The market event "Arcade," which will be held in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama, on October 7-8, is fast approaching. Circles will be participating as "BIKE to Arcade" with a ride activity and by managing a bicycle cloak (bike parking) at the venue!
We have already introduced what kind of event Arcade is, but the lineup of vendors this time is truly impressive. Please come down to the venue as a mini-getaway. I think it’s going to be something incredible.
BIKE to Arcade offers two courses over the weekend
In Shingu, just north of Nachikatsuura, there is a unique bicycle shop called "Wheel Action" that we have been in touch with for some time. They are not just a bike shop, but also a bookstore, and they do frame building too. Of course, they are also a SimWorks dealer.
We asked Mr. Nishimura from Wheel Action to show us some recommended local routes, and we will be hosting two rides. Saturday will be an easy route via Shingu, and Sunday will be a middle route starting from Kushimoto, further to the south. Both offer a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo trail. We will be back at the venue around noon so you can fully enjoy Arcade as well.
Saturday, the 7th: BIKE to Arcade – Shingu Easy Route
9:15 Meet in front of the venue's Cycle Cloak
9:45 JR Kinokuni Line, Kii-Katsuura Station
10:06 Board the train bound for Shingu
10:29 Arrive at Shingu and start the ride
22km, 278m elevation gain
13:00 Arrive at venue (scheduled)
Sunday, the 8th: BIKE to Arcade – Kushimoto Middle Route
9:15 Meet in front of the venue's Cycle Cloak
9:45 JR Kinokuni Line, Kii-Katsuura Station
10:06 Board the train bound for Kii-Tanabe
10:43 Arrive at Kushimoto and start the ride
34.8km, 509m elevation gain
14:00 Arrive at venue (scheduled)
※You can also join at Shingu or Kushimoto stations.
※Road bikes are welcome. Please note there are some gravel and hike-a-bike sections.
For both routes, there is a 500 yen participation fee (collected on-site) to cover insurance.
The insurance will provide coverage for injuries during the ride.
Click here for the hard route circling behind Nachi Falls
For roadies who want to get some serious riding in, we recommend the route that goes behind Nachi Falls. It might be the best way to get a good workout before grabbing some delicious food at Arcade.
Nachi Falls back route / 64.9km, 2,079m elevation gain
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44410976
Park your bike at the Cycle Cloak
Arcade will be held at Nachikatsuura Fishing Port. We will set up a "CYCLE CLOAK" bike parking area along the road right in front. Even if you aren't joining the ride, please feel free to ride your bike to the venue from your hotel, the neighborhood, or after a long ride. There is plenty of space for bicycles. And there will be plenty of delicious vendors waiting for you to build up an appetite.
The mamachari (city bike) area with stands will be open parking, while the area for sport bikes is planned to be a staffed parking service. Both are free to use (donations welcome).
"Arcade in Nachikatsuura 2023"
Dates |
October 7, 2023 (Sat) 10:00–20:00 (Some shops until 21:00)
October 8, 2023 (Sun) 09:00–18:00
Venue |
Katsuura Fishing Port, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Address |
Katsuura Fishing Port Market 1 & 2, 7-8-2 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
GoogleMap
Access |
4-minute walk from JR Kii-Katsuura Station
Parking |
Numerous free parking lots available nearby
Vendor list
https://arcadeproject.jp/shoplist/
The charm of Nachikatsuura and Arcade
Arcade is held at Nachikatsuura Fishing Port, famous for its tuna landings. Though it’s not the easiest to access, you’ll find it’s packed with visitors from abroad, and it offers that quintessential Japanese landscape people travel specifically to see. After your ride, you can take a boat over to Urashima to soak in the cave hot springs, enjoy a tent sauna by The SAUNA on the roof of a hotel right in front, or check out the mobile car wash stand. Beyond these unique local and nationwide experiences, there will even be fireworks. It’s a community-wide event that was even featured on NHK, and it looks like it will draw a huge crowd. Look forward to it!!
Scenes from the test ride↓
