The Yotsukura district of Iwaki City is an area blessed by the sea and mountains, where fishing and agriculture have flourished. Though it suffered immense damage from the earthquake and nuclear accident, the local people have persevered to protect their way of life and restore Yotsukura’s charm. Now, daily life is gradually returning, and the community’s activities are breathing life back into the region.
On this cycling tour, a guide from Yotsukura will lead you through landscapes that have existed since before the disaster and show you the steps taken toward recovery. Listen to stories only a local storyteller who knows the area intimately can share as you cycle along the coastline, through farmland, and past traditional streetscapes. The tour’s major appeal lies in touching the “stories of the region” hidden within the scenery.
The “Sō Cycle” bikes used are the latest electric-assist sports bikes, allowing even those less confident in their stamina to comfortably ride long distances. Riding at your own pace, feeling the wind, lets you notice subtle scenery and sense the everyday atmosphere of the region that might be missed from a bus.
Another feature is stopping at roadside cafes and direct-sales shops to interact with locals. Experiencing the present state of the region, rebuilt after the disaster, through food and conversation makes for a highly satisfying trip, attracting many repeat visitors.
This cycling experience, where you encounter Yonokura’s nature, way of life, and the thoughts of its people, offers more than just sightseeing. It becomes a memorable journey where you learn about the region’s “present” and feel its strides toward the future.
・Sō Cycle Local Guide by Manager Kimura
・Wonder Farm Lunch
・Tomato picking experience