Numerous courses and maps are posted on TABIRIN website.
I would like to introduce a 48km cycling tour, “Roundabout route using a cycle train” introduced in the cycling map “TABIRIN_05_Mutsuzawa Area.”
The cycle train, which allows you to put your bicycle on the train as it is, is very attractive.
▼TABIRIN_05_Mutsuzawa Area
TABIRIN maps are also available at “Roadside Station Mutsuzawa-Tsudo no Sato” in Mutsuzawa town, Chiba Prefecture.
Contents
Roadside Station Mutsuzawa Tsudoi no Sato
The start and finish area is a popular roadside station with a direct sales shop, Italian restaurant, and a hot spring to stop by.
You can bring your own bicycle and ride, or you can rent a road bike, cross bike, or mountain bike at “Olive Forest.”
Must-See Spots along the Route
Yasaka Shrine
A short ride from the roadside station, you will see a small shrine on your left. At first glance, the shrine looks ordinary, but you will see a “dragon in waves” by the famous sculptor Namino Ihachi III.
The precise carving on the pent roof built atop the stairs is worth a look.
Kakuhachi Honten
I bought a seasonal fruit daifuku (rice cake) at this Japanese sweets shop that has flourished in front of the gate of Tamamae Shrine. Their popular mandarin daifuku sells out as soon as they open!
If you want to be sure to get one, I recommend that you make a reservation to buy one.
The maze of Inumaki hedge
After passing Joso Ichinomiya Station on JR Sotobo Line, I rode south through the residential area of Ichinomiya Town.
As you pedal, you will notice many square hedges. The prefectural tree of Chiba Prefecture, “Inumaki”, is often used for hedges because its dense leaves do not fall off even in winter and it is resistant to sea breezes.
The leaves are so dense that you can hardly see the house.
It is exciting as if you are cycling in a huge maze.
After passing through the Inumaki hedges, cross Nationa Route128 and enter Prefectural Route152.
I rode through the peaceful countryside for a while. The spacious scenery seen from the overpass is pleasant.
Moku Coffee and Homemade Kintsuba
Entering a shopping street near JR Taito Station, you will see a café renovated from an old private house.
It is marked by a small sign that you might miss if you are not careful.
Not only is the coffee delicious, but the parfait, beautifully decorated with seasonal fruits, is also popular.
The strawberry flower parfait that was being served when I visited had thinly sliced strawberries spread out like flower petals. The type of fruit changes depending on the season, so be sure to check before you go.
I have just taken a break at the café, but I stopped by a nearby shop that sells “Kintsuba,” a specialty of Isumi City.
It is called “Kintsuba” (one kind of Japanese traditional sweets), but it looks like an “Obanyaki”(another kind of Japanese traditional sweets) . I heard that in some parts of Sotobo, Obanyaki is called Kintsuba. Anyway, it is small and only 100yen, so you can eat it easily. It is also good to keep in your bag for snacks.
Ohara Bicycle Path
After leaving the café, merge onto National Route128 and continue to ride on the national route for a while. There are many cars on the road, so be careful.
After crossing Koto Bridge over Isumi River, you will see a sign that directs you to Ohara Bicycle Path, so continue on the ocean side.
Ohara Bicycle Path running right next to the ocean must be very pleasant! As I was riding along, I came across a place where sand from the beach was covering the bike path. On the bike path by the sea, such places often appear.
It is good for those who can enjoy getting off the bike and pushing it, but if it gets tedious along the way, it is possible to ride along one of the alleys on the inland side of the road.
Hamayaki Seafood Lunch at EBIYA
Before boarding the train from Ohara Station, I need to eat.
At Ebiya in Ohara Fishing Port, you can enjoy “Hamayaki”, freshly caught and broiled seafood at your table.
It is fun and special to choose from the in-store “Ikesu” (fish tank).
The price of lobsters varies depending on the size, so choose according to your budget.
Use the Cycle Train from Ohara Station
On Isumi Railway running from Isumi City to Otaki Town, you can bring your bicycle into the train car.
When bringing your bicycle on board, you must purchase a “hand-around baggage ticket” in addition to the fare. It is very attractive and special to be able to bring your bicycle into the train without putting it in a special bag for bicycles.
When sitting on the train, be careful not to let your bicycle fall over.
Higashi Fusamoto Station
The reason for getting off at Higashi Fusamoto Station instead of Otaki Station is to see the wooden “Omikuji” (paper fortune) in the station waiting area.
The interesting omikuji in the waiting area was made as a TV project in the past.
The window is also pretty with a pink cherry blossom shape.
Oto-no-Araigoshi
Another reason for getting off at Higashi Fusamoto Station is to see “Oto-no-Araigoshi”!
Araigoshi means the road on which the river flows. There are several such places in Japan, and some of you may be familiar with Oto-no-Araigoshi, as it has been featured on TV.
At that time, I did not dare to cross the river because of the volume of water and the current.
A path to the rice fields on the other side of the river continues under the river.
Roadside Station Takeyura-no-Sato-Otaki
Take a break at Roadside Staion Takeyura-no-Sato-Otaki, located along National Route297.
The large cow sculpture “Catherine” is eye-catching.
In spring, a bento (lunch box) called “Otaki Satoyama Zen” with bamboo shoots is popular. On hot days, soft-serve ice cream made from freshly squeezed milk produced in Chiba Prefecture is recommended.
Otaki Castle
As you approach Otaki Town, you will see Otaki Castle in the distance.
The area around the station still retains the atmosphere of a castle town, so take a stroll and head toward the castle.
Otaki Castle was extensively renovated by Honda Tadakatsu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa. The museum, built in castle style on the ruins of the castle’s main citadel, displays swords and armor.
Otaki Herb Garden
When you cross National Route297 and drive on Prefectural Route27, you will see a large glass-walled building.
Inside the all-weather indoor glass house garden, more than 200 varieties of lavender, rosemary, and other herbs are planted, and the aroma of the herbs will soothe you as you enter the house!
There is a restaurant and a café where you can take a break while enjoying the scent of herbs. Many other herb-related products are also available for purchase as souvenirs.
furacoco café
Moving west from Otaki Herb Garden, take Prefectural Route150 toward Mutsuzawa Town.
There is a slight uphill at the end, but it is relatively easy, so keep pedaling hard.
As you ride through the countryside, you will see a small café sign, so turn right.
Inside the café, you will find miscellaneous goods selected by the shop owner.
When you arrive at the roadside station, please try “Mutsuzawa Onsen Tsudui no Yu” (Mutsuzawa Hot Springs).
There’s nothing like a hot spring bath after a long bike ride!
Course Introduction
▼Roadside Station Mutsuzawa – Bicycle Rental Reservation
https://mutsuzawaswt.bikerentals.co.jp/rentalbike_pretop
Summary
I introduced the course “TABIRIN_5_around Mutsuzawa”, of which map is available at Roadside Station Mutsuzawa.
It is a route that you can enjoy with a special feeling that you can put your bicycle on the cycle train as it is.
