Tobu Railway and the Nikko Natural Science Museum have introduced a new seasonal tourism experience in Japan’s Oku-Nikko region, combining bicycle hire with gourmet picnic options to encourage visitors to explore the area at a slower pace.
Available until 30 November 2026, the Lakeside Picnic Ride package pairs cycling around Lake Chuzenji with takeaway food from the historic Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, offering a sustainable way to experience one of Nikko’s most popular natural attractions.
Slow travel experience promotes sustainable tourism
The package includes bicycle hire from the Nikko Natural Science Museum and a choice of a sandwich or cake set from the hotel’s Coffee House Yukon, which guests can enjoy at the Lake Chuzenji Boat House or other lakeside locations.
The initiative is designed to encourage visitors to explore beyond the area’s busiest attractions while supporting Nikko’s sustainable tourism goals. The Ministry of the Environment selected the region as a pioneering decarbonisation area in 2023, with cycling promoted as an environmentally friendly transport option.
Aiming to spread visitor demand
Tobu Railway said the new experience is intended to help disperse visitors during peak periods, such as autumn foliage season, while increasing the time travellers spend in the destination and creating more opportunities for local businesses.
The Lakeside Picnic Ride is available by advance booking through the Nikko Natural Science Museum, with packages priced from ¥4,000 including bike hire and refreshments.
