January 24, 2026
We visit the Goto Islands on Japan's western tip, meeting people with hospitality, like a couple passing on the history of hidden Christians and islanders trying to preserve their small community.
On our special about cycling for beginners, we showcase rides in Kanagawa, featuring Japanese culture with an American twist; Izu, with a steep pass; and Fukushima, which has a special riding event.
We travel Okayama in spring, visiting unique places like a city famous for horseshoe crabs, an island with a historical stone quarry, and a temple featuring hundreds of woodblock prints.
We visit Oita, famous for its hot springs, and meet many warm-hearted people, like a wrangler who entertains visitors with duck races and an artist interacting with locals through her art.
We ride in Ibaraki and Tochigi, looking for the bounties of spring. We meet a farming couple growing sweet bell peppers and a motorcycle shop owner who restored a beloved classic model.