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I Tried Cycling the Length of Japan: 3,000km and 27 Days on the Road | Long Way North
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I Tried Cycling the Length of Japan: 3,000km and 27 Days on the Road | Long Way North



I Tried Cycling the Length of Japan: 3,000km and 27 Days on the Road | Long Way North

Japan isn’t known for cycling, but it should be. Between the end-of-day hot springs, incredible food, beautiful mountain roads and stunning scenery, it has everything you’d ever want.

In May 2024, I set out to cycle the length of Japan, from the southern shore of Kyushu to the northern most point of Hokkaido. Accompanied by my friend Tom, we cycled almost 3,000km over 27 days, across all four of Japan’s main islands — Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido — and through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the country. Join us on a journey as we explore the best food, views, roads, hot springs and forgotten roads that this beautiful country has to offer.

Lots of people have asked about our route, and other questions about planning, so I’ve put together a mini-FAQ here: https://oscarboyd.substack.com/p/how-to-cycle-the-length-of-japan.

For more photos and words from the trip, check out https://oscarboyd.substack.com or follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscar.boyd/

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this trip and film possible, and especially to Tom Blaksley, Kaz Firpo and Trent Kusters for riding with me.

Music is by my sister, @AliceBoydMusic. Her new album comes out at the end of November 2024. Additional music from the Cezame Music Agency and Epidemic Sounds.

Maps and graphics designed by Tom Kilburn. Check out his work: https://tgk.co

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:17 – Kyushu
05:09 – Kumamoto
08:12 – Shikoku
13:36 – Honshu
15:18 – Koyasan
19:15 – The Alps
21:48 – Tohoku
25:12 – Japan’s Best Road
27:52 – Bear Country
31:04 – Hokkaido
36:54 – The Tunnels
41:53 – The Final Day

24 Comments

  4. @VagabondTurtle

    What an absolute dream, I loved the video and felt inspired and jealous at the same time 😅 it is one of the things I would love to do myself, but I’m not sure if I can muster up the courage alone.

  5. @CaptHigdawg

    What an amazing adventure and video.
    I loved all of it.
    Cycling in Japan is a special experience.

  7. @HobbyHoarder

    Absolutely amazing! The adventure itself as well of course, but most "travel" videos of this length are just someone sticking a GoPro to the handlebar and riding along without any commentary. This is proper documentary style and I can't think of a better video I've ever watched about cycling through Japan.

  8. @MrRolandMichel

    WOW, this one is Truly Special!
    As an avid cyclist, photographer and Japanophile,
    I absolutely appreciate the work and effort that went into
    it's creation, Well Done and be proud, is what I say.
    This will be shared with friends and rewatched, many times!

  11. @Kat-onthemove

    This film was so enjoyable to watch. The quality of storytelling, camera work, and music was perfection. Thank you.

  12. @adventureforme

    This is some of the best film making I've seen on YouTube. This could be on the BBC. What a great job filming, editing and producing this. And what an amazing, amazing human journey. Thank you for sharing this on YouTube.

  21. @GreggWalker-p7e

    Congratulations guys! Great journey. Scenery unrivaled. Beautiful quality video and narration. Inspiring, spirited and legendary. Peace out. 😊

  22. @funguy2627

    awesome travels, I want to tour japan on a bike. Did you have any mechanical issues along the way?

  23. @ThirdAgeFan

    Love watching cycling videos particularly from japan, because it remembered me of my time in japan where I was cycling around 5000 km.

    But at the same time I hate it. 😂
    Because next year I will start my cycling tour around the world or just to japan from germany, I dont know yet, I will see how far I will come.
    And every time I see such videos i want to start right now, but I still need to wait! 🥲

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