Japan Stages
The RCYL Tour in Japan is about to commence. During this tour, we will visit various customers across Japan to learn about the history of igus Japan, while also exploring locations significant to the year 1964, when igus GmbH was founded. As we traverse Japan, the RCYL Tour will showcase the breathtaking spring landscapes adorned with cherry blossoms.
Our journey begins in East Tokyo, home to igus Japan office, a richly historic area where the spirit of Old Edo (historic Tokyo) is very much alive. On the first day, we will visit one of igus Japan’s most cherished partners, introduce Japan’s national sport, and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Japan’s iconic Shinkansen trains, which, like igus GmbH, marked their milestone in October 2024.
The tour will then lead us to the foothills of Japan’s tallest peak, Mount Fuji. From there, we will venture westward to Aichi in central Japan and Kochi in Shikoku, marveling at the stunning vistas of the Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of Osaka, we will visit another valued customer before returning to Tokyo, where the tour concludes at igus Japan factory in Tochigi.
Throughout this journey, the vibrant orange igus bike will convey the message of sustainable mobility, crafted from recycled materials. Join us in celebrating this unique tour of plastic bike across Japan.
Stage 1 Welcome to Tokyo: learning history with the oldest partner
Date: 17th Mar 2025
Starting Point: igus Japan in Sumida
Destination: Captain Industries, Ryogoku and Tokyo station
Distance: 18km
Rider: Yosuke Yamada
Japan journey with igus bike began from Sumida, East side of Tokyo, where Hokusai – one of Japan’s most celebrated artists, best known for his iconic print, The Great Wave, lived for much of the around 90 years of his life. Today, we’re visiting Captain Industries, Inc. – one of igus Japan’s most important partners.
Stage 2 At the foot of Mt. Fuji: Getting to know a customer and transport
Date: 18th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Fuji Toll Road
Destination: Yamanashi Maglev Test Track
Distance: 27km
Rider: Munetoshi Miyamukai
The second stage of the igus:bike ride in Japan takes you through the foothills of Mount Fuji. We went to a park with a spectacular view of distant Mount Fuji and then headed to Wakai, a unique innovator in the area. Finally, we visited the maglev train test site, which holds the world speed record for the fastest train in the world.
Stage 3 igus:bike meets hydrogen bicycle
Date: 19th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Kariya Highway Oasis
Destination: Kijo Park
Distance: 11km
Rider: Hiroshi Shigemori
We moved on to Central Japan and visited the city of Kariya, the birthplace of Toyota’s automobile manufacturing. We visited one of our clients, Toyota Boshoku. One of their innovative products, a hydrogen bicycle was also there. We did a pleasant joint ride with their hydrogen bicycle.
Stage 4 The soul of Kochi’s long line of innovative manufacturer
Date: 21th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Nagoya Submersible bridge
Destination: Kochi Station
Distance: 25km
Rider: Takamasa Goto
The igus:bike has arrived in western Japan. Kochi prefecture is known for its rich nature, beautiful coastline, fresh seafood and as the birthplace of the samurai who contributed to the modernisation of Japan. We visited GIKEN LTD. and learned about their piling technology.
Stage 5 Shimanami Kaido: Japan’s Best Cycling Road
Date: 22th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Shimanami Photo Spot, Imabari
Destination: Shrine of Bike
Distance: 15km
Rider: Takamasa Goto, Hiroshi Shigemori
The Shimanami Kaido cycling route is a spectacular over sea route known as one of the best cycling roads in Japan. Connecting Imabari in Ehime to Hiroshima, the bike path links islands in the Seto Inland Sea via bridges. We did a special ride with Toyota Boshoku’s hydrogen bicycle with stunning views and the idyllic scenery.
Stage 6 Travelling the Wacky City Osaka
Date: 24th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Umeda station
Destination: Shirai Tech
Distance: 13km
Rider: Kentaro Sakuma
In Stage 6, the igus:bike will ride through Osaka. Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, with a history as a commercial town that predates Tokyo. It is an eccentric, colorful, and bustling city, where people are friendly. Some even approached the igus:bike, asking ‘What is this?’. In this vibrant city, we visited Shirai Tech, a company primarily engaged in the design and manufacturing of glass processing machinery.
Stage 7 igus:bike Experience for Media Test Riders
Date: 26th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Ariake Urban Sports Park
Destination: –
Distance: –
Rider: –
In Stage 7, a press test ride event for the igus:bike was held in the bay area of Tokyo. The test rides were held in three separate group sessions and attracted 12 media representatives from bicycle media and economic newspapers. Feedback from media participants after their test rides showed general agreement that the igus:bike is ‘fun to ride’ and ‘very attractive as a commercial product’.
Stage 8 The Olympic legacy and modern Tokyo
Date: 27th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Kinshi-cho
Destination: Komazawa Park
Distance: 20km
Rider: Katsumi Ooka
In Stage 8, we’re heading to west Tokyo. The igus: bike passed through Akihabara, an area full of otaku culture, to a luxury hotel the same age as igus. We then stopped at the Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. The day’s journey then finished at Komazawa park, which was the venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Stage 9 Cherry Blossom City, Old and New Places
Date: 28th Mar 2025
Starting Point: Sakura-zutsumi park
Destination: igus factory
Distance: 20km
Rider: Ryuto Takei
In the last stage, the igus:bike did the tour in Tochigi prefecture where igus Japan has four factories. The ride started in the Cherry Blossom Park where a total of 227 cherry trees have been planted. The bike also visited the site of the new plant. The tour in Japan reached its goal at the Tochigi plant, where igus employees were waiting for the moment.