If you’ve been dreaming of taking the road less travelled in Japan, don’t forget to put Kochi on your list of places to go.

With possible government ‘bubble’ agreements between Australia and Japan paving the way for travel to the country ahead of other international destinations, we’re dreaming of packing our bags and heading to off-the-tourist-trail prefecture, Ishikawa, once the borders open.

Partners Information: Cycle around the circumference of Lake Biwa (Biwachi), the largest lake in Japan and the symbol of Shiga, while enjoying nature, history and sightseeing spots along the way.

Partners Information: The Maruyama River is the main river in northern Hyogo Prefecture, running 68 kilometres through Toyooka, cutting through mountains and emptying into the Sea of Japan.In 2012, the Lower Maruyama River and the surrounding rice paddies became registered with the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 

Partners Information: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hieizan Enryakuji temple and also enjoy a a trek through the mountains.While appreciating the stone statues and singing birds along the route, even a beginner can reach Enryakuji in around one and a half to two hours.