A different way of getting to know your area is to hop on a bicycle and explore the country roads outside of your town. Get off the main roads, find those small farmers’ roads and get lost for an hour.

You will find yourself surrounded by fresh air, space and beautiful rice or wheat fields (depending on the season). It’s a perfect way to exercise, explore, empty your mind and relax at the same time. You can do it on any kind of bike, and there’s no need to be an athlete either.

And if you really enjoy it and want to get into it, buy maps at the 100 yen shop and go further and higher into the mountains. It’s very beautiful and worth the sweat. Fall and spring are the best seasons for cycling here.

There are hard times to come when you live in a foreign country and must keep active to stay balanced and happy. Cycling is one amongst hundreds of activities that you can try.