I explored the country roads while feeling the history on the cazacle cycling tour!

*This article is a report written in English by a foreign writer for the English site "MIE, Once in Your Lifetime" and rewritten for Japanese readers.

This article introduces the charms of Mie Prefecture for foreigners who speak English, so your perspective may be a little different, but please enjoy these points as well.

When we arrived at Tochihara Station, a 2-hour JR train ride from Nagoya Station, a staff member met us by car.

Cycling now! That's where I want to go, but before that, let's take a detour to the nearby niu Daishi.
The Sanmon Gate, which was restored in 2019 and shines bright orange, is stunning and is a must-see spot.

When we returned to cazacle, we were greeted by Mr. Nishii, who would be our guide this time.
Mr. Nishii's story is full of love for bicycles, and I can feel the passion behind this tour service.

This time, we will enjoy the [190 Years' Road Course] where we cycle at the speed of a mamachari along the Tachibai Yosui Waterway, which is the cornerstone of local agriculture and farming villages.

First, we started by aiming for a 300-year-old traditional house in the town.

Along the way, the experience of navigating the small winding streets and passing by the locals made me feel very close to the town, as if I were living there.

The beautiful rural scenery where vegetables are grown as far as the eye can see is also a highlight!

After cycling for about 5 minutes, we arrived at our first destination, an old folk house!
It has been renovated while retaining the atmosphere of the time, so it has a very beautiful exterior.

Once inside, the picture-story show entertainment began!

The picture-story show tells the story of how this village became a thriving agricultural area.

The picture-story show is very interesting, with stories about a certain couple at the center of the story, how it took 247,000 people and over 20 years to build the irrigation canal, and how it was actually dug by hand. It was a series of surprises.

They created this picture-story show not only to express their gratitude to the couple who accomplished this great work, but also to convey the message to the people who visited.

She doesn't just tell a story, she tells it from the heart using sound effects.
They answered all my questions in English, and I was able to understand them.

All of these efforts have made me appreciate this city and my wonderful guide.
At the same time, I feel that I have already become part of the story of this town.

If so, I will have a role to play in contributing to the development of this town.

After listening to the picture-story show, it was time to go cycling again!
Walking down the mountain while actually looking at the Tatsubai Irrigation Canal that was mentioned in the story, I am reminded of the hard work that people back then had to do to create this slowly flowing canal.

After descending the mountain, it's time for a break.

This time, we will try our special ginger ale and a snack [Tokibimochi] that is loved by locals. I received it!
Ginger ale has a refreshing taste and will soothe your thirst after cycling.
The snacks were also very delicious.

By the way, this resting place is where town events and festivals are held, and I was able to hear about what kind of festivals are held.
Among them is the experience of ``going down a boat'' through the irrigation water, which can only be enjoyed during the June festival called Hydrangea Festival.
You can feel that the town is coming together to welcome tourists.

The drinks and snacks available vary depending on the day.

This photo shows the `` kabusetea'' that is usually served.
When we think of tea, we tend to think of Shizuoka or Kyoto, but kabusetea Prefecture is Japan's number one producer of Kabusecha!

After a break, we passed through the forest and returned to a place where the rural scenery spread out again.

The stunning beauty of the fields.

The combination of the large mountains and the sunset was very beautiful, and I thought it was unique to this area, which is full of greenery.

Finally, take a commemorative photo with cazacle's classic shot!
I hope you all know how much I'm enjoying it!

The combination of traditional old houses, vegetable gardens, and tea plantations in this town was a wonderful sight.
Cycling through the narrow roads and woods was exciting and fun.

Not only can you enjoy cycling, but you can also experience activities while learning about nature, beautiful countryside, and historical background. It was a unique experience that can only be experienced here.

If you come to this town, you will be immediately captivated.