Paper Sky, a magazine and web media outlet operating under the concept of "an in-flight magazine you read on the ground," is hosting Tour de Nippon.
It’s a wonderful tour series that uses bicycles as a tool to explore the unique localities across Japan. We’ve decided to get involved as sponsors for this Hokuto, Yamanashi edition, and we'll be participating in the ride event ourselves!
We highly recommend this tour event here at Circles, so please come and join us!
What is PAPERSKY Tour de Nippon?
PAPERSKY Tour de Nippon is a tour project planned and proposed by PAPERSKY with the theme of "rediscovering the charm of Japan." We travel across Japan by bicycle in search of the appealing culture, lifestyles, nature, food, and the people who live in those regions.
https://papersky.jp/project/tour-de-nippon-yamanashi-hokuto/
This time it will be held in Hokuto, Yamanashi. One of our motivations for joining is that it's being supported by SUNDAY, an outdoor shop in Kofu, Yamanashi, that we absolutely love. The owner, Mr. Ishikawa, is also a DOPPO ATB rider. They’ve been incredibly supportive of us!
Also, Lucas, who runs the project, ordered a SEVEN CYCLES frame through Circles, and we helped build his dream bike! We just had to collaborate on this!
It’s truly a blessing that the Circles community is spreading across Japan through various relationships, and I’m so happy to be able to ride in different regions thanks to these connections.
The real thrill of the bicycle as a tool is not just in riding it, but in how it creates a "circle" of people like this.
What’s the tour like?
As for the tour content, it’s not particularly grueling. It’s focused on activities and experiences, with a focus on detours, enjoying delicious food, listening to the stories of creators, and enjoying some music.
Bike & Hike with views of the Yatsugatake and Minami Alps
A journey to discover richness in Hokuto, embraced by beautiful forests
A Tour de Nippon journey to enjoy the charms of Hokuto—surrounded by the Yatsugatake mountains, the Minami Alps, and beautiful nature—with all five senses. On the first day, we’ll cycle along a route with a refreshing breeze. While enjoying delicious lunches and sweets, we’ll visit the local life and rich livelihoods unique to Hokuto. At night, we’ll enjoy outdoor food at the popular facility, "Hakushu/Ojirasawa Meisui Park Verga." The second day includes not just cycling, but also a hike up Mount Hinata. You’ll be treated to a spectacular view of a white beach that you wouldn't expect to see on a mountaintop. Come, let’s breeze through Hokuto as lightly as the wind.
Highlights of PAPERSKY Tour de Nippon in Hokuto, Yamanashi● Cycling while visiting "Gallery Trax" and "HOMEMADE VILLAGE"
● Enjoying a lunch box from "sundaysfood" at "Nohohon BOOKS&COFFEE"
● Souvenir shopping at Roadside Station Kobuchisawa & a visit to the "UCHU BREWING" taproom
● Outdoor dining by "mountain＊mountain" and an acoustic live performance by Tomoko Oshio
● Breakfast with trail food from "DILL eat,life." before fueling up for the hike
● Lunch with bagel sandwiches from "YES! BAGEL" at the summit of Mount Hinata, which offers breathtaking views
[Tour Overview]Meeting: July 8th (Sat), 10:20 AM at JR Chuo Main Line "Hinoharu Station" (Tomioka, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Accommodation: Hakushu/Ojirasawa Meisui Park Verga (Indoors) (8056 Hakushu-cho Shirasu, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture; TEL: 0551-35-4411)
Dissolution: July 9th (Sun), 3:30 PM at JR Chuo Main Line "Hinoharu Station" (Tomioka, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Total distance: Approx. 53km (Day 1: approx. 37km + Day 2: approx. 16km). Day 2 includes a hike up Mount Hinata (9:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Participation fee: 32,000 yen (29,000 yen for Yamanashi residents)
※ +3,000 yen for BRUNO bicycle rentalIncludes: Cycling guide, accommodation, meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast), snacks, support car (for luggage), and insurance.
Not included: Transportation to/from your home to the meeting/dissolution point, and any meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary.
[How to Apply]
http://travelers-sky.com/contact/ (Travelers Sky Co., Ltd.)※ Please use the URL above to contact them, and specify "Participation for Tour de Nippon in Hokuto, Yamanashi" in the message field. A travel application form and terms and conditions document will be sent to the email address you provide.
[Inquiries]
https://papersky.jp/contact (PAPERSKY Tour de Nippon Office)
● Those who have rented a bicycle for a Tour de Nippon event three or more times are requested to bring their own bicycle and participate via rinko (bagging your bike for transport). We want to give as many people as possible the chance to experience BRUNO bikes, so we appreciate your cooperation.● Registration is completed upon payment of the participation fee.
● If you have a cycling helmet, please be sure to bring it. Free rentals are also available.
【Planning】PAPERSKY / Hokuto City Tourism Association
【Organizer】Kumamoto Travel Agencies Association (Registered Travel Agency No. 2-226)
【Arrangements】Travelers Sky Co., Ltd.
● Minimum participants: 1 ● Tour conductor: Not included, but PAPERSKY staff will accompany the entire itinerary.
Events we host, like WONDER HOPPER, tend to be quite tough (though doable even for someone riding a sport bike for the first time), but this is actually my first time participating in a tour that mixes in these other types of activities and cultural experiences, so I plan to join with the intention of learning.
Join us and ride together!
Good places, good people, and good food—there's no doubt this will be a great time! Hokuto is a riding spot I personally highly recommend, so we’re looking forward to having you join us from Nagoya and all over the country!
Let's ride together!