PRESS RELEASE

Press Release

A little further away from the crowded tourist destination, and you can experience the deep charm of Japan. Experience-based program "Musubibito ~ Cycling around the superb view of Kuchi Kumano with Yoko Seto and Kuchi by E-bike ~"

■What is "Musubibito"

Considering urban areas and tourist centers in various parts of Japan as "Omoya" and areas that are not yet known as "Hanare", "Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe" is a hotel located in an area full of unknown charm that can be said to be "Hanare". A trip that is familiar with the superb view of nature and the traditions and culture rooted in the region is called "#hanare Journey" and is advocated as a new style of travel.

The original experience program "Musubibito" will make this "#Hanare Journey" more memorable. People who protect tradition and culture and disseminate the charm of the region are called "Musubibito", and this is an original experience-based program where visitors can experience the charm ofMusubibito.

■#About the journey: https://accor-resorts-japan.jp/hanaretabi/
■About Musubibito: https://accor-resorts-japan.jp/musubibito/

■Background of the birth of the program

The project began with the deep sympathy of Mr. Seto, who serves as a guide for “Musubibito,” his passion for cycling, and his passion for “I want more people to visit Wakayama” and “I want you to experience the wonderful nature of KamiGrand Mercure Wakayama.”

In addition to enjoying cycling, we hope that you will not only enjoy cycling but also experience the charm of Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site, with the cooperation and participation of the local guide group "Kuchi Kumano Kamitonda Guide Association", We have developed a special course to stroll around Kumano Kodo.

■Musubibito, Yoko Seto Profile

Enchanted by the scenery and cycling environment of Kamitomita, he has been operating a cycle station "KMICH" since 2020. We are actively working to spread the cycling course "Kumaichi" that goes around Kumano. In addition, if you are not confident in your physical strength or want women to enjoy cycling casually, we have introduced a rental of mountain bikes (E-bikes) with electric assist.

I am guided by myself so that a wide range of people can enjoy the sense of accomplishment aiming for the goal while sweating and the sense of sprint unique to cycling. By giving lectures not only on the course explanation but also on how to use the E-bike and the traffic rules of bicycles, we will also pay attention to enjoying cycling safely. This time Musubibito is a popular person loved by cyclists who visit Kuchi Kumano with a bright, friendly personality.

"KMICH" official website https://kmich.jp/

Cycling and mouth Yoko Seto, who loves the nature of Kumano and wants many people to visit this area.

■Points of the program

1.Run the original course of "Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe" by E-bike

On this cycling tour, we will use a mountain bike and E bike with electric assist. It is also attractive that even beginners of cycling or those who do not usually exercise much can participate with peace of mind. Course explanations, as well as operation methods and traffic manners will be taught well before the tour, so even beginners can start without worry.

This time we run about 20km course specially designed by Mr. Seto for "Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe". Although there is up and down up to about 53m, it is an E-bike, so you can run comfortably on the slopes. When you get used to it, you can run at about 15 to 18 km / h, and you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment with pleasant sweat. You can refresh your mind and body by sharpening your five senses, such as scenery, wind, sound, and fragrance, which can only be encountered by cycling.

2.Learn about the world heritage "Kumano Kodo" from a specialized guide

Kumano Kodo, one of the World Heritage Sites in Wakayama Prefecture, is a pilgrimage route for pilgrims to Kumano Miyama. Normally, we walk along the Kumano Kodo to aim for Kumano Miyama, but this time, during cycling, we prepared a special course around the three World Heritage Sites. It is a greedy content that allows you to experience the exhilaration of running through rich nature and the sense of fulfillment that touches the history of ancient times at once.

The guides on Kumano Kodo are the people of the Kuchi Kumano Kamitonda Guide Association.
A professional guide who has studied Kumano Kodo for many years, is still familiar with the literature and conducts field surveys, explains the history and background of each prince trace in an easy-to-understand manner.

 

In front of the last visit, Prince Inaba, there is a "Mizugoriba". "Mizuwari" is a purification ceremony held on the Tonda River when visiting Kumano Kodo. It was believed that by bathing in water, removing the impurities of the body and purifying the body, all the sins of the past would disappear. At present, there is a place where you can experience squeezing with your feet. After experiencing a part of the sacred practice of "water deprivation", we took a break with Mr. Seto and his guides with seasonal sweets. The real pleasure of this tour is the time to talk while feeling the magnificent nature and history up close.

Feel the breath of people who are active in nature, history, and various lands, and the next step is to expand the desire to walk slowly on Kumano Kodo with their own feet. It is a program.

3.Meet the superb view of "Kamitomida" called Kuchi Kumano

Superb View Point 1 Submarine Bridge

A submerged bridge over the Tonda River, where clear water flows smoothly. You will be healed by a picture-like landscape of a picture-like landscape woven by the glittering water surface in the light of the sun, with a view of the green mountains spreading behind it.

 Scenery of the Submarine Bridge
Nature felt by the five senses

Superb view point 2 Feel the season with the five senses

In the middle of cycling, you can feel the rich nature of Kamitomita up close. The season when the plums, a specialty product of this area, look at the trees that have grown steadily and feel the faint scent, the season when you look at the lush rice fields filled with water and planted seedlings, and listen to the voices of birds and cicada. You can use your five senses to run through the rich nature of Kamitomida.

■Program Overview

Reservations start: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Start date: Friday, July 4, 2025　※Held three times a month on Friday. Please contact the hotel for the date of the event.
Implementation time: 9:00～13:30
Price: 15,000 yen per person (tax included)
Content: Mountain bike (E-bike) rental with electric assist + lecture
Seto's Cycling Guide, Guided Guide to Ojisha, World Heritage Site, sweets, water
Number of people: Up to 2 to 6 people
Target Age: Over 13 years old
Reservations and details https://grand-mercure-wakayamaminabe-resortandspa.jp/plan/musubibito-ebike/

Remarks
・The program will be canceled if there is a light rain, warning announcement, or strong winds.
・If you are a minor, please be accompanied by a guardian.
・Application deadline: Until 14 days ago
・Cancellation fee: 7 days to 4 days before 30% 3 days before to 100% on the day
※Cancellation due to weather or stormy weather (wind speed of 7m or more, rain of 1mm or more) will not be charged a cancellation fee.

 

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