Fukuoka, Akizuki Private Car and E-Bike Tour

Akizuki is often referred to as the "little Kyoto of Kyushu", a carefully preserved picturesque mountain village less than an hour away from Fukuoka city. A town with deep historical roots, Akizuki has also become known in popular culture in relation to the movie Star Wars. George Lucas's screenplay is said to have been inspired by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's movie, "The Hidden Fortress," in which the films battle scenes are set against the backdrop of Mt. Kosho towering above Akizuki. Although not immediately apparent, the robot characters R2D2 and C3PO were based on a pair of bumbling peasants from the original film. This e-bike tour also highlights local crafts of the region with visits to the Akizuki Washi paper factory, the woodcraft showroom of Meibokuya, and the pottery village of Koishiwara. The out and back course from Akizuki climbs steadily thru the mountains for a round-trip total of 45km. A shorter, easier course can also be requested by starting at Koishiwara Dam

1. 1

   Akizuki Castle Remains

   45 min

   Built in the 1600's, the main gate of the fortress still remains standing to mark Akizuki's strong samurai roots. The Sugi no Baba promenade in front of the castle is resplendent with cherry blossoms in the spring and ablaze in color during the fall. A short distance away tucked down a side street is the Akizuki Washi Factory, a small workshop that attracts visitors from around the world to witness traditional methods of making Japanese paper.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   45 min

   A unique outdoor restaurant perched high on the mountains above Akizuki, enjoy freshly grilled trout and skewers of free-range chicken while a tumbling stream flows beneath your feet.

3. 3

   Koishiwara no Gyojasugi

   1 hour

   This ancient grove of cedar trees was planted in the 16th century by the Yamabushi, ascetic monks who practiced a mixture of Buddhist and Shinto teachings called Shugendo. The largest of these magnificent giants is over 50m tall and over 8 meters in circumference. Riding thru the forest, the pavement turns to flagstone as we enter Koishiwara pottery village. The streets are lined with galleries and kilns where you can browse freely. Koishiwara was the first pottery village to be recognized as a traditional Japanese art form. The "Mingei" style of pottery emphasizes utility with earthy colored glazes and simple, geometric patterns.

4. 4

   Moriyama Meiboku

   30 min

   Nestled between the many pottery shops on the main street, this lumberyard showroom features exotic woods from Japan and around the world. Giant tree slabs of every hue line the walls and above the handcrafted furniture hangs an enormous speaker carved from a giant block of wood. Many small items are also available and make good souvenirs.

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.