Nov 05, 2026

Over 600 Kilometers Through Japan: Bikepacking with the VELLO Folding Bike

Two impressions from Lauri's bikepacking trip through Japan: On the left, the fully loaded VELLO Alfine 11 stands in front of an abandoned Japanese building; on the right, Lauri rests next to the bike in a yellow rain poncho in front of an old industrial site in the fog-shrouded mountains.

Exploring Japan's stunning landscapes with Lauri and the VELLO Alfine 11

From picturesque coastal roads and fog-shrouded mountain passes to remote villages, Japan offers countless opportunities to explore the country on two wheels. But what is it like to travel through the land of the rising sun on a fully loaded folding bike?

In this issue of "Stories from the Road," we join Lauri from Graz on an extraordinary bikepacking trip through Japan. Lauri covered more than 600 kilometers on the VELLO Alfine 11 and experienced firsthand how much freedom the combination of a bicycle and public transport can offer.

Introducing: Lauri

Where are you from, and what do you do for a living?

Hey! I'm Lauri, I'm about 30 years old, and I'm from Graz. For work, I do something with radio technology or art, sometimes both. I also love cycling and tinkering with bikes in every way possible.

Two impressions from Lauri's bikepacking trip through Japan: On the left, Lauri is taking the folded VELLO Alfine 11 up an elevator; on the right, a gravel path winds through the Japanese landscape between green rice fields.

What does cycling mean to you?

For me, cycling is the ultimate way to get from A to Z while experiencing every point along the way, without having to walk.

Japan on Two Wheels: Between Coastal Roads and Mountain Passes

The idea of traveling around Japan by bike had been with Lauri for several years. When a meeting with friends in Tokyo was planned, the perfect occasion for the adventure had finally arrived.

How did the idea of traveling around Japan with a VELLO bike come about?

The idea had been rattling around in my head for three or four years. On the one hand, I wanted to go on a "real" bike tour, but on the other, I wanted to stay flexible and be able to skip long industrial areas or suburban sections by train.

So I started trying out different folding bikes. It was important to me that I could ride it comfortably for several hours and tackle mountain passes fully loaded. The balance between a "real bike" and practicality was simply perfect with the VELLO.

Bikepacking gear for Lauri's trip to Japan with the VELLO Alfine 11, including a bike helmet, camping equipment, bags, and accessories, neatly arranged on a wooden table.

What was your route through Japan like?

In total, I was on the road for a little over a month, of which about two weeks were spent on a solo bike tour.

I set off in Fukuyama, from where I cycled over the famous Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku. The route, which is around 70 kilometers long, connects several islands via impressive bridges. Then I continued along the coast to Matsuyama, through the beautiful Ehime Prefecture, and on to the Pacific coast.

After about 350 kilometers, I switched to regional trains before continuing my tour through the mountainous interior. Later, I met up with friends and took further day trips on the Izu Peninsula and in Tokyo.

Unforgettable Moments: Through the Iya Valley

Amidst tropical heat, lonely mountain roads, and spectacular descents, the ride through the Iya Valley was particularly one of the most impressive experiences of the trip.

Which part of your trip stands out most in your memory?

Ehime Prefecture in particular will stay in my mind for a long time: beautiful landscapes, warm people, and excellent local sake!

But the ride through the Iya Valley was also a special experience. After ten days of extreme heat, I took advantage of the cooler, rainy weather for a tour through the mountains.

The landscape was breathtaking and perfectly suited the foggy day. Along the way, I passed through Nagoro, the so-called Scarecrow Village. There, hundreds of life-sized straw dolls replace the former villagers, wait for the bus, or sit playing cards.

Two impressions from Lauri's bikepacking trip through Japan: On the left, the fully loaded VELLO Alfine 11 stands in front of a picturesque coastal landscape overlooking the sea and the mountains; on the right, next to a life-sized scarecrow by the roadside.

Then I continued on to a mountain pass around 1,500 meters high near Mt. Tsurugi. The descent through fog-shrouded valleys and gorges back down to sea level was a dream and answered the question I kept asking myself along the way: "Why am I even doing this?"

With around 130 kilometers and 1,600 meters of elevation gain, it was also the longest day of my tour.

Bikepacking in Japan: Between Heat, Konbinis, and Campsites

Japan offers bike travelers a unique mix of varied landscapes, well-developed public transport, and convenient amenities. However, the trip was not without its challenges.

What was the biggest challenge on the road?

Definitely the heat! In the height of summer, Japan is incredibly hot and humid. This was predictable, but still exhausting.

My almost non-existent Japanese skills and the limited English skills of many locals were surprisingly rarely a problem. But when they were, they really were!

What particularly excited you about Japan as a bikepacking destination?

Konbinis are brilliant for bike travelers! Except in remote areas, you come across one every few kilometers. They have everything you need on the road: sandwiches, fruit, energy bars, and even really good hot meals.

The accommodation options are also great. There are many free or affordable campsites, often with running water and electricity. And if you crave a shower, you can usually find an affordable hotel spontaneously, even in smaller towns.

Lauri's campsite during the bikepacking trip through Japan: The folded VELLO Alfine 11 stands on a meadow next to a small tent and camping equipment.

Maximum Flexibility: Through Japan with the VELLO Alfine 11

For Lauri, the combination of a bicycle and the train was crucial. With the folding VELLO Alfine 11, even remote regions could be explored without having to give up spontaneous changes to the travel route.

What role did the foldability of the VELLO play on your trip?

Without a folding bike, I definitely would have had to plan much more and probably wouldn't have been able to travel so spontaneously.

In Japan, you need a so-called Rinko bag to take a bicycle on the train, which is a bag in which the bicycle is stored.

I had my lightweight camping equipment attached to the front rack in a dry bag. It could also stay on the bike when folding it. So I only had to take off my backpack and within a few minutes I was ready to switch from bike mode to train mode!

It would have been much more difficult with a regular bicycle, especially on smaller regional train lines. And it is precisely these train rides that are often the most charming.

VELLO Alfine 11 on a bikepacking trip through Japan: On the left, the fully loaded folding bike stands next to a Japanese regional train; on the right, the folded bike is stored in a transport bag on the train.

What worked particularly well with the VELLO Alfine 11?

Reliability and stability were particularly important to me when choosing. The rigid main frame really makes a big difference to the riding experience.

The combination of the Alfine 11 hub gears and belt drive was also ideal. The gears save a lot of hassle, and the gearing was completely sufficient except in a few places in the mountains.

Also, especially with a folding bike, it is brilliant not to constantly get dirty with an oily chain when folding and carrying it.

Final Thoughts: Freedom on Two Wheels

Over 600 kilometers, countless meters of elevation gain, and countless new impressions: Lauri's trip shows that a folding bike can do much more than make the daily commute through the city easier.

Whether along the coast, on remote mountain passes, or spontaneously switching to the next regional train, with the VELLO, Japan became an adventure full of possibilities.