Author: funridejapan

Mount Kitadake, the highest peak in the Southern Alps, stands as the second-highest mountain in Japan after Mount Fuji. The ascent to the summit is steep and demanding, requiring strong physical endurance.
However, it is renowned as one of the 100 flower mountains in Japan, and the hiking trail is adorned with alpine flora that soothes the soul.
I was blessed with good weather, and the view from the summit and the mountain hut was amazing.
The view of Mount Fuji from the summit of Mount Kitadake and the mountain hut was beautiful,
I could see various faces of Mount Fuji.

We received some fantastic photos from our Malaysian guests, whom we had the pleasure of riding this spring. They were wearing our company’s T-shirts and holding Tenugui (Japanese towel), capturing a memorable moment.

We can feel the warm nostalgia they have for their time in Japan.
We are truly grateful for their kind sentiments.

Being able to share such wonderful moments is a source of great joy for us.
Our connection with customers extends beyond business—it’s a precious opportunity to expand the horizons of our hearts.

We look forward to continuing to share incredible moments with all of you.
Thank you,Veneesia,Chai,Sam,Karen!

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Hayama town is a small coastal town with beautiful sea and mountain views, located just about an hour away from Tokyo.
During the summer, it is bustling with beachgoers. Why don’t we take a leisurely walk along the coastline, watching the yachts floating in the sea and stopping by the cafes and restaurants that line the shore? Taking time to relax in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, can heal your mind and body.

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From today, I will be staying in Nasu Kogen for two nights. For lunch, I went to “Tora Shokudo” in Shirakawa for their famous Shirakawa ramen. It’s a ramen shop located in a peaceful area with expansive rice fields away from the hustle and bustle. Despite it being past the lunchtime rush on a weekday, there was still a long line. 😄 I had their recommended Wonton Noodles, which were delicious with a light soy sauce flavor. Now that my stomach is satisfied, I’ll head to the accommodation.

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Before going to Nasu Kogen, I happened to come across a sake brewery in Shirakawa and decided to visit. Despite being a long-established brewery with a 100-year history, they humbly said, “We’re still inexperienced.” The “Junmai Daiginjo Senkoma” I purchased this time was refreshing, with a lingering sweetness from the rice. It was perfect for someone like me who enjoys Junmai sake. (Actually, I’m a certified sake taster 😊) No matter where you go in Japan, it’s amazing! Truly, it’s Beautiful Japan!

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After spending two nights in Gotemba and enjoying plenty of shopping at the outlet, we found ourselves on the last day of our 10-day tour.
First, we headed to Lake Motosuko Resort to see the Shibazakura (moss phlox) and Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was hidden behind clouds, but the Shibazakura was in full bloom. Our guests Chai, Veneesia, Sam, and Karen wore our original Fun Ride Japan T-shirts and took commemorative photos. We are grateful for their thoughtfulness.
For lunch, we ate the famous local dish called “Hoto” at Lake Kawaguchiko. Then we set off towards Tokyo, bidding farewell to Mount Fuji, as if it were reluctant to let us go.
During the 10-day Tohoku tour, we had many enjoyable memories. We rode through the snow walls at Jododaira, rode the scorching 35-degree heat in Kofu, indulged in delicious local cuisine, and enjoyed shopping. Chai, Veneesia, Sam, and Karen, thank you so much. We made a promise to meet again next year. This time, we plan to tour the three islands of Shikoku and Kyushu. We look forward to it.
This trip has become a special memory for us. We were able to visit new places and spend quality time with wonderful companions, and we truly felt happiness in our hearts. We eagerly await the next adventure.

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We departed from Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture and leisurely made our way towards Shizuoka Prefecture on local roads. We didn’t have any plans to visit tourist attractions, so we enjoyed a leisurely tour while fulfilling Sam and Karen’s requests, such as buying a large carp-shaped windsock “Koinobori” and stopping by a Harley-Davidson shop.
As we entered Shizuoka Prefecture, the beautiful Mt. Fuji welcomed us. The weather was great today, and we could see magnificent views of Mt. Fuji here and there. The scenery in Shizuoka Prefecture was incredibly beautiful, and the sight of Mt. Fuji surrounded by its surroundings was truly breathtaking.
We decided to stay at a hotel near Gotemba Outlet for two nights. Tomorrow will be a full day of shopping. We plan to enjoy shopping and relieve stress as we explore the various stores. Gotemba Outlet is a famous shopping spot with a wide range of brand stores.
It looks like tomorrow will be a fulfilling day. We are looking forward to shopping and enjoying our time together. We will savor the charms of Shizuoka Prefecture and make unforgettable memories on this trip.

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Today, we left from Nozawa Onsen and crossed over the mountains to head towards Matsumoto. Our first destination was the small town of Obuse in northern Shinshu, known for its chestnuts and Hokusai. Obuse has a charming townscape with historic traditional houses and stone-paved streets that exude warmth. We parked our bikes and began exploring the town.
Obuse is famous for delicious traditional sweets and rice cakes made with chestnuts. We visited a Japanese confectionery shop, bought souvenirs, savored the rice cakes, and even tried some locally brewed sake. The rice cakes had a delightful sweetness and a chewy texture that filled our hearts with joy. Moreover, Obuse is renowned as a town of flowers. Beautiful flowers bloomed throughout the town, creating a picturesque scene. From cherry blossoms to azaleas and dogwood, different flowers welcomed us depending on the season. Armed with a camera, we captured the beauty of these flowers.After leaving Obuse, we continued towards Matsumoto. Along the scenic road, typical of Nagano, we encountered rows of apple, peach, and grape trees. The aroma of fruits filled the air, and we found solace in the landscapes that unfolded before our eyes.

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Today, we rode along the Japan Sea coast and headed towards Shinshu’s Nozawa Onsen. our first stop was “Teradomari Sakana no Ichiba-dori”, known as “Fish Ameyoko” .This street is lined with seafood markets offering fresh catches from the Japan Sea at affordable prices.As we strolled along the street,the tantalizing aroma of grilled squid and scallops enticed us, awakening our appetite. We carefully selected our favorites and enjoyed them leisurely at a local restaurant. Sea urchin, salmon roe, tuna, oysters… they were all delicious and reasonably priced. After thoroughly enjoying the bounties of the Japan Sea, we proceeded inland towards the picturesque Nozawa Onsen, nestled deep in the mountains of Shinshu. we planned to stay at a renowned traditional inn that has been passed down through eighteen generations. Today’s journey allowed us to indulge in the delectable seafood from the Japan Sea and luxuriate in the soothing hot springs, providing a rejuvenating experience for both mind and body.

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