Since 2005, One Life Japan has been helping travelers explore parts of Japan's
countryside that most never see - on foot, by bike, and at a slower pace. We guide
people away from the bullet train lines, the crowds, and the famous Instagram stops into quieter, rural
areas where daily life still shapes the experience.
Our home base is in Northern Nagano, near villages like Iiyama, Nozawa Onsen, and Sakae Mura. It's where One
Life Japan started, where we have deep ties, and where most of our trips take
place. We know the backroads, the
rhythms of the land, the seasons, and the people.
Each trip is custom-designed, not pre-packaged. They are based on real experience
and on what opportunities present themselves at the time you visit. Some are short and relaxed, others more
physically or culturally challenging. Whether it's two-day countryside break, a one-week Bike & Hike challenge, a relaxed family adventure, or a one-month culture and language immersion for students — all are shaped around your timing, comfort
level, and what you're hoping to get out of the trip. Nothing is fixed in stone —
we plan based on real knowledge of the region and what's possible, not fixed tour dates or generic routes.
We travel mostly by bike and on foot - not to rack up miles, but because it's
the best way to truly experience a place
. We use trains and transfers when needed, and e-bikes are available to keep things accessible
without losing the feeling of moving through a place under your own power.
What we offer is grounded. It's not a fantasy of “lost Japan.” Expect simplicity, not
spectacle. Real encounters, not rehearsed ones. It's real, modern life in rural Japan - a flexible way to experience places where the main story is you, and the people you meet - not tourism.
If that sounds like your kind of trip, we can't wait to help make it happen. We
don't give you a checklist - we give you space to explore, adjust to your pace, and back you up when you
need it. Even if you get a little “lost,” you're never truly lost. We're there to
back you up, not hold your hand.
Is a OneLife Japan Trip for You?
The majority of our bike, hike, and walking trips focus around a small farming village
in Northern Nagano. We focus on local, environmentally friendly, active, and challenging activities. We
share with you our love of the Japan countryside
.
If you... have already seen your share of crowded temples and city streets,
and if you're ready to get off the train or bus and move your body through some potentially challenging terrain - where people are focused on their everyday life, not on making tourists
happy - then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.
If you... are willing to spend a night in a local's home or a family-run
inn, where the owner is too busy with hunting or the rice harvest to fix a rip
in the beat-up paper shoji door, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.
If you... are willing to smile through a conversation with a farmer who doesn't speak English, or to spend a dinner in what eventually turns into a game of charades with the local baker, then
One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.
If you... are willing to spend an afternoon striking out on your own in unknown territory, where no one speaks English but is eager to help nonetheless - with just a map and the assurance that we'll be there if you need a hand - then One Life Japan may be perfect for you.
If you... are willing to wake up at 5 a.m. to see a country village come to life in the early morning light, or to spend an afternoon working in the rice field or gathering
wild vegetables, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.
If you... are willing to savor a simple meal
of in-season, locally produced foods, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.
If you... have read this far without thinking it's not for you -
One Life Japan is definitely perfect for you.
We want to share the Japan we love. We can't promise five-star accommodation, or perfect
cell-phone coverage the entire trip. We certainly don't promise a glimpse of the fabled "lost" Japan. We do promise an opportunity to see another side of modern-day Japan that you won't see
in urban areas like Tokyo or Kyoto, or in towns that rely on tourism as their main industry.
Everything is waiting for you. It is up to YOU to take it in. We are here
to support and facilitate your adventure - but it is up to you to make it your adventure.
We'll listen to your needs, your likes and dislikes, and work to create the most personalized trip we can offer.
Difficulty Levels
Because each trip is custom, it can be as easygoing or as challenging as you like. Our goal is to make
hard-to-reach areas of Japan accessible to as many people as possible - regardless of age,
fitness level, or past experience.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of days we can plan. We'll work with you to find the right balance of activity,
comfort, and adventure for everyone in your group:
Relaxing
Most of our trips include some form of movement - a bit of walking, a ride through the countryside - but
we're not here to prove anything. Some days are made for taking it slow.
The riding or walking doesn't have to be the focus. We want people of all ages and abilities to enjoy rural
Japan and see places they otherwise wouldn't. That said, many of these areas aren't packed with typical
tourist attractions, so if you're not moving much, the pace will be slow - and that's part of the charm. "So… what's next?" is a forbidden question.
Relax and Wander
Sometimes even a bicycle feels too fast. Some places deserve a few hours on foot, just to wander, chat with
locals, or explore hidden corners at your own pace. There's no pressure to cover ground - we might get
happily “stuck” in a museum or soak for hours in a local bathhouse. This is the trip where the goal is to have no goal.
Full-Day Walk, Relaxed Pace
A day spent walking from A to B - taking in the landscape, stopping at shrines, cafés, or a waterfall along
the way. The pace is easy, and the route will be tailored to your level.
Full-Day Ride, Relaxed Pace
We'll cover more ground by bike - maybe 30 to 60 km depending on the terrain - with stops for photos,
snacks, and any unexpected discoveries. Yes, there may be a hill or two to push up, but we'll take it slow
and enjoy the ride.
Work Up a Sweat
For those who want more of a workout - think 60 to 100 km rides with real elevation gain, early starts, and
long days. It's a physical challenge, but still grounded in the scenery and spirit of the trip.
More Than the Guide Can Handle
Believe it or not, we're not racers - but sometimes our guests are. If you're looking to crush climbs or
rack up big mileage, we won't stop you! Just know that in these cases, we may split up - so the speed demons
can fly while the rest of the group takes it easy. We'll still support both paths.
Pricing a Custom Trip
Planning a custom trip means every itinerary is a little different - and that's the point. We don't use fixed
packages because every traveler, group size, destination, and level of support is unique. That said, we understand
that you probably want at least a sense of what to expect before getting started.
We're happy to talk through your ideas and provide a no-obligation estimate once we know the
general outline of your trip. Our goal is to make rural Japan accessible, affordable, and deeply memorable - and we'll always try to match your budget where possible.
What Affects the Price
Number of Participants
We don't have a flat per-person rate. Families and small groups are easier to price affordably,
since logistics and guiding can be shared. Solo travelers, couples, and groups of three are
also very welcome - we'll do our best to make something work without compromising on experience.
Type of Accommodation
We usually choose small, family-run inns or farmstays - warm, welcoming places that reflect
the feel of the region. These are rarely “luxury” in the hotel sense, but offer something richer:
simple, delicious meals and genuine hospitality. If you're looking for high-end ryokan, we can arrange those too, though
they will affect the total cost.
Location & Duration
The total price depends on where the trip takes place, how far it is from our base in Northern Nagano, and how many
days you're traveling. Longer trips often have a lower daily cost than short ones, especially
if we're traveling far to meet you.
Time of Year & Advance Notice
Spring and autumn are peak seasons, and last-minute bookings can be tough. Giving us more time to plan helps us find the best accommodation and keep costs down.
Level of Support
We also understand that not everyone wants (or needs) the same level of company or support. Some people enjoy having
a guide by their side for meals and downtime, while others prefer more personal space. We're happy to adjust
accordingly - whether that means joining you throughout the day or giving you room to explore and regroup at key
points. These preferences don't always make a huge difference in price, but they help us plan a trip that feels just
right for you - both in experience and in budget.
We offer different levels of involvement to suit your comfort and budget:
Fully Guided
We're with you the whole way - riding or walking alongside you, staying in the same inn, and sharing meals
together. We guide at your pace, helping with check-ins, interpreting, and navigating local spots. Depending
on group size or pace differences, we may occasionally split to accommodate different routes (like easy vs.
hard options), but we're always close and reconnect throughout the day.
Semi-Guided
You ride and explore independently, but our support vehicle follows just behind the scenes - meeting you
throughout the day and always within a few minutes' reach. We are there to handle logistics like luggage
transfers, check-ins, and join you for museums and activities. Meals and evening time can be more private or
shared, depending on your preference and budget. It's a balance between freedom and support, with us never
far away.
Self-Guided with Minimal Support
You're free to travel at your own pace, using our detailed maps and GPS routes, with all accommodations
arranged in advance. While the trip is self-guided, we stay close enough to assist when needed - including
moving bikes and luggage between far-apart regions. This allows you to shift locations mid-trip, like
spending a day in Nagano and the next on the Japan Sea coast, without being tied to a continuous cycling
route.
Fully Self-Guided
We plan your route and assist with bookings, and you handle the trip on your own. We're available by phone
and can track your location in case of any issues. (See our Self Guided page for details)
Want an Estimate?
All of this will be clarified during the estimate process, so we can make sure we're on the same page - both in
terms of expectations and cost. It's important to us that there are no surprises, and that you know exactly what's
included and how things will work throughout the trip.
We can give you a ballpark once we know the rough outline - for example, the base price for a 3-day with no on-location support self-guided itinerary for two in Nagano
might be around ¥35,000–¥40,000 / person (bikes + itinerary, not including accommodation).
The inn prices can start from 7,000 ~ 15,000 / night with meals, and go as high as is available dependingo on the
location .
About Kevin — the person behind One Life Japan
One Life Japan is built around real, personal experience. I'm Kevin - the guide
and facilitator behind it - and I've spent more than 30 years living, working, and exploring Japan, from the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku to the streets of Tokyo.
In 2006, I moved with my wife to a rural village in Northern Nagano's Snow Country, where I began farming rice, shoveling snow, and guiding tours as One Life Japan. Becoming
part of a rural community
and living daily life there has given me rare insight into a side of Japan
that few visitors ever see - something you can't fully understand without being rooted in it. Through One Life
Japan, I share that everyday connection and local knowledge with travelers looking
for something deeper than a checklist of sights.
Over the years, I've traveled extensively by foot, bike, train, ferry, and even hitchhiking - leading adventures from subtropical coastlines to Japan's highest peaks, through blizzards, typhoons, and
golden rice fields. Along the way, I've developed a knack for finding the path that
leads to something special.
I speak both English and Japanese and have a natural way of connecting with locals
— whether chatting with farmers in mountain dialects or finding the perfect roadside udon spot.
My background includes:
Sea kayak instructor in Maine
Outward Bound outdoor education instructor training in the US and Japan
Outward Bound Japan field instructor
Canyoning guide in Nagano
Trained as a Wilderness First Responder
Ogranic Rice Farmer
Volunteer Fire Brigade
Before settling in the countryside, I worked in Tokyo in finance and web development. After earning a
master's degree in Sustainability Studies in Sweden, I joined one of Japan's leading sustainability
consultancies. During the pandemic, when Japan was closed to tourism, I took a break from guiding to teach
preschool and kindergarten - something that keeps me young and adds a little extra magic to family trips.
I draw on all of these experiences to create grounded, meaningful adventures that
connect people with place
- often with a few unexpected moments of real-life hospitality along the way.
Kevin was instrumental in all our very special memories of the most fantastic Japan experiences. Hoping we
can come visit you guys soon.
Kristina and me went on a bike tour with Kevin 10 years ago (wow time flies!) and it remains my favorite
ever trip
The journey is as much about discovering new landscapes as it is about rediscovering ourselves. Whether
you're cruising on a bike, exploring on foot, or simply soaking in a hot bath, you're not just a guest on
our tours; you're like family, and part of a community of explorers, dreamers, and storytellers. - Kevin