Gokoichi: A new and fun challenge for a beginner

A recap of my first cycling adventure with old school friends to this beautiful but less visited part of Japan. The Gokoichi ‘Around Mikata 5 Lakes’ can be completed as a route on its own or as part of the wonderful 126-kilometer Wakasa Bay Cycling Route that runs from JR Tsuruga Station to JR Wakasa-Takahama Station.

By Yoko

I am new to cycling despite working at Road Bike Rental Japan for the last year. I was (still ‘am’) a beginner cyclist but I’ve learned so much and found a new passion since Gareth, the RBRJ owner gave me one of our retiring Trek FX2 cross bikes. It wasn’t long before I was setting out on my own cycling adventure, like the ones I had seen so many RBRJ clients enjoy.

When I was getting used to riding my dear crossbike, a few classmates from high school asked me if I wanted to go on a cycling trip with them. I was delighted to receive an invitation.

I was told that the Gokoichi route, which runs around the Mikata Goko lakes in Fukui Prefecture, is suitable for beginners, so I made plans with the group of friends who are interested in cycling.

However, traveling from Osaka to Fukui by train with a bicycle is a big challenge for me.  It’s called ‘RINKO’. In Japan, bicycles must be placed in a bag when being loaded onto a train.

The challenge was to remove the front wheel of the bicycle, put it in a RINKO bag and put the whole bag on the train to get to the destination. I was full of anxiety, but I read the blog on How to take a bike on a train in Japan, watched the supporting Youtube video and made steady progress with my preparations.

Mid-April 2024. The day of the cycling excursion was blessed with fine weather.

I got up early, carried my bike in the bag and was ready to go to the station platform. Despite staggering, I managed to clear the first difficulty. We reserved the seats at the front of the vehicle and loaded the bike behind the seats.

The local trains were not busy at all and I was able to place my bike comfortably. The cherry blossoms seen from the train windows are also enchanting.

There is a cyclists-friendly area in front of the destination, Mihama Station. The bikes are assembled in a spacious area and are well-prepared.

It is time to hit the road!

It was a quick two hours before we strolled through the cherry blossom trees and along the shores of Lake Kugushi, pausing to say hello to the local cats, before lunch near Hiruga Harbour. The special ume-boshi (pickled plum) rice balls are an energy boost.

After lunch, head to Lake Hiruga. This route is really nice to ride along the water’s edge, and the proximity to the surface even gives the illusion of riding on water.

On the way to the third lake, Suigetsu Lake, mountain roads and hills began to appear.  Not rushing and not pushing too hard is the motto of our cycling team.  If it’s too hard, we get off the bike and walk.

I guess we’ve been having too much fun and taking it too slow (haha) and time is getting tight to conquer all the Mikata Five Lakes.  We decided to leave the remaining two lakes for the next time and cut off today’s cycling so that we could enjoy our dinner near Tsuruga Station.

Local delicacies are a joy on the journey! We enjoyed fresh fish from the Sea of Japan, delicious local vegetables and soba noodles full of grated radish before heading back to Osaka.

Can I ride a sports bike at my age? →Better get used to it than learn it, and I was alright.

Can I do ’RINKO’ ? → With practice, I did pretty well.

Can I ride long distances? → With fun friends, I had a blast.

I had many concerns, but the trip blew them all away. Thanks to RBRJ, Gareth and my dear friends.

My new adventure has only just begun. My journey will continue. Where shall I go next?

With the Hokuriku Shinkansen now connecting Tokyo to Tsuruga, the whole Wakasa Bay Cycling Route is now more accessible to visitors and its popularity is only expected to grow.

Distance: about 25km

Elevation : 160m

Gokoichi Map (side 1) PDF

Gokoichi Map (side 2) PDF