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Cycling Tour: Explore Historic Ikuno's Ore Road
5.0
8 Ratings
Asago
Embark on an e-bike tour adventure through the Kansai countryside, exploring historic mining towns and immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture. Experience the beauty and serenity of rural Japan on this unique cycling journey.
Embark on an e-bike tour adventure through the Kansai countryside, exploring historic mining towns and immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture. Experience the beauty and serenity of rural Japan on this unique cycling journey.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Old Official Residence of Ikuno Mine - Explore one of Japan’s oldest surviving official residences and company housing. Located in the historic silver mining town of Ikuno, it has been recognized as a nationally important cultural landscape. These “Koushataku” houses, constructed by the Mitsubishi Corporation around 1876, are now cultural…
- Old Official Residence of Ikuno Mine - Explore one of Japan’s oldest surviving official residences and company housing. Located in the historic silver mining town of Ikuno, it has been recognized as a nationally important cultural landscape. These “Koushataku” houses, constructed by the Mitsubishi Corporation around 1876, are now cultural properties of Asago City. Experience booking accommodation in this historic building and reflect on the past way of life.
- Ikunocho Kuchiganaya - As you cycle through Ikuno, immerse yourself in a mining town with over 1200 years of history. Stroll along the tracks once used by mine carts to transport ore and enjoy the stunning views of rivers, shrines, and nature. Discover how French engineers contributed to the industrialization of the mining town and Japan’s initial steps towards modernization.
- Habuchi - After passing through local residences and leaving Ikuno, head towards Habuchi town along the Road of Ores route. Stop at one of Japan’s oldest remaining cast-iron bridges, where you can walk across and admire it up close. It’s a fantastic photo spot, especially during Cherry Blossom season.
- Mikobata Cast Iron Bridge - Nestled in a deeper valley, visit Japan’s oldest cast-iron bridge, constructed by French engineers over 170 years ago. The river provides breathtaking photographic opportunities. It’s a special place where guests often enjoy spending time.
- Mikobata Senkojo Mine - As you near Mikobata, prepare to be amazed by the vast ruins that come into view. Learn about the history of these ruins and have the chance to buy locally-made souvenirs. We’ll have lunch together here and enjoy some free time to explore.
- Asago Cycling - Authentic cycling tours in the Japanese countryside - Visit our dedicated Cyclist Station and base of operations. Enjoy a complimentary drink and relax with us in a comfortable setting before your departure.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Rainwear (in case of light rainfall or cold)
- Lunch
- Rainwear (in case of light rainfall or cold)
Additional Information
Explore Ikuno, a historic mining town with a legacy of over 1200 years. The Ore Road is a remnant of the railway where trolleys once transported ore. This path can be traversed by bicycle or on foot, offering views of rivers, shrines, and stunning natural landscapes.
Departing from Ikuno, with its charming traditional Japanese homes, the journey…
Explore Ikuno, a historic mining town with a legacy of over 1200 years. The Ore Road is a remnant of the railway where trolleys once transported ore. This path can be traversed by bicycle or on foot, offering views of rivers, shrines, and stunning natural landscapes.
Departing from Ikuno, with its charming traditional Japanese homes, the journey continues along a scenic mountain trail. A highlight is the oldest cast-iron bridge in Japan, constructed by French engineers more than 170 years ago, and a favorite photo opportunity for visitors!
As the road winds towards Mikobata, you’ll encounter the impressive ruins of the Mikobata Ore Dressing Plant. The sheer scale of the site is awe-inspiring. Engage with locals to learn about the plant’s history and purchase unique local souvenirs.
Lunch is enjoyed here, followed by free time to explore the surroundings.
The tour concludes at Nii Station.
- Not recommended for travelers who are unable to cycle on a bicycle
- Not recommended for travelers who are unfamiliar with the basic workings of a bicycle
Location
Ikuno Station
We meet in front of the station. You will see a convenience store across the road. We will be waiting with your E-Bikes for the day by the parking area.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(8 Ratings)
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1 star
Yasikaranatera
Apr 13, 2025
Henjo-ji Goshuin for the Kazumi forehand - Hensho-ji Temple in Kasumi. The goshuin here is beautiful. Henjo-ji Temple is a bellflower temple recommended during the summer months. When I offered to have a goshuin on this day, I was shown around the temple and even had tea. I was so confused about choosing a goshuin because of the variety.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
196racheller
Apr 28, 2024
Amazing tour through the countryside - One of my favorite cycling tours ! Although it’s far from the city, I promise you won’t regret signing up. Unlike a tour within the city, you actually get a feel of what living in Japan was like back then. I really enjoyed exploring through the town and seeing all the different houses and buildings. It was fun to learn a little bit of history for each of the buildings and structures that we came across long on our tour. My favorite part was walking along the old trail track that follows along the river behind some of the houses. For lunch, they provided a delicious bento and we got to eat inside of the stores that we toured in. At the start of tour I was worried about whether I could keep up with the cycling tour, but the Asago cycling team provided e-bikes and were really kind and patient, checking often to see if everyone was okay when cycling. I’m glad I signed up for the tour even though I signed up alone. Anyone who joins will be sure to enjoy it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paweł
Sep 11, 2023
Great experience - Totally recommend. We really enjoyed this trip.
First of all, It was really well organised. The cycling path had great scenery with beatifull coutryside views. If anyone wants to see how people are living in the countryside, this is the way to go.
We went for option with e-bikes. These were top notch, brand new bikes. If u are cycling newbie, with these bikes u dont have to worry :)
The guide, Kevin, was really nice guy who told us a lat obout region and community living in that area. We have learned a lot and it was fun to listen and talk to Kevin.
In the middle of the trip, lunchboxes were delivered to us by one of the Asago cycling crew memberes. These were freshly prepered from local ingredients and it was best bento boxes which we have tried so far.
At the end of the trip we had really tasty mochi and coffee, which concluded the trip.
Once again, highly recommend :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mare-seeming-0p
May 7, 2023
Enjoy Cycling in Beautiful and Historical Countryside of North Hyogo, Japan - Enjoyed a picturesque autumn cycling tour exploring the cultural and historical countryside area of north Hyogo Prefecture November 2022. Highly recommended for cycling enthusiasts!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aiden
Apr 16, 2023
Want to do this again for each season! - I enjoyed the tour and experience very much. We got to experience those small fantastic intimate moments Japan us famous for in beautiful spots free of the crowds. We visited temples, wonderful places to eat, museums and exhibits as well as adventured to cool things like into silver mine and on the ore road. My favourite part however was the overnight stay in the fantastic heritage house! I will never forget that and I’m trying to low-key convince my friends to do it too! It also happens to be near one of the most beautiful spots in Hyogo!
I’m also not a good cyclist :P But they were very helpful in making sure I was doing ok and having a good time! Because of the experience with them, I actually started cycling more!
Can’t recommend the experience enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zettaijin
Apr 15, 2023
Easy countryside riding with friendly, experienced guides - Over the past few years, I have become more and more interested in cycling in Japan.
Having cycled to more crowded urban areas like Osaka and Kyoto, the chance to check out the more rural side of Kansai was very welcome.
The odd cyberpunk/post-apocalyptic Mikotoba dressing plant is of course the "star" of the tour (and the object of its own line of souvenirs). A foreboding and almost alien place that rivals the infamous Les Bois building in Ikebukuro for iconic design.
But there's plenty to see for nature lovers and people just looking for a fairly easy little ride through a quiet locale. While my fellow riders (minus the guides) were on Ebikes, I opted for the fully human powered option and found the ride to be quite breezy and in no way difficult for someone who rides on a fairly regular basis.
And there is certainly something to be said about the team at Asago_Cycling. Everyone was friendly, informative and attentive to each rider's needs. The bicycle provided was a smooth ride and a far cry from the sometimes rickety bikes you get with certain rental places.
If you get a chance, I strongly urge you to try it out and see a side of the "real" Japan you might not get otherwise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yeganeg2023
Apr 15, 2023
I totally recommend these tours! - These tours are fun and active! The guides are very friendly and helpful! They managed a good collection of historical and brand new spots which were very fun to cycle and explanations were informative!
The timing and roads were considerately planned, and the guides gave us all the necessary regulations and cautionary tips in both English and Japanese!
We used their electric bikes which were very good quality, but I guess you can take your own road bike!
Food in Asago is diverse, and if you ask the guides, they give you recommendations based on your dietary preferences!
I recommend it to those who wanna get extra experience of Japan other than Osaka downtown or such places! It’s unique!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomascw3608xx
Apr 15, 2023
Tried one, had to come back for more! - Having been on one tour with Asago Cycling, I knew I had to come back for another! This tour was equally as exciting and interesting as the last one. I learnt so much about the history of Ikuno and the breathtaking route of the Silver Mine Carriage Road! Cycling through the countryside really immersed me in the area's awesome environment. Another incredible experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
