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ABOUT
The Tour Needs a Bicycle.
Without bicycles, this story would not exist.
The answer I have found in life is that bicycles are not just means of transportation but mysterious vehicles that can teach important things. If you have inspiration, the bicycle can take you where you need to be.
At Fuwari Cycling Tour, we hope that by riding bicycles, you can follow the path of souls that are woven in history, communicate beyond language barriers, and embrace the thoughts, emotions, and prayers of the past—an experience we call “偲ぶ” in Japanese.
THE TALE OF HARIMA PRINCESS
Enjoy the world of the Harima Princess, Princess Sen.
Himeji Castle is located in the Harima region in the southwest of Hyogo Prefecture, and was the largest strategically significant stronghold in Western Japan.
Princess Sen, who moved to Himeji Castle after her second marriage, was called “the Harima Princess” and was loved by the people for her beauty and gentle personality.
She was also the only princess in the Edo period to marry for love. Enjoy the story of Princess Sen, who lived her life to the fullest, doing whatever she could during the turbulent final years of the Warring States period.
CYCLING TOUR
Cycling Tour
In the cycling tour, you can see the castle views from various angles, and you can learn about the charming story of Princess Sen. For the explanation, an audio recording is mainly used in order to convey the information as accurately as possible. Conversations will be in simple English or with the use of a smartphone translation app. The Kamishibai will be presented to you by the guide in English. We hope it will be a great opportunity for you to experience the spiritual side of riding.
Our cycling tours include light challenges, but because it is a private tour, we can adjust the route for a safer option if you prefer.
You can find the languages in which the translation is available on our website.
Himeji Castle – A Symbol of Beauty and Peace
Himeji Castle captivates all who visit with its pure white walls, elegant appearance, dignified grace, and majestic scale.
Despite its formidable defensive structure, the castle has never been involved in battle or suffered damage from air raids throughout its long history. Today, it remains beautifully preserved, welcoming visitors from around the world and serving as a place of cultural exchange. For these reasons, Himeji Castle is often regarded as a symbol of peace.
With its breathtaking beauty and the wish for peace it embodies, Himeji Castle truly stands as one of Japan’s most iconic castles.
Kamishibai, or Japanese picture-story shows, first appeared on the streets of Japan in 1930. Since then, it has become a unique aspect of Japanese culture, cherished especially by children as a way to convey the importance of invisible values such as kindness and empathy.
Kamishibai is one of Japan’s traditional storytelling methods. We invite you to experience its rich history and the captivating charm that touches the hearts of audiences.
English Kamishibai for Adult Travelers
- At Kazahari Cycling Tours, we have created an English kamishibai especially for adult travelers.
- The story focuses on the turning points in Princess Sen’s life, her inner struggles, and how she found hope.
- Through this tale, we share the message that true happiness comes from finding your own path and living authentically.
Through this kamishibai, we hope you will feel inspired by Princess Sen’s journey and discover the profound depth of Japanese traditional culture.
The wish for peace held by Princess Sen, the last princess of the Warring States period, has been passed down to the present day.
In the Edo period, the tradition of folding a thousand paper cranes, known as “renzuru,” originated in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture—the place where Princess Sen is said to have met Tadatoki Honda. These cranes are folded while praying for peace.
Cranes are regarded as auspicious birds in Japan, symbolizing high spirituality and mutual care for one another. For this reason, senbazuru (a thousand cranes) and renzuru represent symbols of peace, longevity, and happiness.
In Himeji, you can find Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Tegara-yama Peace Park, a place where people gather to pray for peace.
