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

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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.

    
 
 
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   Marion Nathler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As part of our first trip to Japan we decided on a cycling trip around the Seto inland sea and Shikoku with tour operator "We ride Japan". From the moment we met our guides Nami, Yu, Hiro, and Ryoji we knew we were in good hands. They not only provided us with plenty of nourishment throughout the trip but also took care of our bikes, explained Japanese customs at temples, shrines and restaurants. Our cycling experience on mostly rural roads was exceptional. The infrastructure seemed to be made for enjoying the breathtaking views along the winding sometimes hilly coastal roads. After a day on the bikes all our accommodations were very well suited to relax with amazing and delicious Japanese cuisine and an optional visit of a traditional Onsen bath. The attention to detail in creating this itinerary has been immaculate and made this trip as spectacular as possible. We throughly enjoyed our cycling experience with "We ride Japan" and definitely would love to return for another trip in the near future.
  
 
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   Jill Menoff 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We Ride Japan organized an amazing trip.  The riding routes, accommodations, restaurants, and cultural activities  were first class and fun.  Every detail was anticipated and when the weather didn't cooperate one day, we pivoted, took thermal baths and rode the next day.   Support was consistently good.  Highly recommend traveling with We Ride Japan.
  
 
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   David Lindeman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have cycled more than 20 international tours of more that 200 miles before this ride.  It was short and dynamic and integrated the culture more than any other of my prior rides.  I will recommend this ride to all of my club cyclists and others. Thank you.
  
 
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   Lee Barron 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This trip was first class all the way! The food was great, the scenery beautiful, the guides were perfect, the accommodations were luxurious, and the equipment provided couldn’t have been better. Getting to know the  Japanese culture was delightful and fun. Will and his crew wrote the book on attention to detail, and they did it all with expertise. Leaving the trip was like leaving family. I highly recommend this for all bikers looking for a superb adventure.
  
 
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   Susan P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an incredible adventure with We Ride Japan on their Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku cycling tour!

Breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and amazing cultural experiences made this trip so special. From our daily coffee stops and riding in the rain to those seemingly endless climbs (yay for tunnels), every day brought new challenges, plenty of laughs, and unforgettable memories!

A heartfelt thank you to Nami, Hiro, Yu, and Ryoji for taking such wonderful care of us, sharing your love of Japan, and making us “American Girls” feel right at home. We couldn’t have asked for a better team!

Japan may be a long way from home, but this adventure was worth every mile. Memories we’ll treasure forever! ❤️🇯🇵

Thank you, We Ride Japan! 🚴‍♀️🚴🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴🚴🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️
  
 
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   Gretchen Stenz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We Ride Japan provided a wonderful 10 day trip for me and two of my friends.  Everything was top notch from the lodgings, bicycles, and food.  The routes were gloriously beautiful with little traffic.  We were immersed heart and soul in Japanese culture, history, and geography during this trip.  Will and his crew were personable, helpful, well organized, and super fun!   This is a great bike tour company!
  
 
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   Karen Dumars 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s always about people: Japanese people, We Ride Japan People, Will, Tami, Taiyo, Tomo, Shoko people …. Excellent.
An experience of a lifetime. Tomo arigato
  
 
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   S Hecker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We Ride Japan was excellent in many ways. Very responsive leading up to the tour and very friendly and organized on the tour itself. The tour route was very well planned and the daily distance and elevation hit the right balance for me between challenge and rideability. The scenery is extraordinary. As a resident of a place that prides itself on coastal scenery (Oregon), I was frequently blown away by the beauty of Shikoku combined with the absence of vehicle traffic.

There’s always a balance in tours like this between riding and moving along and visiting sights in greater depth. There could have been more interpretation at certain points but that’s a minor criticism compared to the overall quality. Thanks to Will, Taiyo, Tomo, Shoko, and Shane for all of their work on our behalf.
  
 
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   Joreline van der Westhuizen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional cycling tour!! From beginning to end. Superb guiding, lovely hotels, restaurants, conversations and fun! Will and his team - Taiyo, Shane & Atsu made it super special. Of course there is Tamie behind the scenes. We’ll definitely return! Mata ne!
  
 
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   Michael Cairney 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cycle regularly but this was my first guided cycle tour. Also my first trip to Japan. What a great way to see the country. Will and all the team were engaging, helpful and super-friendly. The daily routes were great and the food and company in the evening was superb. I'll definitely be back.