Who We Are

Yokoso! Welcome to We Ride Japan!

We Ride Japan was founded by Will and Tamie Turner in 2023. Based on Shikoku Island, Will and Tami work in regional tourism development, using cycle tourism as a tool to revitalize the region they live.

After meeting in Japan in 2005 they spent 2 years travelling the world on bicycles before settling in New Zealand. In 2020 they returned to Japan to embark on a new adventure. Through their work and life experiences in both the cycle and tourism industries, and their current work in regional tourism development, Will and Tami offer professional well-planned and unique itineraries. Our goal is to give our guests once in a lifetime experiences in the country we love. Small groups, local guides and the spirit of adventure is what we’re all about.

Thanks for your interest! We look forward to hosting you!

Our team

Tamie Okawa
Co-founder of WRJ

Born and raised in Matsuyama, Shikoku, Tamie travelled and lived overseas for many years before returning to her homeland. Since returning to Japan, Tamie has been working on a regional revitalisation project, utilizing cycle tourism as a tool to revitalise the local economy.

Tamie made her first trip by bicycle back in 2006, when she cycled around northern Scotland. Here she fell in love with bicycle travel and hasn’t stopped cycling since. She loves nothing more than showing guests around her home country and her attention to detail and careful planning means nothing is missed!

William Turner
Co-founder of WRJ

Will first came to Japan from the UK in 2004. During his first year living in the land of the rising sun he bought a bike and some pannier bags and set off on an adventure around the country that would inspire him for the future. After meeting his now wife Tamie, together they cycled around the world on their bicycles.

Will worked in the bicycle industry for over 10 years before turning to adventure tourism. He now spends his time guiding tours in Japan and New Zealand and working on regional tourism projects in the area he lives. He has a love for adventure and exploration and enjoys sharing this passion with his guests.

Shane Hensley
Customer Support Manager

I grew up all around the US, but primarily in Hawaii. I came to Japan intending to only stay for two or three years, but here I am 25 years later. Much of those 25 years have been spent living in or around Shikoku. I really love the nature, scenery and local culture in Japan, so I hope to share it with all those who are interested.

Growing up, my brother was a road racer and that eventually led me to become interested in bicycles, so then I started riding BMX. I have always loved being on two wheels, though now it is usually on a motorbike. I hope I’m able to help you with any questions or needs you might have, and welcome to Japan!

Tomohiro Akatsuka (Tomo)
Certified Travel Services Manager
B to B Business Development Manager

Hi, I’m Tomo. I was born and raised in Kumamoto, Kyushu. My father owned a bicycle shop, so I’ve been around bikes for as long as I can remember.

My first long-distance cycling trip was across Japan when I was a university student, and that’s when I truly fell in love with bicycle travel.
A few years later, I took that passion overseas, riding through Australia and New Zealand on my folding bike. Along the way, I met Tami and Will in Auckland through an online cycling community.

Outside of cycling, I enjoy motorcycles, trekking, trail running, camping, and travel, plus a good craft beer and quality chocolate!!　

Now that I’ve joined WRJ as a tour guide, I’m excited to share my experience and perspective to create memorable journeys for our guests. Look forward to meeting you on the road!

Nami Yano
Guide

I’ve spent my whole life in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku and love where I live! I am a self-proclaimed “local specialist ” and work as a museum guide and a boatman, mainly in the Nanyo (South Ehime Prefecture) area.

I started cycling in the summer of 2021 when I participated in a group ride with Will & Tamie. I was impressed by the feeling of being more integrated in nature and I quickly became addicted!

Is my world small? NO! The world I live in is deep! I look forward to meeting you!

Ryuji Ise
Guide

Nice to meet you, I’m Ryuji. I started cycling as a teenager after watching a video of the Tour de France at a friend’s house. I was fascinated by how cool the riders looked. I like cycling as a hobby and enjoy competing in road races too. The more I cycle the more I became interested in foreign cultures and people, especially Europe the home of cycling.

I like meeting and communicating with people from various countries and enjoy speaking in English, but I’m still learning, so it would be helpful if you could speak slowly for me

I’m looking forward to meeting, talking and traveling with you!

Yu Takenouchi
Guide

I’m Yu from Kyoto! I started mountain biking after a family camping trip and entered the competitive scene at the age of 8. I went on to become the Japanese national champion in various cycling disciplines, and from 2013 to 2015, I was a member of a Belgian Continental team, competing primarily in cyclocross and road races across Europe. After that, I focused on mountain biking and cyclocross competitions in Japan, while also mentoring youth and junior athletes and working as a tour guide to help more people enjoy cycling in Japan.

I hope to use my experience to support you and make your cycling journey even better! I can go fast if you’d like, but don’t worry—I now specialize in leisurely, laid-back rides

Why travel with us?

Local connections

Working closely with local businesses, tourism boards and councils through our work in regional tourism development, we offer our guests authentic and sustainable experiences utilizing our extensive network.

All of tours include unique local experiences allowing our guests opportunites to form deeper connections with region they travel in and locals they meet.

Our Core Values

We are passionate about cycling and ethical travel and feel strongly that a cycling holiday can be a very sustainable travel product.

Experience and passion

We bring a ton of experience to our tours through years of work in the cycle and tourism industries. To add to this experience our passion for cycling and the regions we tour in comes accross in our unique itineraries.