Bike Tour of Maniwa, Okayama w/ Lunch & Brewery Visit
Spend a day breezing through the rural streets of Maniwa, Okayama. See a preserved post town, tour breweries and enjoy lunch with locally fermented ingredients.
Highlights
Explore the historic region of Northern Okayama in a 5-hour cycling tour that will take you through scenic countryside landscapes to explore a former post town, centuries-old breweries, and more
Taste the artisanal flavors of locally-crafted sake, miso, vinegar and soy sauce and tour two long-standing breweries in Maniwa
Learn about the traditional crafts from the area at the Hinoki Plant Dyeing Studio, where you can see traditional dyeing methods of noren (short curtains hanged at the entrance of businesses)
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients and unique fermentation methods
Cycle comfortably using a rental e-bike and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of rural Northern Okayama
10 meals
Experience Details
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
Inclusions
Lunch
Transportation within the tour
Facility visits, experience fees, tour guide and interpreter
Rental bicycle with electric assistance
Exclusions
Transportation to the meeting point and from the drop off point
Beverages
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Station at 9:50. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
When booking, please inform the host of your nationality.
Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Please note that the tour itinerary may change due to weather or traffic conditions.
Please inform your host of any food restrictions or allergies in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 weeks before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
The home of Japan’s favorite folkloric character, some of its best-preserved historical sites, and amazing seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
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10 meals
On this 6-hour tour, spend a day exploring the distinct traditions of Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture. Explore the quaint townscape of Katsuyama, visit breweries and factories to learn about local fermentation methods, and sample food and drinks.
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