About us
ONE LIFE IS NOT ENOUGH —PEDAL FURTHER—
About Us
At the core of our company is a passion for adventure and a commitment to providing exceptional, personalized travel experiences. Founded by Taro in 2010, we specialize in creating exclusive, self-guided cycling tours that allow you to explore Japan’s authentic and less-traveled regions at your own pace.
Our Journey
Taro was born and raised in Daikanyama, Tokyo—just a 10-minute walk from the famous Shibuya Crossing. At 18, he embarked on a life-changing journey to British Columbia, Canada, where he spent over 20 years living in various towns, including Nelson, Fernie, Whistler, Squamish, and Sunshine Coast. Taro earned his degree in Tourism Business and began his career coordinating logistics for media and film productions, working with Tourism BC on projects involving travel writers, documentaries, and magazines across Japan and North America. His work with Delta Sky magazine as a coordinator, writer, and photographer further shaped his expertise in delivering luxury travel experiences.
Taro has been hosting Free Independent Travelers (FIT) for over a decade, offering exclusive tours that focus on creating unique but authentic experiences, guiding travelers through the wild side of Japan. In 2016, he expanded his offerings by launching bespoke ski tours in Japan. It was during his time in Whistler, BC, that Taro met his partner, Satomi, and together they have continued to pursue their shared love of adventure. Now, they split their time between Niseko and Karuizawa, remaining deeply connected to Japan’s beautiful wilderness.
Committed to Self-Guided Cycling Experiences
With years of experience in tourism, Taro and Satomi decided to dedicate themselves entirely to the self-guided format. Their belief in the power of independent exploration—supported by cutting-edge navigation systems, e-bike technology, and communication tools—ensures that each traveler enjoys a journey tailored to their individual preferences. This approach not only provides freedom and flexibility but also makes the joy of cycling accessible to all, removing any physical barriers.
Taro and Satomi’s commitment to this format allows for a more immersive, personal experience, reflecting their deep love of cycling and adventure, and their belief that this is the best way to explore the rural, undiscovered areas of Japan’s breathtaking landscapes.
A Life of Adventure
Taro’s adventurous spirit has led him to complete a variety of challenging expeditions, including the 9-day, 111km (69 miles) ski traverse and a ski mountaineering ascent of Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Mexico, standing at 5,636 meters (18,491 feet). He has also cycled through various parts of Japan and driven across the country more than five times, experiencing Japan’s natural beauty from every angle.
Satomi, equally passionate about the outdoors, has accomplished a 7-day bike-packing journey through Japan, a 4-day, 47km (29 miles) ski traverse, and a 6-day, 75km (47 miles) trek along the West Coast Trail in British Columbia. She is also a certified yoga teacher and Thai massage therapist, bringing a holistic approach to her travels and adventures. Together, their combined experiences fuel their desire to create meaningful, life-changing journeys for their clients.
Our Philosophy
We believe that cycling is the most intimate way to experience travel. Unlike air or car travel, cycling allows you to engage with your surroundings—smelling the fresh air, hearing the sounds of nature, and savoring the rewarding meals that follow a day’s ride. For us, the speed of travel by bike offers the perfect balance: fast enough to cover ground, but slow enough to appreciate every detail along the way. And with the advent of e-bikes, there are no physical barriers between riders, allowing couples, friends, or families to enjoy the journey together, regardless of fitness levels.
Our experience in logistics, luxury travel, and adventure culminated in the creation of our self-guided cycling tours, which are designed to combine cultural exploration, outdoor adventure, and personal discovery into one seamless experience. Whether you’re looking for an active escape from daily life or simply seeking a new way to see Japan, we are here to share our passion for cycling with you.
After all, we are cyclists at heart, just like you.
Ichigo Ichie [noun] 一期一会
pronunciation: ee-chee-go ee-chee-eh
1. Unique Moments: A Japanese concept that translates to “one time, one meeting,” emphasizing that each encounter is unique and cannot be repeated. It reminds us to treasure each moment and interaction as it will never happen in the same way again.
2. Mindfulness in Experience: Encourages living fully in the present, appreciating each experience and meeting with a sense of gratitude and significance, knowing that it is fleeting and irreplaceable. Rooted in the tea ceremony, it reflects the practice of cherishing each gathering with care and attention—a quiet recognition that even a lifetime may not be enough to hold all that is meaningful.