Highly recommended! - Our guide, Katie, was cheerful and gave clear, engaging explanations throughout. She kept a great pace, making it possible to efficiently explore all the highlights of Morioka—even if you’re short on time. We visited multiple shrines, a local sweets shop where you can only try these treats here, and several historical and cultural spots. It was a tour that truly satisfied both the mind and my stomach. One of the most memorable moments for me was visiting the place where the name “Iwate Prefecture” is said to have originated. It was a beautiful, peaceful site with no one else around—a spot I would have never found on my own. The bike was electric-assisted, so even someone like me, who doesn’t have much stamina, could ride comfortably and enjoy the tour without any problems.

Excellent! - The cycling are not too difficult even for beginners and it is good that we could see many hidden spots where we would not go without e-bike and a local guide. She is very friendly and the tour was very well organised. I do recommend you to go to their tours!

Japanese culture and heritage - Katy did a wonderful job showing our family of five around Morioka. The e-bikes were comfortable to ride and had a built-in lock feature which was handy for our many stops. One of the highlights was stopping at a reconstructed Japanese home reminiscent of the 17th century. It also doubles now as a cafe/tea house. We also stopped at two natural springs and tasted the water. Very soft and refreshing. We also visited several shrines and learned the protocol used for prayer. The final jaunt was passing by several shops one of which was a bakery. Would have liked to stop but we had to catch our Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo which Katy was kind enough to let us drop off our bikes near the station.

Chill in Morioka: Nature, Culture & Good Times - I recently participated in the cycling tour "Chill in Morioka: Nature, Culture & Good Times", and it was an absolutely luxurious experience as I cycled around the city of Morioka! [Start! Enjoying the Pleasant Breeze] This was my first time riding an electric-assist bicycle (e-bike), and it was incredibly comfortable! I was able to easily cycle up hills without any problem, even though I’m not very confident in my fitness. After a warm welcome from our guide, we were off on our journey! [Awe-Inspiring Scenery Along the Kitakami River] The first highlight was cycling along the majestic Kitakami River. The view from the Kōin Bridge was particularly stunning, offering a perfect panoramic view of the iconic Kitakami River and Mount Iwate. It was the ideal photo spot, and I couldn’t stop clicking away at the breathtaking scenery. [A Moment to Immerse in History and Culture] At Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park), I strolled through the expansive park, reflecting on the castle’s history. At Sakurayama Shrine, I was enveloped by the peaceful and sacred atmosphere, which felt like a cleansing experience for the soul. Thanks to our guide, I was able to deepen my understanding of the culture in a meaningful way. [The Vibrancy of the City and the Local "Chill"] We then cycled to the charming Nata-ya Machi area, where the traditional streets have been preserved. It felt like stepping back in time. As we cycled past historic shops and small local stores, it was a refreshing experience to feel the heartbeat of the city and witness the lively daily activities of the locals, far from the usual tourist spots. [Grateful for the Warmth of Our Guide] What made this tour so fantastic was undoubtedly the presence of our guide. Not only did they guide us, but their genuine effort to share Morioka’s hidden gems with us was evident. Thanks to them, the trip became even more enjoyable and memorable. "Chill in Morioka: Nature, Culture & Good Times" is truly a special tour that allows you to experience the history, culture, nature, and warmth of the people of Morioka with all five senses. Cycling through the city made me fall even more in love with Morioka. If you're visiting Iwate Prefecture, I highly recommend taking this cycling tour to experience the deep charm of Morioka!