The weekend filled with events has passed, and at last, a day arrived where we could all ride bikes together. With Rick, who came to Japan for our anniversary, also having brought his bike, we made a plan to go ride the trails together.
We headed to Matsuzaki Town, located in the southwestern part of the Izu Peninsula. It's about a 5-hour drive from Nagoya. While the opening of the Shin-Tomei Expressway has certainly made it more accessible than before, it still takes a fair amount of time once you get off the Izu Jukan Expressway and hit the local roads. But perhaps that’s the allure of Izu—that it feels like a hidden sanctuary only reachable by those willing to overcome that mental distance. Thinking of this, I left the driving to Jas, and we headed straight for Izu.
Let’s try climbing by bike – Yamabushi Trail Tour
Having landed in Matsuzaki Port, the center of the world, we reunited with the team at Yamabushi Trail Tour and headed out to the trails in the beautiful, clear weather. While they usually offer shuttle service to the trailhead by van, we decided to make the most of it, and more than half of us rode our bikes all the way to the top. We were treated to spectacular views from the approach, making the group even more excited for the adventure ahead. By the way, please note that the tour fee remains the same even if you don't use the shuttle service.
For the steep sections where it’s tough to pedal, we got off our bikes, rested, and listened to the murmuring of the river and the chirping of small birds. When we got tired, we’d stop for a moment and snack on the bread we kept in our waist pouches.
These trails have existed for over 1,200 years and were once used for charcoal production. By restoring these old paths, clearing neglected broadleaf trees—which are then sold as fuel for wood stoves or to smoke local traditional delicacies like Izu Tago-bushi (dried bonito)—they maintain this amazing field in harmony with the local community.
With courses tailored to all skill levels and a great selection of rental bikes, Yamabushi Trail Tour provides an environment where anyone who wants to enjoy the world of ATB/All-Terrain Bikes can jump in and try it out easily. The girls were delighted with their first ATB ride in a long while.
From half-pipe trails originally made for dragging charcoal sleds, to paths cut through solid rock, the diverse terrain is covered with broadleaf trees. With the carpet of fallen leaves providing a soft cushion for the winter, we lost track of time as we rode through the forest as if gliding on the soft ground.
Before we knew it, sunset was upon us. We finished with one final, exquisite descent to a high ground with an open view. Below us, the sun setting into Suruga Bay, and behind us, the deep, vast mountains. A perfect conclusion to this iconic scene of Nishi-Izu, Matsuzaki Town. It was absolutely wonderful.
Of course, another charm of Izu is that after your ride, you can heal your tired body in an excellent hot spring while overlooking the ocean, and enjoy fresh seafood after your soak. It’s almost worth coming just for that! Cycling along the coastline of Nishi-Izu while watching the sunset is also top-tier. Honestly, one day is not nearly enough to enjoy all that Izu has to offer.
Interested in joining a trail tour?
Warm Izu is rideable all year round, and the guides at Yamabushi Trail Tour are incredibly kind, offering advice on everything from riding techniques to recommendations for the best hot springs and eateries. If you’re interested in joining, the ATB crews at Circles and Culture Club can help arrange everything from access to gear, so please feel free to ask us!