Private Guided Oriental White Stork Satoyama Cycling Tour (Course A)
This tour is only from March-November.
Become familiar with the Japanese concept of "Satoyama" through cycling
Satoyama (里山) is a simple word with nuanced significance to Toyooka City, part of the expansive San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark.
Literally meaning "land and mountain," satoyama mixes the natural world with humanity, such as a collection of sustainable farmlands, forests, and grasslands all enveloped by hilly peaks and shared between humans and animals.
Japan's National Natural Treasure, the Oriental White Stork, is a vital part of Toyooka City's satoyama landscape.
With an experienced English-speaking guide, cycle through Toyooka's satoyama scenery and see storks along the way.
Meet your guide at Toyooka Station and Visit the Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork
After introductions at Toyooka Station, peddle off with your guide towards the Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork, a sanctuary for protecting, breeding, and researching storks. Learn from expert staff about the history of storks in Toyooka City while seeing these treasures up close.
Visit the Shrine of Storks
Just north of the Hyogo Park Of The Oriental White Stork lies a shrine dedicated to Toyooka’s protected natural treasure.
Kukuhi Shrine hidden amongst the Toyooka countryside trees is known for receiving worshippers hoping for a child or who are already expecting.
Stork-themed Ema (wooden plaques with written prayers) placed by worshippers can be seen hanging as offerings to the gods and are available for purchase at Avian Tot, a vintage-style tearoom across the street from Kukuhi Shrine.
Gain a deeper understanding of satoyama at Genbudo Park
Home to the five beautiful basalt Genbudo Caves with over 1.6 million years of geological history, Genbudo Park was designated in 1931 as a National Natural Monument by the Japanese Government. Many buildings in Toyooka City are built with stones from Genbudo Park, blending the natural landscape with human development.
Expansive rice fields spread out beneath Genbudo Park, a favorite spot for storks hunting for food.
The tour concludes at Kinosaki Onsen Rail Station.
Now, it’s time to unwind! After your long ride, treat yourself to a soak in a natural hot spring.
DETAILS
- REGISTRATION START
- 2026/03/16
- REGISTRATION ENDS
- 2026/11/15
- SCHEDULE
(Some times may differ) -
9:20 Meet guide at Toyooka Station, sign safety contract
Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork
Kukuhi Shrine
Genbudo Park
14:30 End at Kinosaki Onsen Station
Total 21 kilometers
Route is for beginners with minimal elevation
*From July 1-August 20, tours will begin 1 hour earlier at 8:20.
- ACCOMPANYING GUIDE
(INCLUDED OR NOT) - Included
English-speaking cycling guide
- MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE
- 2
- MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE
- 3
- AGE REQUIREMENT
- 12 years old and up
- MEETING PLACE
- Toyooka Station East Exit (3 Ōtemachi, Toyooka, Hyogo 668-0031)
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-
・Please wear gym shoes, pants, and appropriate cycling clothing. Please bring cash, a drink, and something to eat.
・Sunglasses, sunscreen, vitamins, and gloves are recommended.
・All participants must sign a safety contract on-site. Failure to sign will result in no refund.
・3% of the tour fee will be donated to Oriental White Stork preservation initiatives.
・There are no electric bicycles.
・Those under 155 cm height or over 130 kg weight cannot participate.
・Please do not drink alcohol the day of or night before.
・This tour requires long stretches of cycling. Please do not participate if you are not physically fit.
・The provider will cancel the tour in case of inclement weather. Customers will receive a full refund.
・Course routes are subject to change.
・There are no discounts for children.
・Please ask about solo traveler tours.
- PRICES
(Per person unless otherwise noted) -
Price per Person Course A 1 person N/A 2 people 34,000 yen 3 people 26,000 yen
- INCLUDED IN THE PRICING
- Guide fee, bicycle rental, helmet rental, facility entry fees, insurance, donation
- CANCELLATION FEES
-
Day of Cancellation Cancellation Fee (% of activity price) After 17:00 1 weekday before 100% 1 weekday before by 17:00 50% 2-7 weekdays before 30% 8+ weekdays before 0%
- ACCEPTED PAYMENT TYPES
- Pay by credit card (VISA, MASTER, JCB, AMEX, DC) via an activity confirmation link in an e-mail that we will send to you following your reservation.
- OPERATOR NAME
- Toyooka Tourism Innovation