Shizen Taiken
(Experiencing Nature)

Welcome to Shizen Taiken. Here you will find various different outdoor adventure tours to choose from. We specialize in mountain biking getaways, so if you are a two-wheeler-at-heart, you may find your Shangri-la here. Feel free to take part in as many as you desire. We will be adding more tours as the seasons turn.

How to Dig Your Way to the Opposite End of the World

So, you are finally ready to take that big plunge, the adventure of a lifetime are you? You have your tickets, you've made peace with your demons, and now you are about to jump on that big coffin in the sky, hoping it will land somewhere near where it is supposed to come down. OK, so you want to come to Fukui. Let's give you a "Road Map" to help make it a little bit easier. (October 4th, 2003)

Takatori Yama Excursion

This three-hour day trip will take you up into the mountains of Fukui Prefecture, through beautiful scenic natural beech forest, along isolated access roads, and down some awesome single-track, dropping you off at the Fukui Country Club.

To Die For

An old man sends a final message to his children. He talks about his philosophy that he has developed while riding over the past two hundred years.

The Rice Cycle

Join the people of Japan as we take you through the process of producing delicious, white rice in the Hokuriku area. This story is unique in that it will follow the 1998 rice season from preparing the seedlings to cleaning the harvested rice. You will be able to experience the real-time process as it occurs. We will be adding installments to this narration as the season turns. Be sure to tune in once every week or two to find out what is going on.

Well, it is that time of the year again, and the 2001 Rice Cycle is just beginning! If you haven't had a chance to see what it looked like in 1998, why don't you take a look at your crystal ball and see what The 2001 Rice Cycle is going to be like! After all, it IS a cycle...

Heisenji SingleTrack

I have talked about it, I have alluded to it. Now I want you to see it for yourself. This bike ride has got to be the absolute best experience of my entire life! Even better than my mom's oreo cookie cake. Few words, many images. (there are nine photos on this page so it may take some time to load. Please be patient as the view is worth the wait.)

Night Ride: Why Do I Do It?

After half a year, we are finally able to find the time to take a night tour of the mountains in Fukui. Be prepared for sensory overload as you use all of your skills to get yourself up the rocky, rutted road. The peace and quiet will mesmerize you; it will probably be an unforgettable experience. Be sure your light batteries are fully charged as you can expect at least 2 and a half hours of ride time.

Bad Luck Comes in Threes (Or in Our Case, More)

Had a good ride in the heat of the summer but it was plagued by event after event of annoying mis-fortune. A great ride ended up being a tad expensive, but the swim in the river made up for it all.

White Thunder

When the winter rolls into the Hokuriku area, it brings grey skies wet snow mixed with lots of rain and thunder and lightning. This is a very strange combination of events, even after nearly eight winters. It also brings out the "crazy" in us.

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The paradox in "To Die For" is explained.

Say Cheese!

Just another WONDERFUL, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING bike ride up Takatori Yama. You really MUST take one of these tours! The amount of energy and uplifting you receive from them far outweigh any cost you may incur to get here. I promise you this. (April 8th, 2001)

Hanami

Last weekend (April 15th, 2001) Mayu, Tug and I went for a walk to see the cherry blossoms. Would you like to see a day of full blossom? You are welcome to come along. (April 15th, 2001)

The Treasure at the End of the Rainbow

Once upon a time there was a handsome young lad who diligently toiled away at cleaning the hearth and stable of his master's humble abode. He was graceful and kind, gentle and caring; the kind of boy who . . . (November 2nd, 2002)