・Cycle the historic Nakasendo route between two Edo-period post towns by e-bike. ・Stroll Samegai post town, where crystal-clear spring water flows through old streets. ・Enjoy a local lunch at a traditional ryotei using fresh regional ingredients. ・Continue your ride to Kashiwabara post town, a well-preserved post town. ・Meet locals and sense the quiet echoes of the old post town’s past. ・Guided by residents who share stories and foster real connections.

This full-day e-bike tour takes you along the old Nakasendo trail, tracing the footsteps of Edo-period travelers through Japan’s historic countryside. Starting from JR Maibara Station, the 13 km journey leads you through scenic farmland and mountain foothills to two beautifully preserved post towns—Samegai and Kashiwabara—each shaped by water, trade, and tradition.

This tour is the e-bike version of Tranquil Walk Between the Nakasendo’s Historic Towns & Rural Landscapes..

Your first stop is Samegai post town. Here, crystal-clear spring water flowing from the surrounding mountains runs through the streets of the old town. Enjoy a peaceful lunch of local cuisine at a historic ryotei, where the blessings of this pure water infuse every dish.

After lunch, continue another 4km ride to Kashiwabara post town. Once a major hub for travelers, its traditional buildings still line the streets, surrounded by gentle farmland and distant mountain views. Take a break with tea and sweets prepared by local hosts and enjoy warm conversation before returning your e-bike at JR Kashiwabara Station and taking the train back to Maibara.

This leisurely cycling journey traces Japan’s old highway—blending history, nature, and the quiet rhythm of a life sustained by water.

For those who wish to linger a little longer in this peaceful town, an overnight stay in a beautifully renovated traditional house in the Kashiwabara neighborhood is also available. This cozy guesthouse offers a more intimate connection with the area’s history and daily life. Please inquire for details if you’re interested in the accommodation option.

About Historic Nakasendo Trail During Japan’s Edo period in the early 1600s, two main travel routes connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, the former imperial capital: the Tokaido, which followed the coast, and the Nakasendo, which ran inland through mountains and rural communities. Unlike the more urbanized areas along the Tokaido, the Nakasendo passes through quieter countryside, where the character of earlier times still lingers in both landscape and lifestyle.

Stretching approximately 534 kilometers (332 miles), the Nakasendo Trail was walked entirely on foot, often over the course of two weeks. Along the way, travelers rested in post station towns, or lodging towns, known as shukuba, where they could eat, sleep, and prepare for the next leg of their journey.

Safety Reminder All participants must be able to safely ride a bicycle. If the guide determines it may be unsafe to ride, the itinerary may be adjusted to a walking tour. Cycling under the influence of alcohol is prohibited by Japanese law.