“Wonderful Memories from Our Malaysian Guests”

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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!

Hayama Coast Walk

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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.

“Tora Shokudo” famous Shirakawa ramen

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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.

Sake brewery with a 100-year history in Shirakawa

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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!

10 days Tohoku Tour report – day10 Gotenba to Toky

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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.

10 days Tohoku Tour report – day8 Matsumoto to Gotenba

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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.

10 days Tohoku Tour report – day7 Nozawa Onsen to Matsumoto

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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.

10 days Tohoku Tour report – day6 Sakata to Nozawa Onsen

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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.

10 days Tohoku Tour report – day5 Lake Tazawa to Sakata

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Today, we we are moving from Lake Tazawa to the Japan Sea side. First, we headed to Kakunodate, also known as “Little Kyoto of the North,” which boasts historic samurai residences and beautiful cherry blossom trees. We parked our motorcycles along the river and leisurely strolled through the picturesque samurai residences, which date back to the Edo period and showcase traditional Japanese culture. The cherry blossoms were also in full bloom, and we enjoyed the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms as we watched their delicate petals dance in the breeze.
Next, we rode along the coastal road with Mount Chokai in the background and headed towards Minato-machi, a bustling port town in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture that was once a hub for Kitamaebune, or the northern sea trade route. Along the way, we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the sea and mountains and felt exhilarated as we rode along in the wind.
When we arrived in Sakata City, we indulged in delicious local sake and seafood. The dishes made with local ingredients were all superb, and the fresh seafood was particularly fantastic. Additionally, the sake brewed at local sake breweries was deep in flavor and absolutely delicious.
We plan to stay overnight in Sakata City tonight.

10 days Tohoku Tour report – day4 Sendai to Lake Tazawa

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After enjoying a two-day stay in Sendai, we decided to head north towards Lake Tazawa. On the way, Sam and Karen, who love Japanese sake, requested to stop by the sake brewery “Seki no Ichi” in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture.
Upon arriving in Ichinoseki, we entered the brewery and were greeted by a calm atmosphere. There,they purchased two bottles of Isho bin (1.8 litres) of sake, which had a rich and deep flavor that was very different from the sake they drink in Malaysia.
Next, we decided to try local cuisine at the brewery’s restaurant. We ordered the “Kahou Mochi Zen,” which consisted of nine types of mochi and Ozoni soup. The dish was both visually pleasing and delicious, with a chewy texture and tasty soup. We also ordered shabu-shabu, which was full of meat and vegetables.
After filling our stomachs, we took a leisurely drive along a country road off the main route. As we approached Lake Tazawa via a mountain road before Morioka, the air became clearer. The scenery, surrounded by nature, was incredibly beautiful, and we felt soothed by the surroundings.