{"id":111267,"date":"2026-03-23T11:23:52","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T02:23:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/?p=111267"},"modified":"2026-04-22T16:07:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:07:44","slug":"bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/","title":{"rendered":"From Mountain to River, and On to the Sea&lt;br>Tracing Water\u2019s Story on Gravel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IN85NEkWRx0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><strong>A 200 km gravel route takes shape!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL runs along the Hamadori coast, linking the mouth of the Abukuma River with the town of Futaba. Nearly 70 percent of the roughly 200 km route is gravel, making it a dream ride for off-road enthusiasts. The route has been developed over the past three years by Keisuke Ichinose, producer of the Volcano Trail introduced in <a href=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-volcano-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan Long Trail Walker articcle<\/a>. The Bandai\u2013Asahi National Park area where Ichinose is based and the Soso region along the coast, he says, are closely connected through water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRain and snow that fall in the mountains are filtered through volcanic strata, becoming mineral-rich water that flows into the Abukuma River and eventually reaches the Pacific in southern Miyagi. Near the river mouth, the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents meet. When this mineral-rich water pours in, it creates one of the world\u2019s finest fishing grounds. It\u2019s also one of the places where Joban-mono seafood, prized as a regional brand, is caught.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_DJI_0926-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_DJI_0926-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_DJI_0926-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_DJI_0926-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_DJI_0926-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matsukawaura, Fukushima\u2019s only lagoon, where sea cliffs worn by waves and wind meet sandbars and open water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhile riding along the coast, I want people to experience the nature of the national park that is connected through this flow of water,\u201d enthuses Ichinose, who offered to guide the journey. Together we set off on gravel bikes toward the Hamadori coast. On the first day, we start in Natori near the mouth of the Abukuma River in southern Miyagi, follow the river south into Fukushima, and ride as far as the area around Soma Station on the Joban Line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Day two. Our first destination is Matsukawaura, also known as \u201cKomatsushima\u201d. Long loved as a pleasure spot by the Soma domain since the Edo period, this beautiful lagoon is a famed producer of aonori seaweed, with rows of nori racks stretching across the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AT9_1083.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-112443\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669871061264973;width:898px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AT9_1083.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AT9_1083-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AT9_1083-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AT9_1083-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AT9_1083-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A long gravel route experience like nowhere in the city.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1154-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1154-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1154-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1154-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1154.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Known for its rich aroma and fine texture, Matsukawaura\u2019s famed aonori seaweed was once presented to the Nihonmatsu domain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just beyond lies Matsukawaura Fishing Port, known for its high-quality white fish and for the branded pufferfish \u201cFukutora.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Timing our visit for the early morning, we were given special permission to watch the day\u2019s catch being landed. The fish are sorted, weighed, and sent to auction, and much of this work is carried out by the port\u2019s powerful women. Their strength is striking, and throughout the port you sense the resilience of people whose lives are bound to the sea. After the disaster, it was also these women who played an active role in reviving and energizing the local fishing industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1615-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1615-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1615-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1615-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1615.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Matsukawaura Fishing Port, the catch for the day included conger eel and pufferfish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3256-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3256-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3256-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3256-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3256.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Matsukawaura Fishing Port, watch the landing of the branded pufferfish \u201cFukutora\u201d up close.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond Matsukawaura lies Kashima, once a port town where houses stood tightly packed along the shoreline. Little of that scene remains today. As along the coast we rode from Natori, what you see now is a vast seawall stretching down from Sanriku and open plains that seem to go on forever. With residential construction no longer permitted here, the land is being put to new use, dotted with wind turbines and solar panels. On the inland side of the seawall, efforts to restore the windbreak pine forests have begun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1164-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1164-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1164-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1164-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1164.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1407\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AT9_1199.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AT9_1199.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AT9_1199-256x300.jpg 256w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AT9_1199-873x1024.jpg 873w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AT9_1199-768x900.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In the disaster-affected areas, renewable energy is driving recovery. Wind turbines along the coast now shape a new landscape for the region.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1329-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1329-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1329-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1329-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1329.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With over 70% gravel, the \u201cSOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL\u201d route even has sections where you\u2019ll need to carry your bike!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_0917-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-112442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_0917-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_0917-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_0917-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_0917-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the mouth of the river in Natori, the Zao mountain range glows in the morning sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Living with Horses, Sustained by Salmon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>At the Minamisoma City Museum, a packhorse fitted with salmon baskets has been reconstructed. The baskets hang on either side just like modern panniers! Another highlight is Soma Nomaoi, a festival with more than 1,000 years of history and designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a form of military training linked to rituals at Myoken Shrine, it still features riders in full samurai armour and the dramatic shinki sodatsusen, in which mounted participants race to seize sacred flags. Along the route you can also stop at California Riding for a horseback riding experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1284-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1284-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1284-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1284-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1284.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Soma Nakamura Shrine, the stage for Soma Nomaoi, horse statues are scattered throughout the grounds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1346-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1346-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1346-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1346-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1346.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soma Ota Shrine, one of three that form the stage for Soma Nomaoi. Said to be a guardian shrine for horses and cattle, cyclists too should stop by and pay their respects, the bicycle being the modern-day horse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Climb into a Western-style saddle and take in the landscape from horseback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0681-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0681-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0681-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0681-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0681.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Channel the Soma Nomaoi warrior spirit on horseback. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Swapping saddles for bike seats, we rode on to Odaka, our stop for the second night. Just steps from JR Joban Line\u2019s Odaka Station stands Futabaya Ryokan, a modest inn founded by the great-grandmother of its current proprietress, Tomoko Kobayashi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The inn closed after the tsunami and nuclear accident of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Kobayashi took on the renovations while living in temporary housing, helping reopen the ryokan and revive a town that was once left with no residents under the evacuation order. She supports young newcomers such as the artisanal haccoba Craft Sake Brewery, which has opened a brewery and public market inside Odaka Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3419-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3419-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3419-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3419-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3419.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>She has also opened the small private museum Oretachi no Denshokan to share local culture, and continues an exchange with Chernobyl that began after the disaster. Visitors and study groups now come from Japan and abroad, and many become devoted supporters of Kobayashi, drawn to her belief in creating small initiatives that exist only in Odaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1399-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1399-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1399-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1399-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1399.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Horse-theme is also evident in front of Odaka Station! The helmet is OGK Kabuto&#8217;s new model, the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ogkkabuto.co.jp\/bicycle\/products\/cycling\/glosbe_nt\/glosbe_nt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GLOSBE NT<\/a>\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1801\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1422.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1422.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1422-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1422-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1422-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1422-1023x1536.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>\u201chaccoba \u2013 Craft Sake Brewery\u201d opened in February 2021. Using the traditional Tohoku hanamoto method for doburoku sake as a base, they brew unique craft sake by adding fruits, hops, and other botanicals during fermentation. At the time of our visit to their Odaka Station brewery, the lineup included, from left: sparkling Ginger PON\u2606PON \u00a52,750; zairai (Forest) \/ Autumn 2025 \u00a52,420, fermented with local plants like kaya and aburachan berries; and hanamoto bretta (Kriek) \u00a52,640, which blends elements of sake and Belgian beer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0965-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0965-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0965-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0965-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_0965.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Early morning ride start. This sunrise saw me off<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On day three we ride into Namie and Futaba, towns where large areas are still designated as difficult-to-return zones. Beyond this point lies a region that not only suffered the earthquake and massive tsunami, but continues to live with the profound impact of the nuclear accident. Disaster ruins and memorial facilities dot the landscape. They reflect a shared wish among residents that the events of 2011 not be forgotten, and that visitors see them as something that concerns us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One place worth taking time to visit is the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which opened in 2020. The museum traces the story from the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and nuclear accident to the long road of recovery. It preserves the record of this complex disaster, earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, and shares those lessons with Japan and the wider world. The scenes of destruction shown on the screens, and the landscapes so dramatically changed, can be difficult to witness. Yet the determination of the region as it faces hardship and uncertainty on the road to recovery feels powerful and positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3579-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3579-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3579-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3579-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3579.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fifteen years after the disaster, memories are beginning to fade. All the more reason to visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum. Film and animation of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident, along with powerful artefacts showing the scale of the damage, serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3843-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3843-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3843-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3843-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3843.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Nakahama Elementary School disaster site in Yamamoto, Miyagi, saved the lives of 90 students, staff, and parents who evacuated to the roof. Preserved as much as possible with traces of the massive tsunami, the facility serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"last\">With these experiences in mind, looking back on the past three days, the route we rode and the landscapes we passed begin to feel different. A bike journey is fun, of course, but fun alone is not always enough. SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL offers something more. It is a place that leaves you with new perspectives and lasting reflections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3648-_other.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111297\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6670504070388948;width:1014px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3648-_other.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3648-_other-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3648-_other-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3648-_other-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3648-_other-1025x1536.jpg 1025w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fifteen years on, memories of the disaster are fading, making the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum a must-visit. Films, animations, and artefacts showing the scale of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident provide a sobering lesson for all.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT8_3368-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-112440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT8_3368-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT8_3368-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT8_3368-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT8_3368.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Step Into the Sengoku Era at Soma Nomaoi!<br>A festival with more than 1,000 years of history, Soma Nomaoi is one of the defining traditions of the Soma region. Highlights include a procession of around 400 mounted warriors in full armour and the dramatic Shinki Sodatsusen, sometimes described as armoured horse racing, in which riders compete to seize sacred flags. Over three days, the rituals and ceremonies unfold in a series of striking scenes, including the rite in which a sacred horse is driven barehanded to Odaka Shrine as an offering.<br>At the Minamisoma City Museum, visitors can see vivid dioramas, armour and festival gear, along with related historical materials.<br><br>Minamisoma City Museum<br>194 Ushiki Deguchi, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima<br>TEL\uff1a0244-23-6421<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Keisuke Ichinose<\/strong><br>Founder of the Adatara Azuma Nature Center (ANC).<br>A cyclist who competes in 1,000 km-class bikepacking adventure races, he is also a mountain photographer whose work spans television and magazines. Drawn by the volcanic landscapes of the Bandai\u2013Asahi National Park range, he relocated to Dake Onsen in 2020. Hoping others will experience this region as a journey on foot, he designed the Bandai\u2013Azuma\u2013Adatara Volcano Trail \u00ae (the Volcano Trail), a long-distance route linking active volcanoes with hot springs at their base. The ATA route, connecting the Higashi-Azuma and Adatara areas, is already open, and he is now working toward a roughly 250 km network extending to Lake Inawashiro, along with surrounding cycling routes. He is also developing the coastal gravel route SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL, which connects the national park to the coast via the Abukuma River. Cyclists and hikers traveling through the region can check updates from ANC. For more on the Volcano Trail, see \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan Long Trail Walker\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bike Packing Guide<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3824.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3824.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3824-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3824-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3824-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Nakahama Elementary School, Yamamoto<br>Kune 22-2, Sakamoto, Yamamoto, Watari District, Miyagi 989-2111<br>TEL\uff1a0223-23-1171<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3622.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3622.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3622-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3622-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3622-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/m346.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yumeshu Sanshiro<\/a><br>34 Nakamurada-machi, Soma, Fukushima<br>TEL\uff1a0244-35-6346<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3336.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3336.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3336-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3336-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tohokukanko.jp\/attractions\/detail_1640.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minamisoma City Museum<\/a><br>194 Ushiki Deguchi, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima<br>TEL\uff1a0244-23-6421<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_2987.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_2987.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_2987-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_2987-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_2987-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/california-riding.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California Riding<\/a><br>248-1 Kamioda Ishizumi, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima<br>TEL\uff1a0244-26-9943<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3424-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3424-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3424-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3424-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3424.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopetourism-enjoyplus.jp\/spot\/disp.html?id=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Futabaya Ryokan<\/a><br>1-40 Higashimachi, Odaka-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima<br>TEL\uff1a0244-32-1618<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1491.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1491.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1491-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1491-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT9_1491-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sou-sou-fukushima.jp\/spot\/2003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">haccoba Odaka Station Brewery\uff06PUBLIC MARKET<br><\/a>1-140 Higashimachi, Odaka-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima (inside Odaka Station)<br>TEL\uff1aNone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3551-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3551-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3551-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3551-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/resized_AT8_3551.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fipo.or.jp\/lore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum<\/a><br>39 Nakanotakada, Futaba, Futaba District, FukushimaTEL\uff1a0240-23-4402<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"strava-embed-placeholder\" data-embed-type=\"route\" data-embed-id=\"3439087899064655542\" data-style=\"standard\" data-from-embed=\"false\"><\/div><script src=\"https:\/\/strava-embeds.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Fukushima\u2019s Hamadori region, rebuilding after the Great East Japan Earthquake continues as new towns take shape. A new gravel cycling route is now being developed to connect the Soma and Futaba areas in the central-northern part of the coast. The route is called SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL. Highlights abound along the way. There is the historic Soma Nomaoi festival, the prized \u201cJoban-mono\u201d seafood landed off the Joban coast, and locally brewed sake made with fine rice and pure water. The route stretches roughly 200 kilometers. A rewarding three-day, two-night ride awaits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":112448,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[119,118],"tags":[32,34,1699,5660],"place":[210,225],"writer":[],"class_list":["post-111267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-guides-en","category-hike-and-bike-en","tag-bike-packing-weekend-2","tag-cycling-2","tag-fukushima","tag-miyagi","place-fukushima-en","place-miyagi-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bike Packing Weekend - From Mountain to River, and On to the Sea&lt;br&gt;Tracing Water\u2019s Story on Gravel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In Fukushima\u2019s Hamadori region, rebuilding after the Great East Japan Earthquake continues as new towns take shape. A new gravel cycling route is now being developed to connect the Soma and Futaba areas in the central-northern part of the coast. The route is called SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL. Highlights abound along the way. There is the historic Soma Nomaoi festival, the prized \u201cJoban-mono\u201d seafood landed off the Joban coast, and locally brewed sake made with fine rice and pure water. The route stretches roughly 200 kilometers. A rewarding three-day, two-night ride awaits.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bike Packing Weekend - From Mountain to River, and On to the Sea&lt;br&gt;Tracing Water\u2019s Story on Gravel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In Fukushima\u2019s Hamadori region, rebuilding after the Great East Japan Earthquake continues as new towns take shape. A new gravel cycling route is now being developed to connect the Soma and Futaba areas in the central-northern part of the coast. The route is called SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL. Highlights abound along the way. There is the historic Soma Nomaoi festival, the prized \u201cJoban-mono\u201d seafood landed off the Joban coast, and locally brewed sake made with fine rice and pure water. The route stretches roughly 200 kilometers. A rewarding three-day, two-night ride awaits.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PAPERSKY\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/papersky\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-23T02:23:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-22T07:07:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_1154.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Akira\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@paperskyonline\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@paperskyonline\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Akira\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"32 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Akira\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7f7d2856215ca469e9a7515ab0df97fe\"},\"headline\":\"From Mountain to River, and On to the Sea&lt;br>Tracing Water\u2019s Story on Gravel\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-23T02:23:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-22T07:07:44+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\"},\"wordCount\":1841,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_1154.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"bike packing weekend\",\"cycling\",\"Fukushima\",\"miyagi\"],\"articleSection\":[\"LOCAL GUIDES\",\"HIKE &amp; BIKE\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/\",\"name\":\"Bike Packing Weekend - From Mountain to River, and On to the Sea&lt;br>Tracing Water\u2019s Story on Gravel\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/bike-packing-weekend-fukushima-miyagi\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/resized_AT9_1154.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-23T02:23:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-22T07:07:44+00:00\",\"description\":\"In Fukushima\u2019s Hamadori region, rebuilding after the Great East Japan Earthquake continues as new towns take shape. A new gravel cycling route is now being developed to connect the Soma and Futaba areas in the central-northern part of the coast. The route is called SOU SOU OSAKANA GRAVEL. Highlights abound along the way. There is the historic Soma Nomaoi festival, the prized \u201cJoban-mono\u201d seafood landed off the Joban coast, and locally brewed sake made with fine rice and pure water. The route stretches roughly 200 kilometers. 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