Since his student days, he has been fascinated by the charm of riding a bicycle along old roads. Determined to share this joy with others, he decided to establish a tour company specializing in old-route cycling.
Believing that old-route cycling is especially appealing for inbound travelers, he joined the staff of JAPAN CYCLING NAVIGATOR, a platform that supports foreign visitors traveling freely around Japan by bicycle.
While tracing old roads across the country, he also became captivated by traditional houses that have been passed down through generations. He now operates a guesthouse in Kamakura utilizing such a traditional home.
Recognizing that guesthouses have the potential to help address social issues such as vacant houses and disaster evacuation, he joined Japan Minpaku Tourism Association, where he currently serves as a board member. He is now exploring the synergy between community-based guesthouses and cycling tourism.
学生時代より旧道を自転車で走ることの魅力に取り憑かれる。その楽しさを広めるべく、旧道サイクリング専門のツアー会社を立ち上げることを決意。
旧道サイクリングはインバウンドにこそ相応しいと考え、日本を自転車で自由旅行する外国人を支援するサイト、Japan Cycling Navigatorのスタッフとして参加した。
また。各地の旧道を辿る中で、そこに受け継がれている古民家にも魅力を覚えるようになる。現在は鎌倉で、古民家を利用した民泊を運営中。
民泊は空き家問題や災害避難所など、さまざまな社会的課題を解決する可能性を持っていることに気づき、一般社団法人民泊観光協会に参加。現在理事を務めながら、地域に根ざす民泊と自転車観光の相乗効果を模索中。
Shigehiro Koizumi info@oldroutecycling.com
(C) Old Route Cycling 2022