Summary report on Michael Rice's "Cycle Around Japan" Seminar Talk
Wellington, New Zealand, 11th & 12th June 2019

 

Featured Speaker: Michael Rice (Profile)

On the 11th and 12th of June, the Embassy of Japan in New Zealand had the pleasure of hosting the esteemed cyclist, Mr Michael Rice. Over the course of both seminars, Mr Rice shared the unique opportunities he had been granted by touring Japan by bicycle, and Japanese culture through his eyes as a cyclist. He shared clips of the show he hosts in Japan via NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Programme, "CYCLE AROUND JAPAN", and detailed his experiences of the many towns he has visited in Japan over his 28 years living in the country, cycling around it.

After the presentation, attendees were able to ask any questions they liked in a Q&A session. As he has now cycled more than 280,000km of road in Japan alone, Mr Rice was more than able to answer a myriad of questions—from whether or not you can bring bicycles on Japanese trains, how much Japanese language ability you need to cycle around the country, the costs and expenses, and even packing and luggage issues. There was also some discussion regarding the definition of a "high-spec" tour of Japan: in this case, referring not to a five-star tour in the finest hotels, but rather to the rental of a very high class of touring bicycle! Thanks to his abundant experience in the country, and his position as the Japan Country Manager for CHAPTER2 Bikes (a New Zealand Road bike manufacturer), he was more than able to compile a list (available below) for future visitors looking to experience cycling around Japan.

If you are interested in following Michael Rice's future pursuits and adventurers, be sure to follow him on Facebook for updates!

To watch Michael Rice on NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Programme CYCLE AROUND JAPAN, Click here!

 

Presented by NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Practical and useful information provided by Michael (Facebook page) below