Explore Uncharted Japanese Satoyama on a Shiobara E-Bike Riding

【STORY】

The Shiobara Onsen, a hot spring retreat with a rich 1200-year history, is nestled in the picturesque mountains of Nasushiobara City.
Foothills stretch out on both sides of the Hokigawa River, where a hot spring town is located, and people live in harmony with nature and local animals. These foothills serve as the field for E-bike riding. When the sun is bright, cool off in the shade of the trees, and after a brisk ride down the road, tackle the natural uneven paths.

With the use of E-bikes, you can experience places and activities beyond your usual capabilities with minimal effort. Guiding you is an outdoor guide native to Shiobara, offering more than just an activity; you can learn about the lifestyle of the foothills, coexisting with nature, and the town's stories.

Savor the extraordinary experience of dynamically riding a bicycle through the usually inaccessible area.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Experience the unique feeling of cycling through the normally inaccessible foothills, offering a special sense of adventure. 
• Beyond a simple activity, you can discover and immerse yourself in the life and the stories of Shiobara  Onsen.
• Contribute to the preservation of the Satoyama and the local community through play.
  
• Engage in animal tracking to feel the animals living in the foothills. 
•  Feel secure as you explore Shiobara's mountains with an outdoor guide who knows every inch.

【SCHEDULE】

Choose from two start times, 09:00 or 13:00.

 [09:00 / 13:00] Gather at Spes Activity Shiobara, complete insurance procedures, receive an explanation about E-bike equipment, and participate in a test ride.
 [09:10 / 13:10] Embark on a 'Satoyama Patrol' adventure with E-bikes.
 [12:00 / 16:00] Disband.

 *The timetable is subject to change depending on the situation.

＜Satoyama Patrol＞

Enjoy playing and learning in the foothills with your whole body! With E-bikes, you can explore a world beyond your own physical abilities.
A professional will guide you on the most enjoyable ride of the day, taking into account the weather and natural conditions of the day, as well as the participants'personalities and abilities. There are Rides for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, to fully enjoy the expansive foothills. 

 Examples)

- See the Onsen town from the perspective of animals, standing on the mountain.
- Ride uphill with E-bikes, enjoying the scenery of Shiobara Onsen District and contemplating the lives of the locals.
- Enjoy a thrilling ride, cycling over soft fallen leaves and maneuvering through the trees.
- Feel the animals living in the area through their footprints and traces.
- Shout out at the guide's recommended viewpoint.
- Be guided to local spots recommended by the guide that are not accessible on foot. 

 ＜About the Activity Organizer＞

Aozora Project THE DAY - Kimishima Yoichi

Mountain trails abandoned by people gradually transformed into pathways for animals over many years. As areas where animals and humans reside overlap, animals descending to villages are often killed as "pests" for disturbing fields.

Addressing such issues faced by foothills nationwide, the organization Aozora Project THE DAY aims to lead towards solutions through outdoor activities. Representative Kimishima Yoichi, born and raised in Shiobara, continues to convey the nature and history of Shiobara as a guide.
（https://theday.fun/）

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：3hours
• Meeting point：Spes Activity Shiobara In front of the Entrance [MAP]
   2196-13, Shiobara, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi, 329-2921
• Access：11-minute walk from Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal
• Pick-up and drop-off：If you wish within have transportation to the Shiobara Onsen District (accommodations, etc.) please specify the destination in the reservation form.
  *Since the number of passengers is limited, we may not be able to meet your request.
• Language support：Japanese, English (Supplementary materials, mobile apps, other tools for support)　
• Included：
  ・Foothills Guide
  ・E-bike rental fee
  ・Insurance

• Excluded：
  ・Lunch
  

• Items to bring：
  ・Drink
• Clothes：
  It is recommended to wear clothing that can get dirty and is easy to adjust for temperature. Cycling gloves and padded shorts can enhance comfort, but the experience can still be enjoyable without them.
   *Gloves and pants with hem bands are available for rental.
• Participation requirements：
  ・Height of 155cm or above
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  - In the event of the experience being canceled due to inclement weather, we will notify you in advance at the email address registered during the application process.
  (The decision will be made at least half a day prior to the event. In situations where the decision is difficult, we generally opt not to proceed.)
  - We will proceed with the activity in a ight rain that does not affect the experience (we will provide activities enjoyable even in light rain). Please understand in advance.
  - Please take care of waterproofing your smartphone and injury prevention during the exploration on your own.
  - Please be aware that natural conditions, such as the weather on the day of the event and the state of the lake, may lead to changes in the course.
  - Understand that there are inherent risks, such as injuries, in the natural environment during the exploration. Please consider obtaining insurance on your own.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation. 

※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.