Bike Tour of Maniwa, Okayama w/ Lunch & Brewery Visit

Formerly known as “Mimasaka Province,” the Northern area of Okayama Prefecture boasts a unique history of over 1,300 years. Blessed with a steady supply of freshwater from the Hiruzen Highlands, the area cultivated a distinct food culture largely rooted in fermentation. Here, centuries-old breweries continue to craft sake, miso, soy sauce and other artisanal products using traditional methods. And, simultaneously, new, avant-garde facilities are redefining the rules and experimenting with more modern practices. Northern Okayama is, therefore, an area where millenary craftsmanship meets innovation to create an evolving heritage.

This 5-hour cycling tour will take you through a wide array of attractions in Okayama’s Maniwa City. From a carefully preserved former post town that retains its historic charm to award-winning breweries where you can sample the unique flavors of locally made products, you’ll travel through fields, bridges, and rivers to discover what makes Maniwa unique. You’ll also enjoy lunch made with locally-sourced ingredients and understand the history and culture of the region with a friendly English-speaking guide.

Experience flow:

- Meet your host at JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Station at 9:50.

- Prepare for your bicycle ride (around 20 min) and ride through the Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District, stopping by the riverside (20 min)

- Visit the Hinoki Plant Dyeing Studio Gallery, learn about its background and shop for souvenirs (30 min)

- Visit the Gozenshu Tsuji Brewery, which has over 200 years of history, and enjoy lunch made with locally fermented ingredients, as well as some free time for shopping (1 h 50 min)

- Ride through Kuse Town (40 min w/ breaks)

- Tour the Kono Brewery, where vinegar, soy sauce and miso are crafted using traditional, natural methods (50 min)

- Return to JR-Chugoku Katsuyama Station around 15:30