Crash into the "Dragon’s Belly" stretching a kilometer long！ Hidden gems of Japan’s spring cycling tour

▲Frequent traveler to Japan? Ever thought about exploring it by bike? Try the “Hamamatsu Cycling Tour”! (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Hamamatsu, Japan

"We Japanese have loved riding bikes since childhood!" said Ms. Yumiko. And in the midst of spring’s vibrancy, cycling leisurely along Lake Hamana and wandering through the streets of Hamamatsu, discovering various “hidden gems,” truly offers an unimaginably comfortable and delightful travel experience—immersing yourself completely in picturesque, dreamlike scenery. Unlike fixed-route bus tours, setting your own pace on a bicycle can make you fall in love with Hamamatsu forever.

▲Start your “Hamamatsu Cycling Tour”! Don’t forget Japan drives on the left. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

The “Oku-Hamana” area lies inside Lake Hamana and is known as the lake’s “inner parlor.” It features temples and shrines, seasonal flowers, and is rich in historical ambience and natural beauty. Start off from the alleys—along the way, you’ll hear locals coming out for fresh air saying, “Konnichiwa!” That’s the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Passing through one narrow alley after another, at one turn, the spacing between houses gradually widens, opening up to stretches of fields.

After another turn, the expansive scenery resembles that of rural southern Taiwan; the straight, smooth roads give a sense of Taiwan’s “Beitun Boulevard,” except that instead of rice paddies, the lush greenery creates a different vibe.


▲The straight, smooth roads resemble those in rural Taiwan. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)
Next, head to Hamamatsu City’s temple, “Ryutanji,” which means “the dragon resides in the deepest part, and the entire temple is protected by the dragon.” At the top of the uphill stairs is the entrance to Ryutanji, where magnolia trees beside the gate are also in full bloom to welcome visitors. Built in 1617 by the monk Gyoki, Ryutanji is listed among the “Five Great Temples of Kohoku.” The temple grounds are surrounded by greenery, and it’s surprising that some of the plants here once participated in Taipei’s International Flora Exposition. Sitting on the creaky wooden floors, the cool and refreshing feeling is indescribable—it’s a place where you could easily spend the whole afternoon.


▲The serene surroundings filled with greenery spark thoughts of a peaceful spring afternoon. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)


From Ryutanji to Dragon’s Cave, it’s another 15-minute bike ride. Before reaching Dragon’s Cave, the “threshold” is the steepest slope of the day. Riders with determination will push through and pedal their way up to the cave entrance despite the difficulty.