Riding Through the Land of Sunshine A 2-Day Cycling Journey in Okayama with Linda

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Explore the charm of Okayama through the lens of Linda, the popular Taiwanese cycling influencer, as she takes on the “HARE IRO CYCLING OKAYAMA” project. Known as “the Land of Sunshine,” Okayama offers a diverse range of routes, from high-altitude plateaus to ancient historical trails.

In this feature, we follow Linda’s journey as she explores the scenic Hiruzen Highland and the legendary Kibi Plain. Whether you are a fan of sweeping mountain views or deep historical dives, these routes provide the perfect backdrop for your next Japanese cycling adventure.

Day 1: Hiruzen Highland — Nature’s Refreshing High-Altitude Escape

On the first day, Linda headed north to the Hiruzen Highland, a plateau sitting at an elevation of 500–600 meters. This area is home to the Hiruzen Kogen Cycling Road, a dedicated 30km loop that is widely considered one of the most beautiful bike paths in Japan.

Shiogama Camping Village: Hydration from the Source

The journey begins at Shiogama Camping Village, home to the “Shiogama Cold Spring.” Listed as one of the 100 most famous mineral waters in Japan, this natural spring maintains a constant temperature of 11°C year-round. It’s the perfect spot for cyclists to fill their bottles with crisp, cold water before hitting the road.

Hiruzen Jersey Land: Rolling Pastures and Gourmet Rewards

Cycling through the rolling hills leads you to Hiruzen Jersey Land, where Jersey cattle graze peacefully against a backdrop of mountains. For cyclists, the mandatory “recharge” here is the famous Jersey milk soft-serve ice cream, known for its incredible richness.

Hiruzen Winery: A Taste of Wild Grapes

The route also stops at Hiruzen Winery, which specializes in unique wines made from wild mountain grapes (Yamabudo). The winery features a cafe where riders can take a break and learn about the local viticulture.

Miki-ga-hara and Kayabeno: The “Hiruzen Sanza” Panorama

The highlight for many cyclists is the stretch between Miki-ga-hara and the Kayabeno rest area. Here, you get an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the Hiruzen Sanza—the three majestic peaks of Mt. Kami-Hiruzen, Mt. Naka-Hiruzen, and Mt. Shimo-Hiruzen. The path is well-paved and gently winds through white birch forests, offering a true “nature ride” experience.

Day 2: Kibi Plain — A Legendary Journey Through Time

On the second day, Linda explored the Kibi Plain, a region steeped in the “Momotaro” (Peach Boy) legend. This route is largely flat and follows the Kibi Plain Cycling Road, which is celebrated as one of Japan’s top 100 roads.

Kibitsu Shrine: The Iconic 400m Corridor

The ride starts at Kibitsu Shrine, the legendary site where the deity Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto is said to have defeated the ogre Ura. Cyclists can walk through the 400-meter-long wooden corridor that follows the natural slope of the land—a breathtaking architectural feat. Linda even drew an omikuji (fortune) here, adding a touch of spiritual luck to her journey.

Tsukuriyama Burial Mound: A Climbable Piece of History

A unique stop on this route is the Tsukuriyama Burial Mound (Kofun). As the fourth-largest ancient burial mound in Japan, it is rare because visitors are permitted to actually climb to the top. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the rural landscape you’ve just cycled through.

Bitchu Kokubun-ji: The Symbolic Five-Story Pagoda

The silhouette of the Five-Story Pagoda at Bitchu Kokubun-ji Temple is the quintessential image of Okayama cycling. The bike path runs directly alongside the temple grounds, allowing riders to frame their bicycles against the majestic pagoda for the perfect photo.

Nomaru Horticulture & Soja Bakeries: The Ultimate Pit Stop

No ride is complete without local treats. Nomaru Horticulture (Kibiji Farm) is one of the largest farm markets in the region, offering fresh seasonal fruits like peaches and strawberries. Additionally, the nearby city of Soja is famous as a “Bread Town.” Linda took the time to visit local bakeries, highlighting the town’s vibrant bakery culture which is a favorite among local cyclists for a mid-ride energy boost.

Linda’s Cycling Tips for Okayama

Linda emphasizes that Okayama is a “Cycling Paradise” because the roads are exceptionally well-maintained and the scenery changes dramatically between the highlands and the plains.

For Nature Lovers: Choose the Hiruzen Highland route for fresh air, dairy treats, and mountain vistas.

For Culture Seekers: Choose the Kibi Road for an easy, flat ride through Japanese history and folklore.

With its “HARE IRO” (sunny color) charm, Okayama invites cyclists of all levels to discover a side of Japan that moves at the perfect pace—the pace of a bicycle.

Cooperation: Okayama Prefecture “HARE IRO CYCLING OKAYAMA” Project