpack or bag that you can attach to yourself for carrying water, mobile phone, rain coat, or any other small items you may wish to have with you.
Included in cost:
1. Electric mountain bike rental
2. Entrance fees to visit sights
3. Tour guide services
4. Insurance
5. Beer ticket
6. Donation to hop agriculture preservation fund
7. Donation to Tono cultural preservation fund