A leisurely cycling tour through Yamagata's Okitama Sakura Corridor is set to take place this spring, guiding participants on a relaxed "pottering"-style ride to cherry blossom spots and local food stops across the Okitama region. Rental bikes and helmet are included in the tour fee, so participants can join empty-handed.
Why Explore by Bicycle? The Rise of Cycle Tourism
In recent years, cycle tourism — sightseeing by bicycle — has been gaining momentum in Japan as part of the broader ecotourism movement. Bicycles travel faster than walking yet slower than driving, making it possible to notice the small details and passing scenery that a car window would blur past. It's also easy to stop and linger at a favorite spot, which is one of cycling's biggest draws.
What is "Pottering"?
Pottering refers to a style of cycling characterized by a slow, stroll-like pace. Riders cover shorter distances with frequent rest stops, making it accessible even for those who don't cycle regularly. Guides provide commentary and photo opportunities along the way, giving participants plenty of memories to take home.
About the Okitama Sakura Corridor
The Okitama Sakura Corridor stretches approximately 43 km along the Flower Nagai Line railway in the Okitama Basin in southern Yamagata Prefecture, connecting Nanyo City (Akayu), Nagai City (Nagai), and Shirataka Town (Arato). Around 20 cherry blossom sites are scattered along this route, including ancient and grand trees that are over 1,200 years old.
Highlights along the corridor include:
- Eboshiyama Senbonzakura (Nanyo City) — one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites
- Isazawa no Kubo-zakura (Nagai City) — nationally designated natural monument
- Kusaoka no Daimyojin-zakura (Nagai City) — nationally designated natural monument
- Yakushi-zakura (Shirataka Town) — prefecturally designated natural monument
Tour Highlight 1: Three Separate Dates Covering the Entire Corridor
Because the Okitama Sakura Corridor spans three municipalities, the cycling tour is divided into one day per municipality — a total of three outings. Participants can join on whichever dates suit them, or aim to complete all three for the full experience.
Tour Dates:
- Saturday, April 11 — [Nanyo City] Kumano Grand Shrine, Foot Bath & Cherry Blossoms / Meeting point: Akayu Station
- Sunday, April 12 — [Nagai City] River Port Town & Cherry Blossoms / Meeting point: Michi-no-Eki Kawa no Minato Nagai
- Saturday, April 18 — [Shirataka Town] Ancient Sakura Village & Cherry Blossoms / Meeting point: Arato Station
Tour Highlight 2: Rental Bikes Included — No Equipment Needed
The tour fee covers rental bicycle usage, so participants can show up with nothing but themselves. Bikes are provided at the meeting point on the day of the tour and returned there at the end. Rental helmets are also included, and helmet use is required while cycling.
Available Rental Bikes:
- E-bike: 7 units — ADO Air 20, 3-level electric assist
- Cross bike: 3 units — MERIDA, 21-speed (3 front × 7 rear)
Tour Highlight 3: A Souvenir Set to Take Home
After a day of riding, participants receive a souvenir set filled with local sweets and gifts from the tour area — a sweet reward after the exercise. Participants who join two or more of the three tour dates also receive a special repeat-participant bonus.
Experienced Cycle Guides Lead the Way
Main Guide: Yokoyama, Yamagata Pottering Club
A veteran guide well-versed in the Okitama Sakura Corridor's highlights and local dining accompanies each tour. Before departure, the guide provides a safety briefing covering traffic rules, cycling etiquette, and proper technique.
Tour Overview
Tour Dates:
- Saturday, April 11 — Nanyo City / Meeting: Akayu Station
- Sunday, April 12 — Nagai City / Meeting: Michi-no-Eki Kawa no Minato Nagai
- Saturday, April 18 — Shirataka Town / Meeting: Arato Station
Location: Okitama Area, Yamagata Prefecture
Capacity: 7 participants per session
Booking Deadline: 2 days before each session
Price: ¥4,400 (tax included)
Schedule:
- 9:45 AM — Gather at the meeting point. Safety briefing by the guide once participants arrive.
- 10:00 AM — Depart! The guide leads the group out on the route, with frequent stops and rest breaks along the way.
- 12:00 PM — Lunch break (free choice; nearby restaurants are suggested, or participants may bring their own lunch)
- 3:30 PM — Return to the meeting point and finish. Rental items are returned, then participants are free to go.
Note: Times may vary slightly depending on the day's conditions.
For tour details and reservations, visit the official booking page.
