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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   Louise Rogers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We absolutely loved this tour . My husband and I are social cyclists and we hired e-bikes for this trip. The tour was a challenge but oh so rewarding. An extremely well organised company who adapted to weather conditions and ability levels like clock work. Great exposure to cultural life, rural living and culinary delights. Thank you to the team @We Ride Japan .
  
 
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   Helen Beban 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We Ride Japan Shikoku Island and Inland Sea was an unforgettable cycling and cultural experience. The guides were very helpful and competent. We found the back roads and lovely small places to stay far from the crowds. We hired e-bikes and they were superb. Thoroughly recommended
  
 
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   Penny Le Clerc 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed a 10-day guided cycling tour with We Ride Japan, and it was one of the best travel experiences I've had. Everything was impeccably organised from start to finish, allowing us to relax, enjoy the ride, and fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The scenery was breathtaking, taking us through beautiful countryside, scented citrus groves, and spectacular coastal landscapes. The cycling support, meals, and accommodation were outstanding throughout the trip. And we loved experiencing Japan's unique culture, rich traditions, and genuine hospitality along the way. Big thanks to Tamie, Will, Yu, Taiyo, and Ryuji for their exceptional support and organisation. These guys are very knowledgeable, professional, and great fun to travel with. Their enthusiasm, local insight, and sense of humour added enormously to the experience and helped create a wonderful atmosphere within the group. We Ride Japan delivered a truly memorable adventure, and we couldn't fault a thing. If you're considering a cycling holiday in Japan, I highly recommend them.
  
 
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   Bill Fowler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a fantastic trip, the best cycling trip ever! Every day’s riding was great. The routes were well thought out, the roads were (for the most part) quiet and the staff knew all the little twists and turns that took us down the country roads or around the rivers and dodged a few of the the towns. We rode through scenic valleys surrounded by hills and through many coastal villages. The gradients were just about right - you could pedal up them at a decent speed, but once you got to the top you could always roll down the other side without touching the brakes. Perfect! The riding was very much tourist riding. It seemed 12km was the magic number before we stopped for morning tea. And then another 14 or 15 km before it was lunch, and then another 20 odd or whatever and you were at the hotel. Never any stress and never any hurry. Lunches were great - always in a nice shady spot. And that was important, as every day on the cycle trail was clear blue cloudless skies. The temperatures were typically around 28-30ºC and there was next to no wind either. The organisation was superb. Each night dinner was predetermined and we had some fabulous meals. The hand picked restaurants and menus meant that we really did see the best of Japanese cuisine. Every night you thought it was the best meal yet - until the following night. The accommodation varied between traditional Japanese and Western style and was always great. We had a day off at Uchiko and our place there was superb. Two levels with a lounge/dining area. More like a house than a hotel. And then we stayed in a magnificent place up on the hill at Tosa-Kure where we had the most superb view out of our bathroom window. The lounge too, but I’ve never had a view like that from any bathroom I’ve ever stayed in. That was a brilliant day. It started with a scenic train ride along the Shimanto River valley and finished with a very cool 50km to the best hotel of the tour.  A few times we would meet for drinks down near the water. Most places were near the water and it was always a pleasant time of night to enjoy a sundowner by the sea. I should say that if anyone is contemplating a cycle tour anywhere then Will and Tamie and WeRide Japan would be the best place to start. The cycling is gentle, the food is superb, the accommodation is outstanding and the crew are brilliant!
  
 
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   Leanne M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku cycling trip was one of the best we have experienced. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the excellent accommodation to the wonderful local restaurants and variety of food throughout the journey. Will and the guides were outstanding riders, personable, professional, and genuinely committed to ensuring everyone was well looked after. They did an exceptional job managing the diverse range of rider abilities, including the mix of traditional cyclists and e-bike riders, ensuring everyone felt included and supported and ensured we were topped up with snacks, water and coffee. So a special mention to Will, Shoko, Yu and Ryouji for creating such a seamless and enjoyable experience from our Japanese word of the day to the insights into the Shrines and Temples we visited this all made it a great experience. Also can't forget to mention the fantastic group of fellow riders, this made for a truly memorable trip that we will be talking about for years to come. Highly recommended.
  
 
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   Richard Steele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Setonaikai and Shikoku Cycle Tour Peerless organisation, even managed to make a typhoon a great experience! Great accommodation with mix of ryokan and hotels most with onsen, exceptional meals with kaiseki style dinners and great riding along the Shimanami Kaido and around Shikoku. Roads great surface, few cars some narrow sections through forests and along rivers, always different and points of interest. My hire bike was a near new carbon Specialized Roubaix with spring head stem and 34mm tyres. Good Specialized e-bikes for those that want to get up the hills a little easier. Rides around  Uchiko recommended on the “rest” day. Distances not huge, 70k biggest day, plenty of stops, max climbing around 600m one day, any regular rider would have no trouble esp with e-bike. Great guides, Shoko, Yu and Ryoji, cleaned and serviced bikes most days and along with Will(owner) led the rides and drove the support vans. The best cycling holiday I’ve ever had.
  
 
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   Jenny Boyack 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have recently completed the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku Tour with We Ride Japan and can recommend this amazing family business without reservation.  Everything, absolutely everything, was perfect.  Tamie and Will's organisation and attention to detail is superb. The actual cycling was wonderful - safe, excellent bikes and accessories, well-supported by them and their team of guides/supporters, beautiful scenery, regular breaks, a great mix of relaxation and challenge. The itinerary was thoughtfully prepared with contrasting places to explore and opportunities to learn about Japanese culture.  The accommodation and food was also outstanding. This particular tour was a treat but I would also recommend We Ride Japan for any of the tours they offer.  Jenny Boyack, Palmerston North NZ
  
 
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   Jan McLaren 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We Ride Japan Our bike tour of Shikoku was absolutely fabulous. It was perfectly organised, everything ran like clockwork and we felt well guided, well cared for and very safe. Amazing experiences in authentic Japanese restaurants and wonderful Japanese accommodation. We learnt so much about Japanese culture, language, Buddhism, food. The landscape was spectacular and we biked around the coast, through hilly regions, past rice fields, through small towns and villages, stopping at temples, shrines, and other points of interest along the way. We Ride Japan gets 10/10 from me. Superb organisation, marvellous cycling - all on sealed roads or lanes and over incredible bridges. A superb trip.
  
 
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   Greg Gibb 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic ride with Will and his crew Great accommodation stunning rides and the crew were so helpful
  
 
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   Peter Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did the Southern Japan Cycle tour in April this year. Absolutely fabulous experience and well recommended. The organisation and attention to detail were first class, the bikes were in excellent condition and the tour route was stunning. Started in Hiroshima, crossed the inland islands before cycling through Shikoku and Kyushu to Nagasaki. Will and his team (Nami, Hiro, Ryuji and Tereza) as well as Tamie and Shane deserve huge credit for creating this once in a lifetime experience. Domo arigato !!